Page 15

I open my eyes to see why he isn’t making his move.

Pike freezes his descent to my lips and looks up quickly, eyes narrowing, as he scans the row behind us. He drops his hand from my chin and mutters under his breath. Too quiet for me to hear, since loud sound effects are going crazy around us.

The lights on the screen flash as the killer chases the final girl through a funhouse. I don’t even remember how we got to a carnival. There is no plot.

Suddenly a scream, a blood-curdling scream, can be heard over the sound of the movie. Everyone in the theater glances around, realizing it’s not part of the surround sound.

Moments later, the movie stops and the lights come on.

The door opens and one of the movie attendants enters wearing a solemn expression. “Everyone remain calm, but there’s been a terrible accident and we are asking for everyone to leave out of the emergency exit. We apologize for any inconvenience. Come by later this week and your tickets will be credited for another showing.”

She moves down toward the screen where the fire exit is. “Single file. One row at a time, please.”

Murmurs echo throughout the room as everyone wonders what could have happened.

Pike doesn’t say a word and stands up abruptly, pulling me out the door with him.

Once we’re out of the theater, and around the far side of the building, away from everyone, he spins me around and shoves me quickly against the wall. Oh boy, okay, this is happening.

Finally, his lips come down on mine, giving me the best first kiss ever. I swear, my toes curl. Something I’ve only read about in the books. My entire body feels like gelatin as his tongue dips into my mouth.

He kisses me hot and fast, leaving no room to catch my breath. Phenomenal. He kisses hard then soft, sucking my bottom lip into his mouth, nipping the plump skin with his teeth before he pulls away sharply, breathing heavy. “That was the best fucking kiss I’ve ever had,” he declares, making me want to melt into a puddle of goo.

I can’t say anything right now. My mouth clearly is not working.

“Sorry. I couldn’t bear another minute without tasting your lips.” he smiles, rubbing the pad of his thumb across my lips.

I find my voice, trying not to pee my pants, I am so dang excited. “Don’t apologize. I’ve been waiting my whole life for you to kiss me like that.”

Some chick dressed all in black with her hoodie pulled up shuffles past us quickly. At least I think it is a female because of the leather bag with silver studs they are carrying and the back of the hoodie has a crown of roses on it.

Pike gives her a weird expression as she shoots daggers at both of us.

Once she’s out of sight, his focus returns to me.

“Do you know her?”

“Never saw her before.”

I let it go but get the feeling we both know her or maybe she thinks it is weird that we were making out in the side alleyway.

I nod. “What do you think all of that was about back there?”

“Not sure. Maybe someone had a medical emergency or something.”

“Maybe.”

Pike pulls his cell phone out of his pocket and glances at the screen briefly.

“I hate this shit, but I need to get you home. Something came up with work. I’m sorry. I’ll make it up to you. Promise.” he growls out, but the tone of his voice sets me straight. He’s being serious.

“Oh, um okay.” I give him a slight smile, every part of me still wobbly.

“I mean it. It shouldn’t take me long tonight to get it done. I’ll come back over.”

My eyes widen. He means tonight. He’s coming back later. Oh boy. “Um, I guess that’s fine.” It’s still pretty early in the evening, so it should be fine at least.

“If it takes too long, I’ll call you. But I doubt I’ll be too late. Even if it’s just to come over and make sure you’re still okay.”