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“Yes,” I said sheepishly.
I didn’t say more since the song in my brain was “This Kiss,” a pop song rather than rock. It had been on repeat inside my head since Collin had kissed me breathless.
“How’d your day go?” I asked, checking on my best friend like I always did.
“Can’t complain if I get to see you,” he said like he always did.
“Drum corps practice after school?”
“Yes.”
I tilted my head. “Did you get into any trouble for not doing the drum solo at the pep rally?”
“Not much.”
“The director is just glad to have you leading the drum corps.”
“Something like that.” Barry rubbed the back of his neck. He didn’t crave the limelight like Andy and Collin. Compliments seemed to embarrass him.
His movement lifted his tight T-shirt, exposing a slice of skin and a fine trail of hair that disappeared beneath the low-slung waistband of his faded jeans. My cheeks heating from just that eyeful, I yanked up my gaze.
“You okay?” he asked, sweeping the pad of his thumb across my blazing cheek. “You’re blushing.”
“I’m fine.” It took some effort, but I met his eyes. “But something happened. Collin kissed me today.”
Darkness flashed, changing Barry’s eyes from brown to black. “He moves fast.”
“He says he’s been interested in me a while,” I said, a little hurt surfacing in my tone.
Barry seemed to be implying that Collin had an ulterior motive. I remembered him telling me that Collin only wanted to have sex with me, although I wished he hadn’t shared with me what he’d overheard.
“I’m sure he has been.” Barry tucked an errant strand of my hair behind my ear. The grazing of his fingertips over the shell of my ear gave me a full-body shiver that raised chill bumps on my skin and tightened my nipples.
“I had no idea.” My blush deepening, I hugged my books tighter to my chest, grateful for the shield so he couldn’t see how much his touch affected me. “But I told him what you said I should, and we’ve agreed to see each other exclusively. See how it goes.”
“Okay.” Barry’s eyes narrowed. “I’m sure you’re glad. I know you like him.”
“I do.” I nodded. My bestie and I had no secrets between us.
His mouth parted. Like Collin, Barry had the kind of sculpted lips that made a girl think of kissing. But unlike Collin, Barry was just a friend.
“I hope ... I mean, if it doesn’t work out, I want you to remember I’m always here for you.”
“I know. That means a lot to me. You mean a lot to me.” I swallowed hard. “I’m taking a chance, a risk with Collin. I know his reputation. If it ends, I’ll be okay.”
I had to be okay. I had Rachel to take care of.
Barry studied me a long moment. “I’m not so sure.”
“I have to be.”
“Collin’s the lucky one.” Barry’s gaze hardened. “You sell yourself short, Addy, in too many ways. Your old man taking off messes with your confidence. Plus, your mom being the way she is.”
He was right. I dropped my gaze until he wedged a finger under my chin and lifted my head.
“You’re the critical component of this band. All of us coming together wouldn’t have happened without you in the mix. You found us a place and a practice time that works for everyone. You even named the band.”
My lips curved. “I guess I did.”
