I slide out my phone. I can finally text her whenever I want—one of a thousand perks of finally being a couple—but this particular text has my fingers drumming against the back. I don’t know how she’ll react to my surprise.
As long as she knows she’s cared for, seen, it’s served its purpose. Now is the time.
Free after class?
I’d like to show you something.
Hey, boyfriend. :)
Yes. I’m intrigued…
Is she making fun of my old nickname for her? I laugh aloud. Good thing Austin isn’t here. He’d have a field day.
Meet you at the bench at 4.
If I may ask a favor, wearleggings?
I twitch in my desk chair. She’s going to think I’m a creep until she understands.
I’m surprised. Mr. Put Together wants me to wear leggings?
You look amazing in them, but I have a different reason.
Hmm.
It’s time. I could puke. Or run a marathon.
I shouldn’t be this nervous. Worst case, she doesn’t want it and that’s fine. No, worst case she thinks I’m over the top. I am, too. I went out on a limb, took a risk. Tenacity.
I squeeze the tiny hand I get to hold. Everything is better when Kit’s next to me.
Part of me is relieved it’s finally time. Austin and Haymitch helped me out so much—both with the execution of my plan and by backing me up when I repurposed the prank prep space I found. Anything for Kit. Besides, there will be plenty of time for our prank next semester, and I have months to figure out another spot.
A pack of the guys walk from the gym to an early dinner. When they spot us, they gape. Kit and I were off campus till late last night—word isn’t out yet.
I push my sleeves up, keeping hold of her hand. Here we go.
“Dude. Jeeves.”
“Right?” Kit stops when we reach them. “I gave him a tough time for a bit there.” She cozies up to me, wrapping around my arm, running a finger down it. She gives me a face that’s at once apologetic and alluring.
This time the awareness that she’s putting on a show sends a rush of adrenaline surging through me. She likes me enough to setthe record straight. She looks out for my reputation, on top of everything else.
They react like the rowdy bunch they are, with “Oh, it’s like that!” and “Look who’s off the bench!”
“Nothing he couldn’t handle,” Calvin flippantly replies to Kit. He’s a good guy, but his role as RA this year has done nothing good for his ego. “Glad to see it’s working out though. ‘Lit’ has got to be the coolest ’ship name ever.”
A genuine laugh bursts from Kit.
“Congrats, bro,” Noah says.
Mateo looks impressed but would never admit as much.
“Never doubted you, man” from Ethan.
Sure …
Pats on the shoulder. Fist bumps. And just like that, I’m back.
