The kiss ends almost as abruptly as it began.
“What the...” I start to say, but Trav interrupts me before I can finish.
“Smile.”
“What?”
“We have an audience. Act like me kissing you was exactly what you wanted.”
I plaster on a smile, having to resist the urge to look for said audience, which I know without asking is Penn.
“For the record, I never said Ididn’twant you to kiss me.” I feel the need to say, though whether it’s true, or I just want to spare his feelings, I can’t say I’m entirely sure at the moment. In truth, I feel quite rattled by it.
Has it been so long since a man kissed me that I don’t even know how to feel about being kissed?
I rack my brain... Seriously, though, when was the last time I was kissed?
It had to have been Devon. But dang, that was a long time ago. I met him at the dance studio his mom owned a few weeks before the accident. He was always hanging around. He was cute, sweet, and while I enjoyed the time I spent with him, we were never going to be anything real.
Not like Penn and I were...
I shake off the thought, refocusing on Trav, who gives me a crooked smile as he takes both of my hands in his.
“Are you saying you want me to kiss you again, Miss Voss?”
“If we’re going to put on a show, might as well make it a good one.” I surprise myself by saying.
I try to convince myself it’s because I want him to kiss me again, but deep down, I know my motivation... To give Penn Kade a dose of his own medicine. See how he likes it. Though I still have my doubts that he’ll care at all.
“In that case.” Trav releases my hands before taking my face once more, kissing me more slowly this time, his lips lingering on mine.
I wish I could say I felt something. A spark of excitement. Desire. Anything. But alas, the only thing I can feel is Penn’s eyes on us even though I haven’t looked in his direction once. I know he’s watching. I can literallyfeelit. Like a hot branding iron on my skin, his gaze scorches me.
“Travis.” Penn’s voice is razor sharp, breaking the kiss before it has a chance to escalate further. “If you value your job at all, you’ll get your ass back to your boat.”
Trav winks at me, mouthing “told you” before turning toward Penn.
“Headed that way now, boss man.”
“Tell Lou I need to see him before he leaves today.” Penn doesn’t look at me.
“You got it.” Trav nods, glancing back at me. “I’ll call you later, yeah?”
“Yeah.” I nod, fully aware that this is for show and he most definitely will not call me later. Or at least, I don’t think he will. Who knows, maybe he actually really did want to kiss me, and he used Penn as his excuse.
This only serves to confuse me more than I already am because I can’t decide if I liked the kiss or if I just liked the purpose it served. And that purpose becomes abundantly clear when I look up and see Penn glaring at me like he’s not sure if he wants to kill me or kiss me himself.
Kiss me, my brain screams.
Tension, thick and heavy, settles over us as Trav skips away, clearly very pleased with himself.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Penn asks as soon as Trav is out of earshot.
“I’m sorry?” I act like I have no idea what he’s talking about.
“What. Are. You. Doing?” he repeats slowly like I’m stupid and can’t understand plain English.
“I don’t think that’s any of your business.” I sneer, reclaiming my earlier anger.
