Page 101 of Fall Fake-Out

My feelings for Ari.

I glance back at her. Confusion swirls behind her stare.

Before I can think better of it, my hands slide to her cheeks.

Her eyes widen, and for one suspended second, neither of us moves.

Then I kiss her.

Quick.

Certain.

Like something bold ignited inside me.

Then reality slams back.

I pull away.

Ari stares at me, completely stunned. Honestly, I probably look the same.

Without a word, I turn and walk in the opposite direction. Away from Ashtyn. Away from the realization that I didn’t kiss Ari because it was part of the fake-dating plan to ward off Ashtyn. I kissed her because, for one reckless second, she was the only thing I wanted.

The only thing that I care about.

Ari

Last night at the football game, under the stadium lights, with a few people still around, Wade kissed me.

I’m saying this in the most informational way possible—with a shrug, even.

He kissed me.

All’s fair in bets and fake dating, so I’m not going to make a big deal out of it. The kiss is a non-issue.

It happened fast.

One second, Wade was staring at me. Next, his hands were on my face. Then, his mouth was on mine. Then, it was over.

Like a blink. Or a sneeze.

A very confusing sneeze.

Scratch that. There was nothing confusing about it.

The kiss was for Ashtyn—obviously. It was a fake-dating Standard Operating Procedure, the SOP of false relationships.

An impulsive decision.

A strategic move.

And really, I should be thanking Wade. He helped my side of the bet by kissing me in front of Ashtyn.

It’s a win-win.

Because, although short, I liked the kiss. I can admit that I liked it and then forget about it. That’s mature adult stuff.

So I’m moving on.