Page 96 of Saints & Sailors

Two minutes later we were up in my bedroom. My music was still playing. We stood in the middle of the floor as Dreux studied everything, though, it wasn’t much.

He came back to me. “I like it.”

The white ceiling and gold wooden floor saved the space from being too dark and moody.

“Thanks.”

Dreux took in my attempt at doing homework where I abandoned my book and notebook on my bed. “English?”

“Trying,” I joked.

“Lane helping you?” Dreux suddenly asked.

His question came out of nowhere, almost tripping me up. Earlier that day Lane had sat in front of me and offered to study with me if I wasn’t understanding the assignment.

I thought he was being nice. The whole Meadow Grove way and all.

“He offered,” I said.

“You interested?” Dreux wanted to know next.

There were two different ways to take that question. So, I went with the one that felt like it was subtle, like we were talking about something beyond homework help. “In Lane?”

Dreux watched me, nodding quietly.

Oh.

In truth, Lane was cute, but after the carnival…

“He’s… I… You…” I fumbled pathetically with my words. No, I wasn’t interested when the boy in front of me had me acting so unlike myself.

“Can I tell you something, Saylor?” Dreux asked, taking a dangerous step closer, a ghost of a smile on his face. He stopped at my ear, the heat from his body making the hairs on my neck stand. “I love it when you blush for me.”

Holy. Shit.

Dreux reeled back and I gazed up at him, suddenly realizing the sensation that took over me whenever he was this close. He made me feel like a girl. In the best way.

But fuck him for making me like this.

I rolled my eyes and tried like hell to be casual. “Whatever.”

I went to move away, but Dreux’s hand caught my waist and halted my escape.

He stared down at me, serious again. “I really want to kiss you again. It’s all I’ve been thinking about.”

Same. But I didn’t say it. Be cool, Saylor. “So what are you waiting for, huh?”

Dreux grinned and I was a complete goner.

His arms came around me and I put up no fight. I was right where I wanted to be. His lips met mine and everything stopped and made sense.

David Bowie was singing about life on Mars and Dreux St. Julien was kissing me. And honestly it was perfect.

“ ‘Silver Springs!’ ”

“ ‘Landslide,’ ” he insisted.

I threw my head back and groaned. Dreux wasn’t making this easy.