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“Doesn’t count. You watched me write my paper from start to finish. I watched you write maybe ten words.” He shifts to face me and I hold my breath as the distance between us shrinks a little bit more.
“I followed the rules fair and square. And considering I didn’tspend hours watching Netflix in the library, I think it’s fair to say I won.” He grins triumphantly and leans back, finally allowing breath to flow back in my lungs.
“You can’t use my love of TV shows against me.” I scowl at the green-eyed fool beside me, crossing my arms in defence.
“You’re right, I can’t.”
“How can you say it’s fair when – wait, what?” My argument comes to a halt as I register Wes’ words. I blink a few times, trying to process the 180 that just occurred.
“You… agree?” I say it slowly, waiting for the barb headed my way. It’s got to be coming, Wes never gives up an opportunity to sprout nonsense – especially when that nonsense makes me argumentative.
Wes shrugs, shoulders almost touching mine. “You’re right. It’s more impressive that you not only binged Netflixin the librarybut also finished the paper the same day. Doesn’t mean you won the bargain by any means, but I was impressed.” Shock and a thread of pleasure flows through my system.
Wes was impressed? By… me?
A doubtful frown starts to pull at my eyebrows, “But I was just being myself. I didn’t do anything special.” That much is true. Goodness knows how many times I’ve had to cram ten pages in one sitting because a new anime show gets released.
“That’s exactly my point.” Not breaking eye contact for a single second, Wes leans forward and drops his voice to a whisper, “Youimpress me, Trip. With everything you do.”
For the first time in my life, I don’t overthink.
I just lean forward and kiss him.
Chapter 16
Wes
There is nothing hotter than a woman taking control.
Don’t get me wrong, I am always happy to take the lead, but damn is it fun when someone else takes the wheel. There’s that element of surprise that you just don’t get when you’re the one making the move. And to say I was surprised when Trip planted her lips on mine would be an understatement.
Well, maybe more of a statement.
If I’m being honest, the chances of kissing Trip were high tonight. And no, not because I plan to hang a sweat sock off my door handle – although I can’t deny, that has happened in the past – but because I’ve realized I do, in fact, like Trip a lot more than just a friend. And yes, I am aware my life has turned into a Taylor Swift song. Moving on.
My plan for the evening was simple yet meticulous: set the stage with some Zac Efron singing his teenage heart out, followed by a deep dissection of what it means to be a high schooler, and finished off with a casual conversation drop of where Trip stands on kissing me. Subtle, smooth, and full of consent. The moment would have been screenplay perfection had Trip not jumped ship early. A shame, truly, but I suppose her soft lips pressing against mine is a good compensation.
Before the lip-to-lip contact can turn into a real kiss, Trip scrambles back and hugs her side of the couch. Can’t say I’ve ever gotten that reaction before. Ouch.
“I-I’m so sorry. I don’t know what I’m doing.” Crimson red heat creeps up her neck and deepens the flush in her cheeks.
“My presence does that to most people,” My attempt at a joke falls flat as disappointment settles heavily on my chest. “Is this the part where you tell me to pretend this never happened?” I’ve been lucky enough to have never fallen victim to that particular cliché, but hey, I guess there is a first time for everything.
Her misty grey eyes widen in alarm as she registers my tone. Bitter has never been a good colour on me.
“No! I mean, it’s not that. I meant to kiss you,” embarrassment shines in her eyes, “It’s just I’ve never… you know.Made outbefore.” She whispers the last part and ducks her head, blocking her crimson face with a golden-brown curtain of hair.
My stomach clenches painfully at the sight of Trip trying to hide from me.
“Hey,” I grab her hand and give it a tug to direct her attention back to me. Turning her head, she stares at a spot on my chest, completely avoiding my gaze. Intertwining my fingers through hers, I use my other hand to gently tilt her chin up. Moving as though her eyes are weighted down, Trip’s gaze rises ever-so-slowly until finally her eyes lock on mine.
“Between the two of us, we are going to get through this.” A flicker of a smile tells me Trip remembers the last time I used that line as well. “Kissing issomuch easier than dancing, and lucky for you, you’ve got the best teacher there is.” The responding eye roll makes me laugh, and the sound seems to dissipate some of her tension.
“Do you have any questions?” I ask without a trace of mockery. The most important thing when working with a rookie is making sure each party is comfortable and open to communication. Feel free to quote me on that.
“Would you be able to… guide me through it?” There’s a vulnerability in Trip’s voice that I have never heard before. It’s as though the confident girl from earlier, the one who pressed her soft lips against mine, has retreated back into the shadows of anticipation of rejection.
As if I could ever resist my grey-eyed siren.
