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Well, it's not technically a date.
In my head, though, I've already dubbed it one. In reality, it's just two friends hanging out. I should muster some confidence now. This car ride has already been a rollercoaster; it can't get any worse.
I need to work on my self-pep talks; this inner turmoil is disheartening.
I'm smart. I'm beautiful. I'm kind.
Much better.
I metaphorically don my big girl pants, lean over the center console, and plant a quick peck on Lincoln's cheek. It lasts about one second before I pull away and scramble out of his truck as fast as I can.
I grasp the car door handle, gently pushing it open about an inch. However, my attempt at a quick exit is thwarted as the back of my coat gets snagged, and I'm yanked backward just before making it out of the car. The door slams shut behind me, and I'm propelled over the center console, ending up halfway onto Lincoln's lap due to the sheer force of his pull.
A look of utter shock graces his handsome face. "You just kissed me," he observes.
Kill me now.
My face burns with embarrassment as I struggle to come up with an explanation for my impulsive behavior. "Um, sorry, I should have asked if it was okay before-."
Before I can finish, Lincoln interrupts with a hurried, "No. It was cool. I mean, yeah, all good." He eases his grip on me, assisting me back into the passenger seat.
I can feel my humiliation, but I put on a nonchalant smile to mask it. "Okay, good. Can I go now?" I inquire, wanting to escape inside before my body betrays me further with tremors.
You'd think that after the dancing we did the other night, I'd be fine with a brief kiss and kind words. But, strangely, it's the kindness that makes me more nervous.
I'm accustomed to being belittled by my parents, their refusal to acknowledge my hurt feelings. That's what I've developed the emotional armor for.
So, when Lincoln unintentionally hurts my feelings, I'm thrown by his instinct to apologize and make things right. And when Lincoln is unbelievably nice to me, I'm completely lost.
He leans in and plants a soft kiss on the corner of my lips. "Okay?" he whispers huskily.
I let out a sigh. "Very."
Lincoln gives my back a light tap. "Go before Leia comes to find you."
I nod, mindlessly. "Okay."
"Bye."
"Bye."
I jump out of his truck, eager to reach the front entrance of the dorms. Leia's waiting there, her warm smile already offering me solace. I'm notorious for leaving my keys behind, but Leia's the true MVP, always coming through to save the day.
Leia opens the door for me, her eyes filled with unspoken inquiries about Lincoln dropping me off and my disheveled appearance.
That car ride felt like a whirlwind. Over the span of twenty minutes, I ran the gamut of emotions.
I can't help but think Leia's in for quite the storytime session today.
CHAPTERNINETEEN
SUTTON
It's one o'clock,and I'm getting ready to meet up with Lincoln. All week, I've been having to reassure Leia that it's not a date, even though she's convinced it is. She's not wrong. A big part of me hopes it is, too, but I don't tell her that.
I spin around to face Leia. "Alright, how do I look?"
A mischievous smile breaks across her face. "Sexy."
