Page 13 of Not Your Little Girl Anymore

“Shit.”

We are quiet for longer this time, but then he asks, “Can I tell you something?”

“Sure.”

I can feel him watching me again. It causes me to shift on the bench and let my legs fall to the ground.

“I know you saw me looking at you.” My eyes draw. “You looked astonishing. By far the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid my eyes on. And when you noticed I was staring, your expression changed. Your skin lightened. I actually thought you were about to throw up. Then, when I saw you sitting here, it was like I was looking at an entirely different person. I just couldn’t leave you alone. Truthfully, no one likes to be left alone.”

I think I’m blushing—I can feel my cheeks heating up.

“That’s… oddly nice.”

He chuckles, and I really like his laugh. “What’s your name?”

I contemplate not telling him, but I sort of enjoy his company. “Summer.”

Even though I already know his name, I pretend I don’t.

“Well, Summer. I’m Alec.” He holds his hand out to shake mine. I think about it for a second before placing my hand in his. “I have another confession,” he continues.

“Give me your best,” I say.

“I really want to kiss you.”

My mouth falls open. I close it immediately, stunned into complete silence.

“Can I?” he asks. “Kiss you, that is.”

I almost laugh, thinking he’s joking. But the way his eyes pierce through me is enough for me to know he’s dead serious. I should say no. I should get up and walk away. I should run—far, far away. But instead, I nod like an idiot. I’m entirely too awkward.

He lets out a breath, and his fingers inch their way toward my chin, grazing against my skin slowly.Goosebumps prickle along every inch of my body. When he dips his head low, I lean into him. The scent of him causes a tingle in the middle of my stomach, right to my core. I’m not sure where this side of me is coming from—I don’t do things like kiss strangers that I’ve just met.

My eyes flutter, and my throat feels like it’s closing. As our mouths part, the piercing sound of his phone jolts us apart. I turn away, clearing my throat.

“I’m sorry, I should probably answer this,” he says, and I look at him again, nodding.

I slip my lip between my teeth and let out a long breath. He stands, pulling out his phone and a pack of cigarettes. Then he answers the call before lighting one.

“Yup,” he says. He sounds irritated. He’s silent while listening to whoever is on the other line. “Tell him if he hadn’t walked out on me earlier, we wouldn’t be in this situation.” He looks over at me and gives a light smile before turning his back to me. “Fuck. Fine. Give me five minutes.”

He hangs up the phone and slips it back into his pocket. He turns back toward me. “I’m sorry. I really have to go.”

I smile, but it’s not a real smile. “It’s OK. I should get back anyway. I’m having dinner with my dad.”

I try to ignore the slight twitch in his jaw as he looks down. Why does he seem upset?

Just as I was going to ask, he gives a short smirk and says, “Well, I’m glad I was able to keep you company. I hope you feel better.”

“I enjoyed your company. Thank you.”

He hesitates before walking away. I watch him walk down the sidewalk and jog across the street. I want him to turn back around. Look at me one last time; but he doesn’t, and quite frankly, I’m kind of disappointed by that.

***

“Thanks for coming,” I say to Chloe, plopping down onto the plush sofa in my living room and wrapping a soft blanket around me.

I called Chloe after leaving the commons I was sitting at, realizing that being alone is the last thing I need.

---