Page 45 of One Night

"You already know. I didn't want to risk ruining the memory of that night."

"You sure it's not more than that?"

His eyes are searching my face. He knows there's more to the story, but I'm not telling him what that is because I'm not even sure myself.

"I just didn't want anything interfering with how I remembered that night," I say, going with my original story, which is still true. "And if we dated and broke up, I might not feel the same way about it."

"But you changed your mind. Why?"

I look in his eyes. "Because I missed you."

"I missed you too," he says softly.

As our eyes lock, I feel that connection again, that familiarity I don't understand but that's kept me thinking about Dylan all these months.

"Let's go somewhere," he says. "Get coffee. Breakfast. Whatever you want."

"We said no dating. Not yet."

"It's not a date. It's an interview."

"What?"

"You said we don't know each other, which is true. But I refuse to write boring letters detailing all the facts about myself. Because I gotta tell you, I've read one of those letters and it about put me to sleep."

I roll my eyes, smiling. "Yeah, got it."

"So if you want to know about me, you need to go out with me, even if it's just for coffee."

"Hmm. I guess you're right." I glance at my books spread out on the kitchen table. "But I really need to study. And I have to write a paper."

"I have two papers due this week and a test on Monday, but I won't be able to think straight if I don't spend at least an hour with you today."

I feel exactly the same way. Since the moment I dropped off that letter, I haven't been able to think about anything but him.

"Then I guess we don't have a choice. Our grades depend on it."

He smiles. "Whatever you need to tell yourself." He backs away and takes my hand. "Let's go."

"I'm a mess. I have to go change."

He looks me up and down. "You don't have to change. You look great."

"I look like I just rolled out of bed. I at least need to put on a different shirt and fix my hair."

"Then hurry up. I'll wait right here."

Back in my room, I rip my shirt off and search for the right top and consider changing out of my yoga pants. This isn't a date but I still want to look decent. I'm being seen with Dylan, lead singer for one of the hottest bands in Chicago, who I'm sure gets a lot of attention from other girls. I know he does because I've seen them pawing him at his concerts when I've watched them online. Girls are always putting their hands all over him, flashing their breasts at him. The same thing happens to Austin. Kira says it doesn't bother her but I know it does. I know she hates it. She's just learned to accept it, which I guess I'll have to do too if I want a relationship with Dylan.

I never thought I'd date someone in a band. Just like I never thought I'd have a one-night stand. Or find someone who sends sparks flying whenever he kisses me. This is a year of firsts for me.

"Amber?" Dylan knocks on my door.

He startles me and I quickly cross my arms over myself, covering up my naked chest.

"What are you doing?" I ask through the door.

"Telling you to hurry up."

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