Page 191 of Collided

We talk about other things including family, siblings, friends, and summer break.

Elliot seems polite, but some of his comments set me off. I endure them and counter back when necessary, but I don’t feel great. He and I share different opinions on things and that can only go a long way. I respect his perspective, but his point of view on my choice of books isn’t something I can ignore.

I love books and if I ever fall in love with a guy, I want him to understand how much I love them. Maybe it’s too much to ask for when guys don’t like romance books and steer clear of girls like me because we have high standards. In reality, we don’t. We ask for care, attention, love, and understanding. Aren’t those very simple things to be able to give?

On the ride back home, we don’t talk except for the occasional glances we throw at each other.

My neighborhood is dark and quiet at seven p.m. The lights are off in almost every house and an eeriness wanders the street like a ghost.

Elliot walks me to the porch steps and lingers as if he’s got something to say.

I turn to say goodbye, but instead, I find him standing close to me. His mint breath caresses my skin, and I quickly step back.

“Thanks for tonight.” I smile.

I turn around to go back inside when his hand clasps around my wrist. Before I can think, he pulls me back and I stumble into him.

“What are you doing?” I ask in a shaky voice as I look into his eyes.

Elliot looks down at me. His eyes are filled with a strange emotion that doesn’t make me feel good. I want to move away from him, but my body won’t move.

Touching my cheek with his warm fingers, he leans down, and whispers in my ear, “Aren't you forgetting something?”

Without waiting for a reply, he leans closer. Just an inch more and his lips will be on mine.

His lips on mine?

I don’t think I’m ready for that.

Not with him.

I start, “I don’t think—”

“Shh. I need the kiss,” he murmurs in a raspy voice that raises goosebumps on my arms.

“No,” I manage to say and try to move but my body won’t cooperate with my plan.

What is wrong with me?

Why does this always happen to me?

Why can’t I move?

Anxious thoughts start pouring into my head. My breathing drops to shallow breaths.

“Stay still,” he warns me.

“What are you doing? I don’t want it,” I remind him again.

Before I know it, he’s moving in my direction.

Suddenly he’s ripped away from me. “She said fucking no.”

Heath punches Elliot straight in the jaw and he stumbles back and hits the nearby tree.

Elliot glares at him as he holds his jaw. “Who the fuck are you?”

Heath looks murderous as he glares at him. “Someone who’ll beat the shit out of you if I see you near her again.”

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