Page 227 of Collided

I give him a confusing look. “What?”

Sebastian looks like he’s done with me. “Have you asked her on a date?”

I press my lips together.

This is the fucking issue, I don’t knowhowto ask Hope on a date. To be honest, I don’t even know how to plan a date. I’m clueless. That book of hers I read did give me an idea. Adrian took Eleanor on a nice, romantic dinner which is something I think Hope would like. I just need to plan it perfectly.

“No,” I state curtly.

“Cute.”

I send him a glare to drop the sarcasm.

He rolls his eyes. “No seriously! What are you waiting for?Anotherguy to take her on a date so you can ruin it.”

At those words, that awful night comes back to my mind. Seriously.Whythe fuck did I let Hope go out with that awful guy? I should’ve stepped up and confessed my feelings.

Sebastian continues, “I guess that’s what you’re waiting for.”

I ignore him.

“I know you’re a pussy, but fuck. This is low even for you.”

I grind my molars.

His eyes set on me and a smile appears on his face. “You’re scared.”

“I’m not fucking scared!” I burst out, knowing damn well that he’s right. I’m scared about planning a perfect date for the onlygirl I’ve ever liked. I don’t want to mess up. I want it exactly how she imagines it.

Sebastian’s grin widens. “I think you are, James. You’re scared of asking out your crush.”

I’m seconds away from choking him. “Sebastian, I swear if you say that one more—”

“You’re scared.”

For fuck’s sake.

I lunge at him but he’s quick to get away. In a hurry, he crosses the room and stands next to the archway trying to hold back his laughter.

“I can’t believe it,” he wheezes out.

I chase him but he’s fast. “Get your ass here, fucker,” I yell after him.

We make a round through the hallway, only to circle back into the living room. Quickly he gets behind the sofa which keeps me away from reaching him.

He holds his stomach, seconds away from topping over the sofa from laughing.

“Heath doesn’t know how to ask a girl out.”

“I swear I’m gonna—” My words die the second I see Hope standing in the archway.

She’s wearing a soft blue sundress with white daisies all over it. It fits her perfectly and ends a little below her knees, leaving her legs exposed. Underneath she’s wearing white pumps that look new. I travel my eyes up and down her body, before locking them on her face. Air knocks out of my chest like someone’s punched me hard. Her hair is slightly curled and falls on her front in soft waves—it’s wavier than her usual hair. Light makeup coats her bony face, thick eyelashes pop her light brown eyes, and light pink gloss covers her lips.

She looks fucking beautiful.

Her brown eyes bounce from Sebastian to me.

That’s what I was waiting for. For her to look at me.

---