Page 71 of The Chemistry of Us

“Brutally embarrassing, but I highly doubt you’ve had that issue.”

“I have a sneaking suspicion if it was you, and if I won this bet, I would have performance issues.” He winced. “That actually came out so wrong. I meant it as a compliment.”

I almost smiled. “That you couldn’t get it up when naked with me in bed? Yes, that’s exactly how I took it. A five-star, will try again compliment, not a one-star do not recommend.”

“Deserved that.” He thrust a finger at me, making me jump back a bit. “But, again, you’re sad. You’ve killed whatever hate vibe we had, or actually, I killed it last night. And while I love our little war, I think the best way to solve things right now is to let me take you out.”

“Go on.”

“I pass. I get to take you on one date. And I get three kisses.”

“One.”

“Two.”

“One and a half.”

“Tongue.”

I shrugged.

“Deal.” He nodded. “But the catchy part is you have to kiss me the way you did in the library. You have to come at me. I’ll even keep my hands to myself. And the date has to be my choice for you.”

I crossed my arms. “This feels like a trick, either that or severe pity with a heavy dose of guilt on your end.”

He leaned in and thumbed my lower lip, then tapped my nose with that same thumb. “So what if it’s all of the above? Maybe I just don’t want you to feel forgotten, or maybe”—he started to back away—“I just trust too heavily in my ability to make any girl fall at my feet, bet or no bet.”

“And there it is.” I actually laughed. “Won’t be happening, Vaughan. I’m not getting on my knees for you.”

He frowned. “Tru, when have I ever wanted you on your knees when you deserve nothing more than to be worshipped in my arms?”

My heart literally skipped.

I had nothing.

No funny comeback, no words. I just stared and tried to get my heart under control. Why was it racing? I wanted to remind my brain and body what he did to us, how he broke us.

Instead, I felt like I was getting reminded why he cured me.

He backed away more and held up his cell. “Be ready for my text.”

“And if you don’t get an A on each test?” I countered. “What then?”

He shrugged. “I’m a fighter. I guess I lose out on sex, two kisses—and a date, but at least I tried. Besides, I’m doing this for you.”

My eyebrows shot up my head. “You’re doing this so you can possibly get drafted and graduate without your dad up your ass.”

“He’ll always be up my ass. No matter what I do, Tru, you know that as much as I do. So who else would I be doing this for than my favorite tutor…hey, where are we at with the librarian costume?”

“I don’t like it when you’re cute, Vaughan. I mean it. Cut the shit.” I turned around just as he called out behind me.

“You think I’m cute?”

I smiled the entire way to my class and told myself it was because it was a nice day.

It was sunny.

And he was an idiot.

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