Page 71 of The Prospect

“It’s just…” He can’t seem to stop. “Do you realize that you’ve not stopped apologizing since the movie turned off? I swear, Hazel, it’s like it’s become your new favorite word.”

I open my mouth, the words “I’m sorry” lingering on the tip of my tongue once more, but I stop myself. It’s not in time though, Hart notices and it only makes him smirk that much…

“Oh, pretty girl…” He runs a tender hand along my face. “Do you always apologize this much?”

My stomach just about does a somersault.

How does he always know what to say and how to say it?

I wish I had that ability.

I’m silent as he leans in, his breath tickling against my cheeks.

“Hm, Hazel? Do you?”

“Sometimes…” I mumble, feeling so unsure yet entirely at ease at the same time. It’s an impossible feeling to describe as my eyes are drawn to his lips.

“You know, Hazel.” Hart sucks in a breath, forcing all of the air to escape the room. “In my twenty-five years of life, I’ve cometo learn that sometimes you’ve just got to be unapologetically…you.”

I tighten my lips to fight off an aching smile beneath. “Let me guess,” I tease. “You read that on the inside of a bubble gum wrapper?”

A faint gasp escapes his lips. “How did you know?”

I shrug playfully. “You look like the bubble gum chewing type…”

The way he feeds into every joke is addicting. I love it almost as much as I love the way he runs a strong hand along his jawline in laughter.

Christ, it’s like a drug.

“Call me what you want, Hazel, but the reality is what I’m saying is true. You shouldn’t be afraid to say how you feel or tell people what you want, especiallyme. I know we’re still getting to know one another, but I want you to be comfortable when we’re together. I want us to be open and honest with each other.”

I run my hand along my forehead nervously, agreeing with his words yet still factoring in the truth. “I’ve never been all that good at telling people how I really feel…”

Oh, isn’t that the truth?

“I guess I just need some more practice,” I bashfully admit.

“Then practice, we will.” Hart smiles. “Here’s what we’ll do. We’ll go back and forth telling each other things we’ve been too afraid to say until we’re both not afraid anymore. How does that sound?”

My stomach drops. “Oh, I don’t know,” I admit. “Only completely terrifying.”

“It’ll be fun.” He disregards my comment with a wink. “Now, let’s get started. I’ll go first. Hazel…” Hart begins by reciting my name. “I hate to say it, but in the name of being honest and more comfortable with one another, those colorful socks that you’rewearing, well, they’re the most hideous thing I’ve ever seen in my life.”

“Excuse me?!” I don’t realize I’m swatting his shoulder before it’s too late. “Hart! What the heck! How could you just say that to me?”

He dodges my flying hand with a laugh. “What? This is how we’re going to learn comfortability, Hazel. Sometimes, the truth hurts. Take it from me.”

I fold my arms in a playful huff across my chest. He wants honesty? Fine, I’ll be honest.

“Alright, well then, in the name of being honest,Hart,” I emphasize his name right back. “The last game I watched you in, you totally should’ve scored when you had that chance in the first half. I hate to say it, but you fumbled—big time!”

Hart’s eyes widen, and his face reddens before he bursts into a radiant smile. “Hazel Collins! Now that… He shakes his finger at me. “That was personal. This is a confessional, not a shit-fest!”

“Hey! You attacked my socks! From there on out, it became a shit-fest. You made the rules, Hart. Not me. Remember?”

“Don’t remind me.” Hart’s smirk fades as he playfully rolls his eyes.

“Aw, don’t get offended. Besides, you were right, this is fun. Your turn. Now, don’t be afraid to lay it on thick this time.”

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