Page 118 of If Our Hearts Collide

“Hey, Penny,” one says, separating himself from the group.

I give a weak smile and a wave and then start to make my way back to the door. But before I can exit, I turn around and clear my throat.

“I just need to know”—I prop my hands on my hips—“why not me?”

The tall, dark-haired man frowns. “I was wondering the same thing about you. We had good conversation and I was shocked when we weren’t matched. I figured you saw some”—he gestures into the air—“red flag.”

“What? No. I never saw anything.” But lately, I never do. I’ve been caught off guard so many times that I’m honestly questioning my intuition. “Well, that’s weird.”

When I go to leave, he follows me outside while I stand on the curb of the sidewalk.

“I most definitely said yes to you, Penny. You even watched me circle my response.”

“When we weren’t matched, I figured you just did that for show and changed your answer when I wasn’t looking.”

His eyes light up. “I would never do that. And I still say yes. Why not come hang out at my place? Not sure why the scoring system failed us, but I’d like the chance to get to know each other better.”

Staring up into his eyes, I see the potential for an impulsive decision teetering on the edge of my tongue. “I don’t know…”

“C’mon. Clearly we both like each other.”

This doesn’t feel right. It feels like I am betraying my own heart’s desires.

Sure, he seems nice. But now that the adrenaline from the night is wearing off, I’m not so sure my feelings match what they were an hour ago.

“I just am?—”

I stumble backward as his lips attach with mine, stealing my next words before they get the chance to be vocalized. I’ve been kissed before by a guy, but this seems nothing like what I expected from past experience. This is rougher. A tad bit aggressive. And?—

Where are his hands going?

No.

Stop.

Please stop.

I gasp for air just as his lips part so his tongue can go deeper.

It’s slimy.

Ew.

Stop!

My handbag slips from my fingertips, as I struggle to keep my balance.

I squeeze my eyes shut, and I muster enough courage to push at his chest. “Mrrph…”

His moan comes out ragged, and the smell of alcohol on his breath lets me know that he was drinking heavily. His proximity burns my nostrils, making them flare as I try to push against him again.

But he’s too strong.

His mouth crashes with mine, stealing from me my ability to consent verbally.

Tears fight for release at the corners of my eyes. “Staaa…”

And then suddenly his lips are ripped from mine. I suck in some air, flopping forward with my hands on my knees. And then I look up between my now soaked eyelashes to seehimthrough my fog of tears.

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