Page 61 of Playing with Fire

Sliding into the booth I took a seat at the edge which put me across from Jaxon. He remains in my view despite my desire for him to disappear.

Dina, who owned the restaurant, took our orders as she served us. After she finished documenting everything she departed, and the debriefing session began.

I wasn't paying attention. Without realizing I was doing it I drank my water while pushing my thoughts aside again.

Jaxon once again plagued my mind.

The events of last night left me completely shocked. The things I said to myself at that time baffled me.

Seriously, what was I talking about? The way I expressed my desire for a deeper kiss should have led me to push it away. I wish I had never expressed my desire for more time with him. Upon reflection I understand that what I previously believed was incorrect.

But you were drunk, Em.

But it still happened.

But you were drunk.

Yet, it still happened.

You were both drunk. He likely doesn't recall what happened, so you just need to let it go to move forward.

I guess, but I just–

"Emerson!" My name echoes across the table where everyone calls out to me.

Everyone stare at me while my arms tighten and my teeth grip the straw.

"What?" I ask because I find that I'm in the middle of an unnoticed conversation.

"It's your turn," Hazel laughs. "What do you remember about last night?" she asks.

I started to feel my heart race as everyone at the table stared at me. I didn't forget everything because I was fixated on that stupid kiss during that exact moment.

I wasn’t kissing someone for just a slight peck. It was a whole make-out session.

Shit. What is wrong with me?

"Damn, sis. Elijah says jokingly that I had to be just as drunk as Kylie mentioned. Elijah jokes.

The whole room laughed and to make matters worse I had to force myself to laugh too.

"No, I remember," I say. "Just...not that much," I admit.

"So, what do you remember?" Felix asks with great interest. With a smile I realize I can now access more memories than before. "Well, I remember getting there. Travis took a leap off the roof into the pool while you...made out with

Marnie over there, right?" I point at Hazel.

I saw most of their eyes widen.

"Wait, you what?!" JAMIE asked.

Did you really kiss Hazel there? Camden asked, his shock matching JAMIE's expression. Camden added, just as surprised as JAMIE.

You haven't talked about this yet? My lips curved into a smirk as I asked the next question.

"No, but we'll get to it. I need you to look at her instead of me right now. Felix deflects all the questions he's asking.

"That's all I got." I shrug. Additionally I had a conversation with Neha regarding the house where we will stay during our trip. It's secured, by the way."

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