Page 54 of A Pretty Fixation

“Excuses excuses,” I mock and continue mychuckles.

Caleb snorts and glances about until settling onanother game. We take on that one and move to the next. Before we know it,we’ve played several, and my belly aches from all the laughing I’ve done.

Having enough, we eat burgers and ice cream, thenreturn to campus.

It doesn’t take much convincing to stroll aroundwith Caleb and talk about any and everything.

As we reach the part of campus where most of thetrees are, he tugs me into the grass with him.

I giggle as I tumble over a bit.

He watches me in awe. “I’ve missed hearing youlaugh. It sounds different now because you’re older, but it still has the same ring.”

A sad feeling engulfs me, and I stick my hairbehind my ears and look down. “Do you remember anyone else from the fosterhome?”

He sighs. “Honestly, I barely paid attention toanyone else aside from you.”

“Hm.” If I’m not Dove, I might be one of the kidshe didn’t notice.

I tremble when Caleb holds my hand in the grassand gently caresses my fingers.

There’s no strength left to deny my feelings, so Iallow him to touch me.

It’s shadowy where we are by the trees. Peoplemight not be able to see us. Thinking about that makes my pulse race because itfeels like we could get away with anything in that spot.

I push the thought away and keep talking. “Um, youplayed great today. I was truly impressed.”

“Thank you. I did my best.”

“I saw your family. They seem so supportive. Afterwhat you told me, I’m glad you have people who care about you.”

“I wanted you to meet them.” He squeezes my hand.“They’re relieved I found you. I still can’t believe it.”

I want to be her. I want to be the girl he seeswhen he stares at me with so much hunger.

“Did you have fun tonight with me?” he asks, hisdeep voice triggering a buzz throughout my body.

“Yes,” seeps out in a near whisper. “I did.”

“Good. Now you know there’s nothing to be afraidof with me.”

I moisten my lips and raise my chin. “Who says I’mafraid?”

“Right. It’s not about fear. You love the pursuit.You’ll hold off as long as possible before finally admitting you want me.”

“What makes you think I want you?” I say in a toneclose to flirting.

“Your body betrays you, Jordyn.”

Caleb clutches my neck, and before I can utter aword, he crushes my mouth, kissing me vigorously.

He tugs my body into him as he entangles his mintytongue with mine, and I can’t help but moan from the surge of arousal.

The way he’s devouring my mouth is searing hot, anunstoppable blaze burning a path to every part of my body.

It aches between my legs, and I’m becomingdrenched.

We’re making out in public, but it doesn’t irk meat all, not even when he flattens me in the grass.

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