Page 52 of A Pretty Fixation

Scarlett leaves to meet Logan shortly after wereturn to the room.

Not long after, I receive a text from Caleb.Knowing that I’m on his mind amid the chaos of celebration incites a sweetfeeling.

Whereare you?

I flatten on the bed, heart sprinting as I texthim back.

Alreadyleft.

Congratson the win.

His following text makes me throb between mythighs.

Threegoals for your first kiss.

Iwill have my reward.

I bite my lip while hovering my fingers over thekeys, too nervous to respond.

Caleb texts again.

I’llsee you at 8

outsideyour dorm.

At least he’s giving me a few hours to consider itcarefully. Then again, what’s to think about when I yearn to feel his lips onmine.

Ok.

I stare at the ceiling in contemplation.

Am I seriously going to meet him later?

Yes. I am.

I’ve never put so much effort into my appearancefor a guy, not even the one I dated for a week back in high school. Yet here Iam, switching from one outfit to the next.

Is it even a date?

I can’t believe Caleb has me this rattled afterswearing I wouldn’t let him into my life. Now I have no desire to be away fromhim.

Settling for a knee-length floral dress and flats,I leave my hair down and apply makeup with a bit of balm on my lips.

I check my phone when I’m ready. It’s almost eighto’clock. I grab my denim jacket and head down, trembling when I exit theelevator.

Caleb’s outside the building.

He holds his gaze on me as I strut across thelobby and walk out the glass door. The intense way he regards me increases myheart’s rhythm, and it’s pretty much a festival of butterflies in my stomach.

“You’re beautiful.” His compliment sweeps acrossmy skin like a feather. “As always.”

I clear my throat to respond. “Thanks. Didn’t youwant to celebrate longer with your team?”

“I already did. Now I want to celebrate with you.”

“Hm.” I shift from one leg to the other whiletoying with my jacket.

Caleb squints at me and pulls his mouth to oneside into a sly half-smile. “Don’t be so nervous.”

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