Page 9 of Chasing Sophia

“What?” The rest of her words are locked inside her throat as she looks at me with wide, surprised eyes.

“Didn’t I tell you that tonight was for you to realize I’m not a jerk? And I also think we’re great together.”

A small grin appears on her lips. “Here I was worrying to death that you’d lost your charming, cocky personality.”

“I’ll never let you worry to death, firecracker. Now tell me you’ll accompany me for dinner tomorrow.”

“I can’t. I have plans.”

“I’m sure you’ll change them for someone who pushed Miss Tee to accept you into her program.”

“That was so slick of you.”

The broad smile on her face gives me confidence, and I grab her hand. “Say yes, Soph. You know you want to.”

Instead of replying, she tilts her head to the front. “Take a left from here.”

“I have never begged for a date in my life.”

She turns in her seat, looking out the window, but not before I catch a grin spreading on her face. Her soft hand is still in my grasp as I navigate through the modest living area. There are Christmas decorations—stars, fresh wreaths, and lights adorn the yards and houses, reminding me of those days with my parents.

She turns to face me again. “What is that sigh for?”

“This is all… very homey. I just realized how much I miss my parents.”

Her voice has a careful alertness when she asks, “Do they live in another town?”

“I lost them a few years ago. Car crash.”

“Oh, Asher.” Her fingers intertwine with mine. “I’m so sorry. I lost my dad two years back. Heart attack.” The forlorn expression on her face feels more sincere than any sympathetic words I’ve heard related to my parents’ death. “Holidays have never been the same.”

When her eyes meet mine, there’s sadness in them. My grip tightens around the steering wheel for two reasons. One, I realize there are things beyond my power that will challenge the promise I made to myself to always keep her happy. Two, how much I hate this fact, even though I met her only last week.

“My home is the last one,” she instructs and I stop immediately. During dinner, she told me she lives with roommates, and I want some more alone time with her. “Why did you stop?”

“About tomorrow… Where shall I pick you up from?”

A small smile pushes her bee-stung lips upward.

Say yes, firecracker.

My battle buddies would be laughing at me if they could see me right now, on the verge of begging.

“Outside the school.” She’s about to leave when I grab her hand.

“You’re forgetting something.”

“What?” Her eyes widen as I give her hand a tug, and she falls against my chest.

“How did I say this night was supposed to end, Sophia?” As much as I love the fire in her, I’m enjoying her speechless for a change. “If I kiss you tonight, will I feel the gentle touch of your hand against my cheek, or will it sting like it did the other night?”

She gulps loudly, and when I think she might back away, Sophia squints for a fraction of a beat. My lips twitch in anticipation of her one-of-a-kind reply. “Aren’t some things worth a risk?”

That’s my girl.

“You’re worth every risk, firecracker.”

I don’t hesitate in planting my lips over hers as I pour everything into the kiss. I aim to show her how much I crave her touch. How I need her more than my next breath. When her hands tangle in my hair, I let go of a low groan. Fisting her hair, I slam my mouth hard against her.

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