Page 24 of The Kissing Challenge

If so, it was the best dream ever.

CHAPTER 6

"So, how are things with you and Captain?" Gemma asked.

I shrugged. "They're fine. Can you turn you head for me? I need to even out the white powder."

She did as I asked.

"This makeup is going to put us over the top this year," she said. "I just know it."

Rachel, a junior on color guard, grinned. "Yeah, we already had them beat in flag. But ten Harley Quinn's spinning and tossing bats instead of rifles? Stratford doesn't stand a chance."

They high-fived while I added royal blue beside one of Gemma's eyes and blood red next to the other. We were currently in the band room. Competitive marching band season was in full swing, and my best girl friend was co-captains with Rachel on the guard. They'd asked for my help to give them an artistic edge this year. Of course, I'd jumped at the chance.

Going heavy on the black liner, I gave each of Gemma's eyes a cat-eye wingtip. Then came fake lashes and cherry red lips. The finishing touch was a black heart just on the outer apple of her cheek. Once I was done with that, she looked amazing.

"I am rocking this look." Gemma held up her phone, pouted at the camera, and took a selfie—or five. "You're awesome, Anne. Thanks again for doing this."

"No problem," I said. " Harley Quinn is iconic. I'm just glad I could help."

Rachel took the place that Gemma had vacated, and I started on her makeup next.

"The pigtails look nice on everyone, too."

"Thank you!" Rachel said. "I thought it would increase uniformity."

"It does," I agreed.

Gemma plopped down into the seat next to me.

"Anne," she said. "How is Captain really?"

I frowned. "I don't know what you mean."

"Well, you've kissed him twice now—which by the way, I still can't believe you didn't call to give me details," she said. "But I heard about it from several reliable sources."

I didn't doubt that for a second. Gemma seemed to know everyone.

"And all of them told me that kiss carried the heat of a thousand suns."

"I doubt any of them saidthat," I mumbled.

Gemma gave me a look which I pretended not to see.

"Well?" she said after I'd been quiet too long. "Don't hold out on me. You know, I live for this stuff."

I sighed. "Cap and I are the same as we've always been. I don't know what to tell you."

"But how is that possible?"

Rachel grinned. "I heard about the kiss, too. Do you two like each other?"

Oh Lord, how to answer that one.

"Of course we do. He's my best friend," I said, which was absolutely the truth.

"Yeah…but are you and Captain a couple?" she asked. My face must've had an odd look because she winced. "Not that you have to tell me. I was just curious."

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