Page 31 of The Kissing Challenge

Students and faculty milled around us, not wanting to be late for their next class. But it looked like Liam had more to say. Proving me right, he spoke a second later.

"I just don't get it," he said.

When he didn't elaborate, I asked, "Get what?"

"You and Cap." Liam shook his head. "It doesn't make sense."

Ouch, that hurt.

"I know he's too good for me if that's what you're saying," I mumbled. "No need to rub it in."

He scoffed. "That wasn't what I meant. You're both lonely without each other. But neither or you is willing to make a move. It's sad."

My lips turned down. "Sorry, I don't understand. Why do you even care?"

"Besides the fact that he's my best friend, and you're—"

Again, he paused, but this time he was staring over my shoulder. A grin took over his face as he continued to stare.

"Earth to Liam," I said, and his eyes came back to mine. "You were in the middle of saying something."

"No, I'm done," he said but then lifted a finger. "Just remember this, Anne. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink."

I frowned. "Liam…you're kind of freaking me out. Are you feeling okay?"

"Yeah," he said, "just make sure you talk to Cap."

"I told you already. I haven't seen him."

"Well, don't look now, but he's coming this way."

Whipping around, I saw that he was right. Captain was only a few feet away now—and he was heading straight for me.

"Maybe this horse will drink," Liam said and gave me a nod. "Just make sure you do, too."

I was still sputtering as Liam walked away, and Captain stepped in front of me.

"Hey," Captain said. "We need to talk."

I nodded. "Yeah, I know. Is there something wrong with Liam?"

He frowned. "No, I am curious, though. It was odd seeing you together. What were you talking about?"

"Well, he mentioned some horses and water," I said. By Captain's perplexed expression, I knew he was just as confused as I was. "Do his parents own a farm somewhere? I thought they were doctors."

"They are, and as far as I know, they live in a house even bigger than yours."

"Huh, weird," I said.

"Yeah."

Shaking myself, I looked up at Captain. There was tension around his eyes, and his dark hair was tousled as if he'd been running his fingers through it. Like Liam had said, he looked gray, a hint of sadness in the downward turn of his mouth.

But he was here.

Without my permission, a smile took over my face. Captain, my best friend, was talking to me, and suddenly, everything felt right again.

"Why are you smiling like that, Anne?"

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