Page 13 of The Off-Limits Play

She nods. “Yeah. They’re the best.”

My chest feels weird.

I’ve never met anyone else who likes old movies the way I do.

“I’m assuming because you’re trying to insult me with aUsual Suspectscharacter that you are also into old movies. So, at least I know you have good taste. Well, in movies that is. I have no idea if you’re gross and like pineapple on your pizza or if you listen to country music or drench yourself in Old Spice.” She leans toward me and takes a whiff. “Doesn’t smell like it.”

I snicker. “You don’t like Old Spice?”

“Not particularly.” Her nose wrinkles, and it’s getting really,reallyhard not to smile at this chick.

“You know, I never actually said I like old movies.”

She pauses, turning to face me. I keep my expression as deadpan as I can. It’s taking maximum effort, but like hell I’m breaking.

Her brown gaze studies my face, her lips rising into another knockout smile before she pats my arm and murmurs, “Yeah, you did.”

Damn. She’s got x-ray vision too. I don’t like feeling this exposed, so I pivot and keep walking. I go slow so she can easily catch up, and eventually we dribble to a stop outside the Humanities building.

“Well, thanks for walking me to class, Captain Craptastic.”

“Lame,” I mutter.

“I know.” She cringes. “I use that one on my brothers!” She flicks her arms wide, then grins at me, the tip of her tongue poking out the side of her mouth. “But don’t you worry. I’m gonna keep working on it.”

And there’s that wink of hers again before she turns to check out the building behind her.

Shit. Get out now!

Before I can ignore one more warning, I spin and walk away. She’s at her building now. She’s safe. I don’t have to walk her into the fucking classroom!

I can’t risk spending any more time with this chick.

It’s too dangerous, and I value my life enough to stay away from her.

Picking up my pace, I start running and hope she thinks I’m just late for class. I may not want to spend any time with her, but I don’t exactly want to offend her either.

You are such a fucking liar.

You so want to spend time with her.

Only you would want the one chick you’re not supposed to have.

CHAPTER5

NYLAH

I turn to say goodbye and spot Carson running down the path like he’s just found out I have Ebola or rabies or something.

What the fuck?

Frowning, I watch him disappear behind a group of students and try to shake off the nasty weight that’s suddenly lodged in my chest.

I thought we were having a good time together, but I must have misread that one.

Shaking my head with what has now become a sad smile, I try not to think about the fact that he likes old movies the same way I do.

I’ve been an odd duck (Mom’s term, not mine) when it comes to my taste in movies and music. Grandma always used to tease me that I was born in the wrong decade. “You’re a child of the ’90s whether you want to be or not.”

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