Page 108 of Clichés & Curses

When we reached the baseball team’s house, all of them were already waiting outside. I left the passenger seat for Miles, while I squeezed in with the girls at the back. They were all only slightly tipsy at that point and were craving some ice cream, so we decided to do a midnight trip to Creamsicle Corner.

And that was how I spent the next hour hanging out with my three best friends, the guy whom I had a massive crush on, and his best friend, whom I was very happy to form a bond with.

Colton dropped Claudia and Lily at their apartment first, before driving me and Nina back to our place.

Parking his car at the drop-off spot, both guys got out of the car, with Miles opening the car door for us.

I thanked him and was met by Colton as he waited for me on the sidewalk, his hand held out to me. Once my hand was in his, Colton lifted it to his lips and gave me soft butterfly kisses on each of my knuckles.

I giggled at how cute he was being, feeling him starting to smile across my skin.

‘I had a great time with you tonight,’ I told him once he stopped, still holding my hand in his.

‘I had a great time with you too,’ he said. Leaning closer to me, he added in a light whisper, ‘One last kiss before we call it a night?’

I stole a glance to see if Nina was looking. When I saw that her full attention was on Miles, I gave him a nod, ‘Yes, please.’

Bending down his head, Colton pressed his lips to mine. My arms instinctively wrapped themselves around his neck, pulling him to me. I couldn’t help but smile through it, slightly interrupting the kiss, though I could feel him smiling too. I felt one of his arms wrapped around my waist as he lifted me closer to him, making me stand slightly on my tiptoes. And with one more peck, we both pulled away, his other arm joining the one that was still on my waist.

‘Text me when you get home?’ I said.

‘Will do, sweetheart,’ he answered, sealing the promise with a kiss on my forehead.

I hugged both Colton and Miles goodbye, wishing them a safe drive home, before Nina and I entered our apartment building and waited for the elevator to arrive at the lobby.

‘How was your night?’ Nina asked as we got into the elevator. I was pretty sure she saw Colton and me kissing, but I still appreciated her attempt to act casual about it.

I didn’t even try to stop the grin from breaking out on my face. There was only one word to describe it. ‘Magical. I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow.’

Once the elevator reached our floor, we made our way to our apartment. We said goodnight to each other as we headed straight to our rooms, both worn out from the long night.

After taking a much-needed shower and finishing my night routine, I finally looked at my phone and saw a new text message that was sent twenty minutes ago.

Colton:

Just got home.

All safe and sound.

Clara:

Good to know you’re back safely.

Thanks again for tonight.

I’m gonna go to sleep now. It’s been a long night.

Goodnight, partner.

Colton:

Goodnight, partner.

Placing my phone on my nightstand, I laid my head on my pillow.

And just like that first night Colton drove me home, I slept with a smile on my face.

All thanks to the star athlete I got partnered up with in ASL class.