Page 59 of The Bro Date
He reaches out, tracing the curve of my face.
“Shane,” I breathe. “Everyone on campus is going to know about us by tomorrow if you do this.”
“Don’t care,” he mumbles, cupping my cheek and staring into my eyes. Or more accurately, into my soul. “I can’t make it through the day without kissing you.”
My knees feel unsteady as a wave of euphoria washes over me. Shane wraps an arm around my waist, tugging me to him and kissing mehard. Like he’s staking a claim for all to see. His touch is hot and possessive, and Icraveit. Desire flares to life inside of me, urging me to take this home, but I can’t. I have to get to class. We both do.
Besides it feeling like a movie-worthy moment, nothing earth-shattering happens when Shane kisses me publicly. No one catcalls, no one whistles, no one cares. Everyone is just going about their daily routines, minding their business, and unconcerned with mine.
It feels good. It feels freeing.
Shane breaks away from the kiss, pressing his forehead against mine and breathing heavily. “I gotta get to class. Will you wait up for me tonight? I should be home at ten.”
“Yeah,” I breathe out. “I’m looking forward to it.”
Shane growls low, nipping at my bottom lip one last time before he turns and storms down the pathway like he has to physically force himself away from me.
I feel the same way, and I can’t freaking wait to have alone time tonight.
“Toby! One more time, from the top!” my orchestra teacher, Professor Goldblum, shouts at me, moving his baton in a downbeat followed by a quick rebound upward to starting position.
I sigh, adjusting my chin and neck before starting my solo performance—my concerto. For the fifth time this afternoon.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m excited for the end-of-the-year symphony and especially my concerto, but right now, I’m ready to get the hell out of here and get ready for tonight with Shane.
Distracted by my thoughts, I miss a note, my violin screeching unpleasantly. Heat rushes to my cheeks as Professor Goldblum stops the whole class.
“Again, from the top!” he shouts. “Tobias, please try to stay in tune, considering youarethe centerpiece for this part of the symphony, hmm?”
Luke snickers next to me, enjoying my humiliation. “Yeah,first chair,” he sneers, like he doesn’t think I deserve it.
Asshole.
His opinion doesn’t matter and won’t change anything.
I get through the rest of class without any hiccups, but as we’re leaving, Luke decides to corner me outside the classroom. “Quit daydreaming about your boyfriend and focus on the performance, Toby. If you fuck up, you ruin the whole show.”
“I . . .” I’m stunned by his words.
“I saw you in the quad with Shane Carmichael.”
“He’s not my boyfriend.” I don’t know why that’s the only thing that comes out of my mouth, the words tasting sour and untrue.
“Whatever,” he snorts. “I don’t care about any drama you have with yourboyfriend, just don’t let it fuck up the symphony, or I’ll have no other choice but to go to Professor Goldblum and request that second chair takeover as the principal.”
Of course. Becausehe’sthe second chair.
This prick has been gunning for my first chair position since I beat him out for it at the beginning of the semester.
“There is no drama, and my personal life has nothing to do with my music,” I snap, pushing past him with my shoulder and getting the hell out of here.
Luke sticks his foot out, and suddenly I’m airborne, landing with a loud thud on the hard, linoleum floor. My violin case goes flying, sliding across the floor and crashing into someone’s feet. I follow the familiar-looking sneakers up a long pair of jean-covered legs, followed by a tight black T-shirt, until I meet a pair of furious yet concerned eyes. I glance over my shoulder, and the fear on Luke’s face is real when he sees who it is.
Shane.
My best friend and supposedboyfriend.
Professor Goldblum comes rushing out of the classroom and thankfully snatches Luke up before Shane can rush over there and get his hands on him. “What in tarnation is going on out here?” His bushy gray eyebrows bunch together as he peers around, assessing the situation.
