Page 90 of Don't Love the Boy Next Door
Quiet.
He runs his hand through his hair. “Did you want to talk to me about something?”
“Yeah. Why do you keep staring at me?”
He goes still, eyes widening a little. I don’t think I’ve ever seen this cool and collected dude panic before. “I’m…I’m not.”
I roll my eyes. “Liar. Even Katie noticed it.”
He lifts a brow. “She has?”
“Yeah. And she thinks…” I puff up my cheeks.
“She thinks what?”
I press my lips together. I can’t do this. Of course this guy doesn’t like me more than a friend. He can have any girl he wants…
But why hasn’t he picked one?
Ethan places his hand on my arm, and a shock zaps through me so strongly I flinch back. His confused eyes scan mine. He holds up his hands. “I’m not going to hurt you.”
I shake my head. “No, sorry. I don’t know…I mean…”
He steps closer, so close our mouths are only inches apart. He dips his head. “What’s going on, Phoenix?”
I clear my throat, forcing myself to be brave enough to face him as the words tumble out of my mouth. “I don’t know. Something’s wrong with me. I mean, I can’t stop thinking about you and I was so worried when you got hurt and Katie says it’s because I like you, which is ridiculous, but maybe it’s not. I mean, I think about you, like, every second and it makes my heart beat fast and my stomach is in knots and—”
He closes his lips over mine.
They’re strong but gentle at the same time. Warm and soft. It’s the most wonderful feeling in the world. I tingle all over.
But I pull free, glaring at him. “Did you just shut me up with a kiss?”
He stares into my eyes, his chest rising and falling heavily. He slowly raises his hand to my cheek, bringing his mouth close to mine. “You drive me up the wall,” he whispers, his mouth edging closer to mine.
My breath hitches as he brushes kisses on my cheek. “You drive me insane, Phoenix Ellis, but I love it.” He lifts his head, gazing into my eyes. His chest still heaves, his fingers stroking my cheek, making me shiver. “I’ve liked you since the night I drove you home on my bike. And my feelings for you have grown since then. Please forgive me for all the pain I caused you.”
I just stare at him as I absorb his words.
He dips his face toward mine again, our lips inches apart. He stares into my eyes, as if asking permission.
Wrapping my arms around his neck, I press my lips to his, feeling this weight I didn’t know I had lift off me. Everyone and everything fades away. It’s just the two of us in the hallway, sharing the most epic and spellbinding kiss in the entire universe.
“You’re a jerkface,” I murmur, my lips near his ear. “But that’s what I like about you.”
He backs up, eyebrows raised. “Jerkface?”
I nod, my chin lifted. “Jerkface.”
A sweet, childlike smile captures his lips, and he bends his head toward mine, closing his lips over mine again. He kisses me so gently, but with so much feeling. I’d think a macho football player like him didn’t have it in him to be so soft, but I’m learning that this guy—this guy who drives me insane in a good way—is full of surprises.
There’s cheering and applause all around us, and we yank apart like we’re attached with invisible rope. Glancing around, I take in all the kids watching us. A lot of girls look jealous and are shooting daggers at me, but some seem happy for us. Guys, too. Katie, at her locker, gives me thumbs up. I also spot Eric at his locker, sending me a small smile, which tells me he’s happy for me and Ethan.
Ethan tugs me close. “I’m crazy about you, you fiery-haired girl with a matching fiery personality.” He rubs my nose with his.
“Does this mean you’re my boyfriend?”
He pulls back, taking my hands in his. “If you’ll let me be.”
