Page 61 of Nodus Tollens
“Don’t get me wrong, I liked when you were a little bitchy with me.” He added as if he knew my thoughts were spiraling out of control. “But I like this side of you. All shy and cute.” He met my stare, and once again, I found myself flushing in more areas than just one.
“I’m not… shy.” I scoffed, and then soon after, I heard a snort erupt from behind me. Immediately, my frame froze.
Dammit, Kate.
Hayes’s smile widened as his eyes lifted above my head and peered into my room.
“Roomie home?” He questioned with a lift of his brow. The second the word ‘roomie’ fell past his lips, Kate came out of nowhere and inserted herself right beside me with a too-large, too-suspicious smile across her mouth.
“Roomie is home.” She said in her signature high-pitched squeal that was only present when she was excited about something. “Hi, I’m Kate.”
“Kate, nice to meet you. I’m…”
“Hayes Decker. Center forward for the Vipers. James’s teammate.” She rocked on her heels and I felt like slapping my forehead.
Amused, Hayes nodded while shoving his hands deep in his pockets.
“Seems like you know me pretty well.” He chuckled as his eyes briefly met mine. I tried to apologize through our stare for the awkwardness my friend was creating right now, but he didn’t seem to mind as he kept that blinding smile of his. “You were the one sitting next to my girl at our game, right?”
My girl.
Oh god, I was in deep.
My stare flew over to Kate’s face to gauge her reaction. Lip trapped underneath teeth, a knowing grin spread across her mouth. I knew she was secretly jumping on the inside. She was going crazy.
“Yes, I’m the one who was sitting next to your girl.” She emphasized the ‘your girl’ part, making my cheeks flame.
“Okay, well, I’m ready to go whenever you are.” I stepped out into the hall with Hayes and swiftly spun around to glare at my best friend. Her playful gaze was zeroed in on mine.
Bitch.
Tilting my head, I went to say bye, but when I felt Hayes’s hand slowly entwine around mine, I refocused my eyes onto his. Though he’s not looking at me, he gave me a tight firm squeeze that sent butterflies throughout my body.
“It was nice meeting you, Kate. Maybe sometime soon, we can all hang out.” He gave her a friendly smile, nothing like the ones he gives me. He saved the best for me.
“Likewise.” She nodded her head. “Now, you kids have fun, but not too much fun, if you know what I mean.” She winked.
She fucking winked.
“Oh my god, let’s go before I kill my best friend.” I groaned while pulling Hayes along with me.
“Bye, Wrenley!” She shouted. Instead of responding, I threw my middle finger behind me and continued pulling a chuckling Hayes.
“She seems fun.” He laughed while we both descended the stairs, but all I could do was grunt.
“More like annoying.” I grumbled.
Once we were exiting the dorm building, I found myself being pulled by Hayes now, and I willingly let him. Instead of heading out into the parking lot, he was leading me to the side of the building.
“Where are you…”
Before the rest of the words came out, I was pushed lightly against the brick building. My back was firmly pressed against the rough surface while my front was attached to Hayes’s front. I was stunned. Speechless and robbed of my breath, I rested my palms on the soft fabric of his sweatshirt and kneaded the hardness of his chest. God, he felt so perfect.
Then, as I tilted my head up to see what he was up to, his mouth plummeted onto mine. Without warning, he took what he wanted. His lips brushed leisurely against mine like he was savoring me. Taking his time. With both arms against the side of my head, he caged me in. There was no escaping him. No escaping this incredible feeling that was passing between the two of us.
I never wanted it to end. There was nothing in this world that could separate us. There was nothing more perfect, more destructive than the feel of his lips pressed up against mine. It was cruel in a way to know what heaven felt like before my heart would eventually give out.
So cruel, yet so wonderful.
