Page 221 of Rock Me All Night
My drink slips from my hands, landing on the hardwood with a thud. My cheeks burn. "Was that in front of everyone?"
"Just me."
Thank God. I pick up my drink. The cap is on. Not a horrible spill. "Will you hate me if I slap your boyfriend?"
"Go ahead." She looks at me. "Did he end up taking the dare?"
"Kind of."
Her eyes light up. "Drew kissed you?"
"We kissed, yes."
"What the hell do you mean 'we kissed, yes?' You've been crushing on Drew for ages."
"Yes, okay. Drew kissed me and it was the best kiss of my entire life. I thought I was going to stop breathing. But we stopped before—" I clear my throat. "At second base."
Her voice softens. "What happened?"
What happened? There's no way to explain it without telling her the whole story. And that's off the table. I come up with an acceptable half-truth. "He stopped things."
"Did he say why?"
Yes. He was crystal clear. I rack my brain for another half-truth. Screw it. I'll lie. "Said it was a mistake."
"Are you okay with that?"
I don't have a choice. "I'll get over it eventually."
"You shouldn't live with him. You can stay with me while you're looking for a place. Stay at my place even. I can stay with Miles for a week or two."
"He's still my friend. We just have to get past the sexual tension."
She shakes her head. "You can lie to me if you want, but don't lie to yourself. It's more than sexual tension."
"I willget over it."
She studies my expression. I must look miserable because she pulls me off the couch and into the kitchen. We scan the pantry for proper discussing-how-shit-goes-wrong-with-guys snacks. There's nothing except chocolate.
Even the smell of it makes me dizzy.
Back at the couch, I keep my eyes on the movie. She doesn't pry. Thank goodness the girl respects my privacy. Unlike some people.
Upstairs, a door opens.
Speak of the fucking devil.
It's Drew. He moves down the stairs slowly. He's in jeans, Converse, and a tight, v-neck band shirt. My gaze goes right to that chest piece peeking out of his neckline. Such a perfect chest. Such a horrible thing to cover.
He nods to us. "Nice to see you again Meg." He makes eye contact for a split second. "I'll see you later."
I'm cold all over. He's got such an icy look in his eyes, like I've hurt him so much he can't stand it. It's like I've been punched in the gut. I can barely breathe. All the muscles in my stomach clench.
He turns his back to me, walks out the door, and slams it shut.
I'm trying so hard not to hurt him and I'm failing miserably.
