Page 7 of Meet Me in the Vines
“You looked super cute at graduation,” I tease, admiring the charming specks of freckles sprinkled like stars across the bridge of her nose.
Her cheeks light up with a sudden blush as she groans and rolls her eyes again, a dance of frustration and humor playing on her face.
“Oh my god, that was the most embarrassing moment of my life,” she grumbles, burying her face in my chest.
“Did you not hear your name being called? He said it like three times!” I jest. I can’t help but laugh. I love teasing her. I guess they’re right in elementary school about boys teasing the girls they like.
“You didn’t hear him because you just couldn’t stop looking at me, huh?” I say playfully, biting my lip to stifle a laugh.
“You’re not that cute, Donovan King,” she retorts. I can tell she’s lying since she breaks eye contact.
“Cute enough to make you trip and cute enough that now you’re here at my house, dancing with me tonight,” I whisper huskily in her ear.
I waggle my eyebrows, earning a playful hit to the chest with one of her delicate hands.
“Okay, okay, I’m sorry. I’ll stop teasing you,” I say.
I lift my hands in surrender, give her a grin, and grab her by the waist again, pulling her close to me. Damn, her pink lips look kissable.
“Okay, maybe you’re a little cute,” she chuckles, laying her head on my chest as we sway together.
I press my lips to her head, breathing her in. She smells like a field of fresh flowers and strawberries. We sway together, no words exchanged, just hearts beating.
A flash tears my attention from Audrey as I look toward the source. My friend Isabel holds a camera, her eyes fixed on the preview screen. “Wow, you guys are too cute. Let me take another. Smile!” she beams, pointing the camera at Audrey and me. Audrey chuckles into my chest as I lean my cheek on top of her head, flashing Isabel my best grin. Another bright flash. “Enjoy the night, you cuties,” she sings, winking as she saunters off.
I look down at Audrey, whose face is bashful and coy. I open my mouth to speak, but before I can form the words, a bubbly voice cuts in. “Hey Donovan, you promised me a dance earlier. I’ve been waiting.” I’m met by Jess’ impatient gaze and signature hair flip. She’s fixated on me, completely ignoring the girl who was in my arms only seconds ago. Audrey looks uncomfortable and puts her hands by her side. I immediately miss her touch.
“Jess, I was in the middle of dancing with Audrey,” I grit, hoping she hears the annoyance in my tone and backs off. She doesn’t.
“Oh, I’m so sorry, Audrey, you don’t mind if I cut in to dance with Donovan, right?” Jess asks, giving Audrey the fakest of smiles.
“Go ahead. I’m gonna grab a drink. You two have a nice night,” she replies curtly. As she moves to walk away, my hand instinctively reaches for hers. She looks up, her eyes widening in surprise, a delicate smile forming on her lips.
“I’ll come with you. I’m thirsty anyway.” I’m not planning on leaving her side tonight. I didn’t wait all these years for my chance with Audrey to be stunted by Jess. No freaking way. I’m done being chicken shit. I let everyone else in my life dictate my decisions, especially my dad. He didn’t want me dating or staying out too late. He had me hyper-focused on school, sports, and the family business. With Audrey in my grasp, there’s only one thing I want this summer. And that’s the girl in my hold with the forest green eyes I can’t get enough of. For once, I’m going after what I truly want.
“It’s okay, Donovan. You have a lot of guests here to talk to. Go make your rounds. I’ll be here.” She squeezes my hand and flashes me a reassuring smile.
I lean close and whisper, “Don’t go too far. I’ll come back to find you.”
She bites her bottom lip and nods. I can’t resist watching her beautiful backside as she saunters away. She isdefinitelywearing the hell out of that dress.
It takes all my willpower not to follow her right then and there. Jess stands firm in front of me with her arms crossed, pushing up her massive boobs. If I could roll my eyes further into the back of my head, they’d fall out.
Sure, Jess is an attractive girl. And yes, she’s popular. Hell, most of my teammates would fantasize about being in my position right now. But I fantasize about one girl, and she’s not the one standing in front of me.
“Are you going to make me wait any longer, or are you going to dance with me?” Her hands snake around my waist as the band picks up the energy with an upbeat pop song. I keep my hands to my side.
“Why are you wasting your time with Audrey Winthrop, Donovan? She’s not one of us,” she scoffs. Jess moves her body sensually to the beat, wrapping her arms around my neck. Discomfort overtakes me. Jess’s touch feels nothing like Audrey’s.
“One of us? What the hell does that even mean, Jess?” I ask in frustration.
“You know what I mean, Donovan. How are you going to deny our feelings for each other? Don’t tell me you forgot about our amazing night after the state game. That meant something to you, didn’t it?” she croons as she moves in closer, her hips bucking against mine. I take her wrists from behind my neck and peel her off of me. It was a drunken mistake to hook up with Jess. Impulsive and stupid.
I sigh, locking my eyes on hers. “Jess, that night didn’t mean what you think it did. We were drunk. It never should’ve happened. I’m really sorry.” I can see the hurt in her expression, like my words are a sharp dagger to her heart. A pang of guilt rises in my stomach. I don’t want Jess, but I’m not a complete douchebag. And what I did to her was pretty douchey.
“Well, it meant something to me, Donovan. I want you…” She trails off, reaching for the collar of my shirt, pulling me in. Her lips graze mine, and I’m quick to shove her off of me.
“Jesus, Jess, that’s enough!”
