Page 57 of Kiss Collector
I can tell he’s starting to get a buzz when he cocks his head toward the trees and says, “Let’s talk over there. It’ll be quieter.”
I give him a knowing look. “Quieter, huh?”
He cocks his head again and gives a nod, turning and walking confidently, like he knows I’ll follow. And I do. But first I catch Monica’s eye and she gives me a wink.
I get nervous when we’re out of sight of the others. It’s not like being alone with a guy from Peakton who I see every day. It feels different. I don’t know this guy at all. Maybe I’m still feeling weird about Arik’s rudeness. I try to shake it off so I can relax and have fun, but the uneasiness lingers.
When Bauer tries to walk farther, I grab his hand and say, “This is far enough.”
My heart is beating too hard.It’s just a kiss, I remind myself.Get it, and get out.
He turns back to me, giving me a confident, hooded look, and strides into my bubble. Without hesitation he cups the back of my head, kissing me harder than I’ve ever been kissed. My palms go to his chest as he backs me against a tree. He’s holding me so tightly and pressing his mouth so hard against mine that I don’t think he feels me trying to push back.He’s just a passionate guy, I tell myself.No need to freak.I try to loosen up and kiss him back, but he’s so intense. He wants to be in control, which I’d usually think was kind of sexy, but it feels... wrong.
Then, in a quick move, his hand is up my shirt, on my bare stomach and pushing downward, trying to get in my pants. Thank God they’re too tight for easy access. I squirm as he goes for the button, and I’m finally able to wrench my head to the side, though he still clutches the back of my neck.
“Whoa,” I say. “Just a kiss.”
“What?” He gives a low chuckle. “Why?” As if “just a kiss” is the most absurd thing he’s ever heard.
“Because that’s all I want.”Duh. I try to push him, but he wraps his arms around me, breathing down onto my neck.
“Just relax,” he says.
“I think I’m done,” I tell him. “Sorry.” Ugh, why do I feel the need to apologize?
“Why?” he asks, not letting go. He chuckles into my neck again. “Come on, beautiful.” His arms around me move until his hands are up my shirt, caressing my bare back as his mouth moves to cover mine again.
Nope. My hands push, and I’m met with a push back, my upper back digging into tree bark.
“Get off.” I use all my might now to shove him away. In the flash of moonlight I see a look of surprise in his eyes. Disbelief.
“Dude,chill.” He reaches out and grasps my wrist. I yank back and holler when he holds tight, pinching my skin. A burning sensation sears up my arm and I whimper, still pulling against his hold.
“Hold on just a sec!” he says through gritted teeth, letting out a dry laugh as if I’m being unreasonable.
“Hey.” The calm male voice comes from within the darkness of the trees, and Bauer drops my wrist as Vincent and Kenzie show themselves. Oh my God, I want to run to them. Vin looks directly at me and speaks in his unwavering, gentle voice. “You okay, Zae?”
“Yeah.” I put another step between Bauer and me, rubbing my wrist.
“Why wouldn’t she be?” Bauer asks. “Just a kiss, right?”He looks at me, and even in the moonlight I can see a mix of pleading and warning in his eyes. All I want to do is get far away from him.
“Let’s go,” I tell Vincent and Kenz.
I march out of the woods, trembling and suddenly freezing, to find Lin sitting on Parker’s lap, sucking face. The sight sends a jolt of panic through me, and I have to tell myself it’s okay. He’s not hurting her. My eyes search for Monica, but I don’t see her or that Ranger guy. Worry seizes me.
“Where’s Monica?” I am practically panting as I look around.
“I’ll find them.” Vin rushes into the trees again.
“It’s okay,” Kenzie says, taking my hand.
Bauer speed walks past us, running a hand roughly through his hair as he makes his way to the larger group. It doesn’t take long before I can hear whispers turning to louder voices and see people turning to look at us.
Bauer’s voice rises. “Who invited the fucking psychos and that thug from Peakton?”
Lin is standing now, looking around with confusion. When she finds me, she whispers something to Parker and walks our way. Vincent comes out of the trees with Monica rushing behind him, a confused Ranger following.
I don’t say a word. I start walking as fast as I can across the cold sand to the parking lot. By the time I pick up my sandals and get to the car, I’m shaking too hard to drive. Vincent takes the keys from me and I let him. I climb into the back with the girls, and Vin gets us out of there quickly.
