Page 46 of Dare You to See Me
“Why?”
She brings her hand to her mouth and begins biting her thumb. “Well you know. Because of Dahlia and school. I think it would just be too complicated.”
I gently pull her hand away from her mouth and turn her face to look at me. “I don’t think you mean that. Your words hold no conviction. They’re what you think youshouldsay, but I can tell they’re not what youwantto say. Be honest with me. Do you think about me at night, Soleil? Do I ever cross your mind?”
Her lips begin rubbing together and I watch her pupils grow wide. I see the way her pulse jumps in her neck. Her breathing hitches and I bet if I ripped her blouse open wide, her nipples would be hard.
“Because I think of you constantly. That day you were late and showed up in those shorts and your shirt let me catch just a sliver of your skin…I replay the way you looked over and over at night. The day at the beach. The afternoon with my friends where you fit right in. They’re all little snapshots in my album of you that I can’t get out of my head.”
My crazy is out in full effect and she’s either going to run and pull her daughter out of myclass, or tell me I drive her equally insane and that we’re a perfect match. How I hope it’s the latter.
“I-I do think of you. But I also think about how complicated it would all be. How confusing it could be for Dahlia. Malik, in case you haven’t noticed, that little girl clings to you like you’re a lifeline. She needs you, as her teacher and a role model to look up to. I’d be a horrible mother if something bad happened and I took that away from her”
I rest my hand on her cheek and soothe away her fears. “Nothing will happen. I won’t let it.”
Our eyes lock, mine begging her to give in and let this happen, and hers full of doubt. The moment draws on and with each passing second, and my hope that she’ll be mine fades.
“Will you let me think about it? I’m really enjoying our time tonight, but Dahlia is my priority. And at the end of the day, she comes first.”
I’ll take it as a win because at least it’s not no. “Of course. I wouldn’t want you to make any decision, especially one like this, on a whim. Dahlia should come first, and I too want the best for her. Just know that I realize you’re a package deal, and I want both of you.Allof you.”
The smile that crosses her face, sends hope blooming inside of me. While this wasn’t the place I wanted it to happen, the moment is just right.
I lean forward, inching bit by bit, and wait for her to pull away. She doesn’t and neither do I. Pressing my lips gently to hers, I blow out the tense breath I was holding, expecting her to put a stop to my advances.
She feels so good, so soft. Her lips are cold from the drink, and I long for her to part her lips so I can have a taste. Just one small taste is all I need to know that she’s the one I’ll want to drink from every day.
I let my fingers graze her cheek and the slightest of moans escapes and dances across my mouth. Before releasing her, I lightly lick the seams of her lips, leaving her wanting more.Hopingshe wants more.
“Do you wanna get out of here?” Our eyes are still closed and our mouths are mere centimeters apart.
“Yes.” Her breathy voice barely makes it to my ears. “After I beat you again.”
I throw my head back in laughter and pull her into my arms. “Oh you think you can beatme again, huh?”
She nods, her smile bright, and says, “Yup. I know your tricks and I won’t be fooled again. Scared?”
“Never.”
TWENTY-ONE
SOLEIL
We sitin Malik’s truck, lights off and hiding in the dark, as we kiss like I never have before. It’s hard and soft, passionate and lustful. When he kisses me like this, how am I supposed to say no.
I know I can’t let myself get lost in the moment, and it would be so easy, but I meant what I said to him. Being with him is something I have to really think about. Weigh the pros and cons, and think of all of the ramifications that a relationship with my daughter’s teacher could bring.
I slide my hands from around Malik’s neck to his chest and nudge him away. We separate, breathless and still hungry, and pry our eyes open.
“I need to get inside,” I whisper.
He runs his fingers from my hair, traces my ear, and trails down my neck. “Do you have a curfew?”
“No. But I guarantee Kyle is sitting by the door, staring out the window and waiting for me to come in and tell her all about our date.”
“She’s watching, huh? We should give her a show.”
Malik palms the back of my head and tugs me close. He kisses me hard, both of us smiling and small chuckles falling from our mouths.
