Page 50 of More Than Chemical
We took it step-by-step. I’d start alone down a path, Dallas would rein me in, then point me in a different direction.
He was smart. Way smarter than me. Or maybe his way of solving a problem was more efficient than mine.
We packed up our stuff and headed back to the dorm.
A couple blocks away, he grabbed my hand and marched me into the snow behind the gigantic trunk of a cottonwood. He kissed me, making my heart pitter-patter.
No tongue. More like a nice-guy thing to do than a bad boy. This was confusing.
He pulled away, but hesitantly. “You go in first. I know that you don’t want anyone to see us together.”
I hooked my thumbs around my backpack straps.
He nodded. “Let’s meet tomorrow at Linden Park to go skating.”
“But we decided that would be crossing a line.”
“No.” He shook his head. “You decided that, I didn’t.”
I shrugged and left him there, leaning against the thick, ridged bark.
“Oh, come on,” he shouted.
Looking over my shoulder, I grinned at him.
I trudged to the sidewalk and stomped the snow off my boots, knowing I’d go to the rink the next day. I wouldn’t be able to stop myself. I’d take any opportunity I could just to be with him. Any opportunity that could lead to the spontaneous sex he wanted.
Inside the dorm, I pulled out my phone and saw that Eric had texted me.
ERIC
Sorry, Sis. Life’s been hectic. Will call you soon.
You better!
I opened the door to my room and heard Priya’s pop music playing on the speakers.
“The results are in,” I called out over the beat. “He’s officially a bad boy.”
I let the door shut behind me and looked up. It was Jay staring back at me with a frown.
“Who’s a bad boy?” he asked.
Dang.
“Where’s Priya?” I dumped my backpack on my own desk and turned on my desk light.
“She left to watch TV.”
I nodded. It was Sunday night. She was watching that horrible sci-fi show with the creepy-looking zombies.
“So who’s the bad boy?” Jay asked again.
“Nobody. I thought I was talking to Priya.” I hoped he’d let his question go unanswered. “What are you doing here?”
He pointed to a piece of paper on top of Priya’s desk. “I thought we could do the physics homework together.”
“I already did it.” I glanced at his work.
