Page 20 of What Is Love
“Most people wouldn’t have said anything at all,” I said, looking away. “It’s easier that way.”
He didn’t respond and silence stretched between us. What was sad was that I was more comfortable standing in an empty hall with a stranger than sitting next to someone Mother wanted me to date.
“I should—” I started to say when he said, “Do you like candy?”
I stared at him with raised brows.
“I’m going to go buy sour straws. I can get you something, too.” For the first time, his voice lacked confidence and he appeared unsure, which was strange to see in someone who I’d heard people call a thug or a criminal. Maybe he was those things, but he seemed to be kind, too.
“That was such a kidnapper thing to say. If I didn’t know you rode a motorcycle, I’d think you were trying to lure me away to your van with the promise of candy,” I said.
He chuckled as he glanced down at his jean vest. “I guess my cut gave me away.”
In Summerhaven, only a person living under a rock didn’t know who the Haven’s Rebels were. “Thank you for the offer, but I should get back.”
He nodded and I could have sworn I saw a little bit of disappointment in his eyes. “Good luck with the guy.”
“Thanks,” I said as I walked around him and returned to the theater.
Brandon heldonto my purse until the end of the movie. Knowing I needed to make it right, I took his hand in mine as we made our way out of the theater. That seemed to surprise him, but he didn’t reject me. As we headed for the building’s exit, I glanced behind me, looking for the president of the Haven’s Rebels. He had his arm around his wife as they also walked toward the exit, but about twenty feet behind us.
He was already staring at me. “See you around, kid,” he said loud enough for me to catch.
His wife looked at him with a puzzled frown. Then her gaze landed on me and her golden brown eyes went wide. Just before Brandon and I walked out the exit doors, I could have sworn I heard her say, “Is that—?” The rest of what she said was cut off when the doors closed.
Brandon walked me to my G-Wagon. He had been quiet the entire time, as if waiting to see my next move. Before I climbed in, I mentally steeled myself for what I was about to do.
“Brandon,” I said as I turned toward him. He wasn’t wearing his usual golden-boy smile; he appeared standoffish, which was making me doubt my plan. “Can we take things slow?”
He didn’t immediately respond. Instead, he scowled. “What do you mean by that?”
“I’m not as experienced as you.” That was only sort of a lie.
“I thought—” He cut himself off and I could see that his mind was reeling. “You’re a virgin?”
I nodded even though I wasn’t. I’d had sex exactly one time three months ago. It had been highly disappointing. I could have spent those two minutes doing something more productive.
“Oh,” he responded simply. Then a slow smile took over his face, making me wonder if I’d made a mistake. He stepped closer and took my hands in his. “How far have you gone with someone?”
“Kissing,” I lied.
“So no one’s ever touched you?”
Ick.So much ick.
Not confident I could hide the disgust in my voice, I shook my head.
The pleased smile on his face was unnerving. “Can I at least get a kiss goodbye?”
I knew kissing him was something I was most likely going to have to do. Knowing that didn’t make it any easier. So I leaned in, offering myself to him. He didn’t hesitate. I closed my eyes, trying to block out the sensation as his mouth covered mine. It ended as fast as it started, but the feeling lingered after we pulled away from each other.
“I’ve been dreaming about doing that.” Clearly he thought saying that would make me swoon.
My face twitched as I fought not to scrunch my nose. I turned toward my car, hinting that I was ready to leave. “I’ll see you tomorrow at school.”
He grabbed my wrist and pulled me back to him. His other hand cupped my face, and he kissed me again. I squeezed my eyes shut, waiting for it to be over.
He pulled away slowly and stopped when he could stare into my eyes. His thumb brushed across my cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
