Page 29 of Bending Under Pressure

“They divorced because he cheated on her. This entire time I’ve been blaming my mom, and my dad is living in our old house with a new family. I found out when I surprised him with a visit last weekend. I told him I was done with him because he’d kept ignoring my calls, not showing up when he was supposed to meet me, and then I find that out. He actually texted today. I’ve been trying to figure out what to do. I mean, you’re giving your birth mom a chance and you don’t even really know her, right? Why shouldn’t my dad get one when I do know him? And I know how great he can be when he tries.

“I kind of want to talk to my mom about it, but then that doesn’t seem right. He ruined our lives and treated us both poorly. It has to hurt her if she finds out I don’t want to give up on him yet. I don’t know what to do,” she finishes quietly, finally taking a breath after all she rushed to say.

“I think if you want to give him another chance, maybe you should.”

“Maybe.” We silently stare at one another and the moment is edging on awkward when her gaze drops to my lips. And then my gaze drops to her lips. I really love her lips. Can one be in love with lips? Because I’m so in love with hers and all I can think about is the last time I tasted them. They’re a dark pink, her lower lip slightly more plump that her upper, and right now, she’s pressing them together as if trying to control them from suddenly pressing against mine. Before I can say the words, she’s whispering them to me. “I want to kiss you.”

My eyes snap up to hers in surprise. I never expected her to repeat my words back to me, to be forward with what she wants. I’m glad she did because I really like it. Without any hesitation, I press my mouth to hers. The knuckles of her fist touch my stomach and I tense because I feel that light, small touch everywhere. I attempt to roll on top of her, to feel as much of her as I can

, but I forget the fact that we’re in a hammock.

We flip over, causing her to shriek with surprise. I grip Haley’s hips and take the brunt of the fall as I land on my back with her on top of me.

“Oh, God,” I groan from more than just the pain of hitting the hard ground. “I’m sorry, Hales.”

When I lift my head to look at her, she starts laughing. Gut-busting laughter falls out of her as she rests her forehead against my chest, where her hands are resting. I can’t help but chuckle myself.

“I...I...” she tries to speak, lifting her head as her giggles settle down. “That was almost better than the kiss.”

“Seriously? My body doesn’t agree with that.”

Her eyes widen. “Oh! Are you okay?” She slides off me and out from under the hammock.

“Yeah,” I answer as I follow her. “Glad I could make you laugh, though.” I stand and hold out a hand, which she takes, and I help her up. I feel like an idiot. What kind of dummy forgets they’re on a hammock and tilts it over when he’s on it with a cute girl?

Haley glances down at our hands, and I wonder if she’s thinking the same thing I am. She lifts her head. “I think there’s only one way to salvage today.”

My interest perks. “What way is that?”

A slow grin lifts her lips. “A visit to Dead Man’s Curve.”

She’s a genius. “Let’s go.” We walk back into the house for my keys and wallet and when we pass through the living room where my parents are, I say, “We’re going for a ride.”

“Don’t be out too late,” Dad tells me.

“We won’t.”

I can feel Haley’s excitement grow the closer we get. When I turn onto Dead Man’s Curve, she speaks.

“Can I steer again?”

I grin. “I’ve created a monster, haven’t I?”

She smiles. “Yes.”

“Do you want your first lesson?”

“No, I just want to steer tonight.”

I nod and unbuckle my seatbelt. Haley quickly gets out and runs around while I move my seat back and adjust my steering wheel. She slides into my lap with a grin. This time, there is no hesitation as her hands grab the wheel. After making some minor adjustments, we’re ready.

“Count us down, Hales,” I tell her, flexing my fingers on the stick.

“Three, two, one,” she rushes.

I laugh as we take off. Remembering she loves the speed, I get us going fast as soon as possible, so it doesn’t have to end sooner than it has to. Haley is much more relaxed than before. Our stomachs drop like clockwork as we drive over the hills and down the other side. Before long, I have to downshift before we get to the curve.

“No,” Haley says softly and I can hear the pout in her voice. “It’s over too soon. We need to find a road that’s longer and doesn’t have curves. Can we go again?” she finishes, glancing over her shoulder at me.

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