Page 45 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

“You realize this is the first time we’ve ever done this, right? Hung out just the two of us?”

Sofia shrugged. “Like you said, we have to stick together now we’ve lost our best friends to that pesky thing called love.”

“Pesky thing? You sound a little bitter there, Sofe.”

“I’m not.”

“Sure, you keep telling yourself that.” I chuckled, sipping my beer. The band introduced themselves as Tyranny State and launched into their opening song.

“Wow, it’s loud,” Sofia shouted over the music.

“Rock music is supposed to be loud.” My laughter grew.

“It just occurred to me. I’ve never seen you play.”

“Then you’re in for a treat.”

The air crackled between us, thick with tension and tainted with betrayal. But there was something else. She felt it. I knew she did. But something was holding her back.

Shifting even closer, I slid my arm along the back of the booth, basically putting my arm around her.

“Cole.” There was less resistance in her voice as if I was wearing her down. But I didn’t want to force Sofia into this. I wanted her to want it. The way I wanted it.

And fuck, did I want it.

“Aaron, won’t—”

“Aaron isn’t here.” I toyed with the ends of her hair. “It’s just you and me and a bar full of people who don’t know us.”

“Why?” she whispered, her eyes full of hesitation and wonder.

“Because I like you, Sofe. I’ve always liked you.” I dipped my head, putting us eye to eye. Her lips parted on a soft ‘O’ as I focused on her mouth. That kissable, tempting mouth.

“You’d risk your friendship with Aaron for this?”

“Not for this… for you.” I slid my hand along her neck and brushed my lips over hers. Just once.

A test.

An invitation.

Sofia inhaled a shuddering breath. “You kissed me,” she said, touching a finger to her lips.

“If you think that was a kiss, you haven’t been doing it right.” I smirked.

“Asshole.”

“You didn’t throw your drink at me and storm out of here. Should I take that as a good sign?”

“I don’t know. I might need to get a second opinion.”

Holy shit.

Was she into it?

Please, God, let her be into it.

I sat as still as a statue. I’d made the first move, pushed her toward the idea of exploring this thing between us. But the next move had to come from her.

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