“I graduate in like two months.”
“I’m not debating this with you. This will never happen again.”
“We’ll see.” She smiles coyly and walks out, leaving me more confused than ever.
Baylor
I’m floating on air as I rejoin the party. I’ve been kissed plenty of times, but it’s never felt like that. He was so commanding, fisting my hair almost to the point of pain, positioning me the way he wanted, and taking charge.
That was hot.
I need a change of panties after that, but unfortunately, I don’t have an extra pair. Though the dampness between my legs is a constant reminder of Owen, and I’m not mad at that.
“Where were you?” Finn asks when I find him sitting at our table scrolling social media.
“Bathroom.”
“You were gone a long time.”
“I had a little emergency but don’t worry, I found someone with a spare tampon.” If you mention menstruation to boys my age, they clam up, so it’s the perfect diversion. Plus, it lets him know I don’t plan on getting naked with him. Not because I’m against period sex, but because I’d bet my life he is.
Disappointment flashes across his features.Ding. Ding. Ding.There it is.
“Oh.”
“Should we go get our pictures taken?” I ask, knowing Dad will want one.
“Sure.” He stands and takes my hand, leading me to the wall of pink, purple, and green balloons with a neon sign in the center that reads, “Memories exist outside of time,” a quote fromEuphoria.
“Ziggy, grab Sara. It’s picture time!” I call out as we walk past him and Ian.
Peering over my shoulder, I catch Owen trailing us. His face appears carved from stone, with no emotion whatsoever, even though I know he’s beating himself up right now. That’s too damn bad. He gave me that kiss, and now it’s mine forever. No takebacks.
My friends and I take picture after picture. I smile and pose, but my head isn’t in it. It’s still in that bathroom with Owen, our lips fused together, his erection pressed against my abdomen. I’m so caught up in reliving that moment I’m not expecting it when Finn cups my cheek and kisses me right before the next flash goes off.
“What the hell?” I push him away, scrubbing at my lips.
“Oh, come on. It was for the picture.” He laughs like it’s a joke.
He has no idea he’s just erased the single best kiss of my life. Disappointed and pissed don’t even begin to describe how that makes me feel.
“That wasn’t cool. Have you ever heard of permission?”
Before he can respond, the room goes dark, the music stops, and for a split second, the entire building is dead silent. In the next second, all hell breaks loose. People scream and shove, chairs screech along the tiled floor, and it’s so loud, I can’t hear myself think.
Even though I can’t see my hand in front of my own face, I search the room, suddenly disoriented. Someone from the venue shouts for everyone to stay put and not to panic, but tell that to the blood rushing in my ears and my heart pounding out of my chest.
Owen.
Where is he? I turned around in my confusion, and now I don’t know which direction I’m facing. Cellphone flashlights come to life around me, but my purse and phone are back at our table.
“Baylor!” I hear someone yell. It sounded like Owen, but I can’t tell where it’s coming from.
A hand grips my upper arm and pulls me in an unknown direction. For a second, I’m certain it must be Owen. Of course, he would find me. There’s no doubt in my mind. That is, until I’m jerked in front of whoever this is, and I feel something hard dig into my back. A gun, maybe?
No. Not again. I can’t do this again.
“Keep moving, and no one will get hurt,” a man hisses in my ear.