Page 21 of Powerless

“Bathroom. Kathryn?” I dart my gaze around him in case she’s behind Liam.

“She’s meeting us here, she said she was doing something with her mom.”

“Let’s get tickets.” Liam and I head up to buy tickets for us and the girls, and by the time we’re done, both Jen and Kathryn are standing together, talking. My eyes are locked on Kathryn as we head over to the girls. I can’t seem to stop staring at her. Her beauty can only be rivaled by…well, nothing. “Kathryn,” I say as I step into her space and place a kiss to her cheek. I close my eyes and take in the subtle aroma of sweet candied apples. I push my body into hers, trying to suck as much of her in as I can.

Someone clears their throat from behind, causing me to snap my eyes open and pull away, though I cannot stop staring into her dark, hypnotic eyes. “Bennett,” Liam’s deep voice cuts through the air.

“My apologies,” I say. I turn to Jen and hand her the ticket.

“Dude,” Jen says. “You can’t do that in public.”

“I know,” I say, internally scolding myself.

“Your heart is way too big for your body, Bennett. It’s obvious you two belong together. Let me tell my parents and get this over and done with. Then you won’t have to pretend anymore.”

“No,” I say with certainty. “A year of us pretending versus a lifetime of you being miserable? I’d rather deal with the first, wouldn’t you?”

“Don’t worry about me.”

“I have to agree with Bennett,” Liam says.

“So do I,” Kathryn adds. “This is the right thing to do.”

“One person versus three people being unhappy,” Jen attempts to reason.

“Hey,” I say. “I like you, you’re like the sister I never had. I’m not unhappy with you.” I point toward Jen as we continue walking toward theater number four where our movie will start soon. “It’s the situation.”

“Besides, when was the last time your parents stopped to ask you what you wanted?” Kathryn asks Jen. Jen’s features soften as she lowers her chin. “Exactly. Although this isn’t perfect, it’s what needs to happen. Because they’ll leave you alone once Bennett cheats on you and breaks your heart. You just need to play your part.”

Jen slowly nods before she lifts her head and looks between us all. “None of you have to do this, so I really want to thank you. This is a horrible way to live life. But, thank you. I know the end result will leave me happier.”

I drape my arm around Jen’s shoulder and bring her in to place a kiss to her temple. “You’re welcome.”

We walk into the cinema and sit toward the back. Jen sits to my left, Kathryn on my right, and Liam beside Kathryn. The lights dim, and I inch my hand closer to Kathryn until I lay it on her thigh. Out of my peripheral vision, I see her turn to look at me. A beautiful smile splits her angelic face and her warm hand rests over mine.

My heartbeat quickens as my imagination runs away with all the things I want to do with Kathryn. I shift in my seat when it becomes uncomfortable being so close to Kathryn without being able to act upon my feelings.

Two hours of sitting beside the girl I’ve been in love with from the moment I saw her is pure torture. I want nothing more than to tilt her chin toward me and kiss her plump lips. But we haven’t had a moment to ourselves since we began on this journey.

What am I doing?

I should be saying screw Jen and let her fight her own battles. I could be with Kathryn right now, we could be in one another’s arms and I could be worshipping her body. But instead, we have to sneak around.

I haven’t watched one moment of the movie, and in truth, I’m not interested. All I want is to be with my girl. Right now. To have her in my arms, to kiss her mouth, her body. My heart hasn’t calmed its frantic rhythm since I’ve been beside her.

Although I’m thankful when the movie finishes because it means I can move around and hopefully let my hard-on go down, I’m also disappointed because I don’t get to hold my girl’s hand anymore.

“I’m hungry,” Liam announces.

Yes, food. More time with Kathryn. “I can eat,” I say.

“Me too.” Jen places her hand to her stomach and nods.

“I’m all for food,” Kathryn adds.

“Cheese pizza for me,” Jen says. We all agree on where to go for pizza, and meet at the spot.

Once we’re all inside, seated, and our orders have been taken, Liam sits straighter and smiles. “I have an idea.”

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