Page 74 of Be My Compass

On his face.

He’s close enough I can see the lighter brown flecks in his eyes.

The eyes I want to drown in.

He plants his palm on the edge of the desk. Leans in.

He’s closer now.

I thought I wanted it, but he isn’t even touching me yet and I’m already about to faint. I pull my fingers into fists. Push my nails into the tender flesh of my palm. I need that pain. I need to ground myself right now.

He’s in his casual work attire. His long trousers fail to hide how muscular his thighs are. How strong he is.

His broad shoulders strain against that crisp white shirt. The black and grey half-sleeve on his arm peeks out. The lock and key is faint but visible beneath the fabric on his chest.

Um… uh…

Waiting…

I’m waiting.

I’m asking my best friend to kiss me.

Touch me.

For practice.

Just to get used to it.

Really.

A cell phone buzzes against the table.

My phone.

Crap.

Kastle glances at the screen. Goes stiff.

Something is happening. The air is sucked out of the room. All the promise in his eyes—gone.

The caller must be…

“Why is she calling you?” he asks flatly.

I lunge for the phone.

He grabs it first.

“What are you doing?” I snap.

“Answering.” He presses a button.

Amelia’s voice shrieks from the speakers. “The hell is that picture on your socials, Kaelyn?”

Kastle glances up. Meets my eyes. “You move fast, mom. It hasn’t been long since we put that up.”

“Kastle?” Amelia’s voice goes even higher. “You’re there too? Why aren’t you at work?”

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