Page 159 of Withered

He chuckles and leans in, pressing his forehead against mine. For a split second, I forget everything and stare into his forest-green eyes. It’s just us, no matter where we are or what we’re doing.

The song’s lyrics are stunning, perfectly fitting the mood and setting. This is the moment I will cherish. Even when we disagree, we always come back together.

Mom always says we need someone in our lives. Someone who will accept, love, and cherish us exactly as we are. I feel like I’ve found my missing piece now that I have Jake. And he looks stunning in white tonight.

Jake moves up close and nuzzles his head against my neck. My mind spins when I catch a whiff of his woodsy scent. My knees buckle, and I’m grateful for his tight grip.

“I thought this was a charity event, but it looks like something out of one of your Barbie movies.”

“Everyone present here has already donated, and those who couldn’t do it earlier can do it now in the hall.” I gaze at him. “The event serves as a thank-you reception for everyone.”

I let go of his right hand and wrapped my hands over his neck, while his hands reach for my waist. As he returns to nuzzle my neck, I rest my head on his shoulder, and I feel a feathery kiss planted on my neck.

The song ends, and Haley Reinhart’s“Can’t Help Falling in Love”begins. I love this song. It has an old-fashioned melody that never grows old.

I’m not sure how long we’ve been dancing; all I know is that I’m in Jake’s arms. His hot breath fans my neck, creating goosebumps and sending hot-wave tremors through my body.

Just before the song ends, I look into Jake’s eyes, which hold an unreadable expression. His forest green eyes are so intense, his pupils are blown out, and the green of his eyes look almost black.

“What are you-” Just as I finish, he twirls me and drops me.

His hands support my lower back while I tighten my grip on his neck. My face must be flushed as he smirks at me and leans in closer, his breath caressing my lips now.

“You said you can’t dance?” I am amused.

He gives me a sly smile, which is so unlike him. “I’m full of surprises.”

I only have a split second to smile before he reaches for my lips. His lips are so warm, and he tastes divine. He’s not in a rush like he usually is, but he’s taking his time. He hoists me up on my feet without breaking the kiss, and the intensity rises. His palm brushes lightly against my cheek, rubbing my jaw, and I pull at his hair, eliciting a throaty grunt.

Jake breaks the kiss, and I whine at the loss. I open my eyes to find his eyes closed and a smile on his face. He looks so calm, with that dimple making him appealing.

My feet start hurting, so we leave the dance floor.

The cuisine is served in an attractive buffet style, and this year there are also staffed stations. The buffet is piled high with the most lavish foods, the names of which I haven’t even heard of.

I grab a plate and look through the dishes. My gaze is drawn to a chocolate truffle tart. I grab that.

“Can they hold this event every day? This is heaven,” Jake murmurs to me, his gaze fixed on the chicken.

I’m laughing at him. Half of the meals are chicken-based.

We join our friends at our table, and Kristy, who is sitting next to me, says, “Professor Caleb is Olivia’s date.” She points her thumb to a table a couple of feet from us.

As I look over, my eyebrows rise in surprise as I notice them together. “I wasn’t expecting this.”

Caleb looks over at our table, his eyes meeting mine as he smiles at me. I smile and return my gaze to Kristy, who is throwing daggers at Olivia. Except for Jake stealing my truffle from my plate, dinner went well.

“I need to go to the restroom,” I tell Jake, and I walk away.

Luckily, it is empty. I finish my business and wash my hands when the door opens. I expect any random girl to stroll in, but I'm surprised to see Jake at the door.

“What the hell are you doing here?” I quickly turn off the water and take a few steps toward him. “Get out of here.” I open the door and try to push him out.

He closes and locks the door with his palm.

“Get out, Jake. Are you insane?” I say this as my panic flickers. “Seriously, leave. If someone sees you in here.” I can’t finish because his lips are already on mine. I try to shove him, but he grabs my hands and raises them above my head.

The kiss is so passionate that I feel myself slipping with each of his touches.

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