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I don’t want to look at Holly. The way I ended up here was all my fault. Just stupid decision after stupid decision, and now, I’m permanently damaged.
Her warm hand slides into my relaxed palm. “That must’ve been terrifying. I don’t know if I would have survived that. Being alone out there and being so sick.” She clutches my hand, and when I glance up, there’s real fear in her gaze. “I’m glad you made it back okay.”
“Well, not completely okay.” I roll my eyes toward the machine.
“So what? You’re alive, and I’ve got a spare.” She beams at me. “It’s going to work out fine.”
There’s that warmth again, seeping through my chest. Holly’s hand is still in mine, and I want to raise it to my lips. But I know I shouldn’t, so I simply enjoy the touch of her skin against mine.
A light vibration sounds over the TV. Holly uses her free hand to reach into the back pocket of her jeans and produces a battered cell phone. Whatever she reads has her leaping from the chair, leaving my hand empty.
“Oh, freaking dagnabbit!”
Dagnabbit? Was that English?
“What’s wrong?”
Holly starts scooping up her things. “I can’t believe I forgot. It’s on my list and everything! My adviser, I’m supposed to meet with her in twenty minutes! Do you know where the closest bus station is?” She stares at me.
“Sorry. I don’t.”
She groans and tries to lace up the shoes I didn’t realize she’d slipped off.
“You can’t reschedule?”
“I’ve already done that twice, and she’s going to be gone all next week. I don’t know the next time I can sit down with her. How far are we from campus? Like jogging distance?”
Her boulder of a backpack swings dangerously as she heaves it onto her shoulders.
“Holly, slow down.”
“I can’t! This was great, Ben, but I’ve gotta go!” She’s almost to the door.
I’m not ready to see her leave, selfish as I am.
“Holly, wait!” I don’t think she’s going to listen. “Holly! Take my car!”
Out of sight, I hear her sneakers squeak to a halt on the hardwood floor, and then she’s back in the room.
“Take your car?”
“Yeah. You’ll never get there on time with the bus. Use my car.”
“Are you sure? How will you get back to your place?”
“I’ll call Jasper. I’m serious, Holly. Take my car.” I fish the keys out of my pocket and dangle them off my finger, as if to tempt her with their jingling.
“Okay, okay. You’re a lifesaver.” She grabs the keys, but instead of immediately turning to sprint out the door, she leans in and presses her warm lips against my cheek. The caress is over too soon as she backs up with a wave. “I owe you!”
Then, she’s gone.
I’m left in my chair, the phantom of her kiss haunting me.
How did something so simple make my skin so hot?
And how can I get her to do it again?
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