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I shook my head.
“I do,” she said. “I used to see them around. Your mom had this great big genuine smile, and your dad looked at her like she was his sun. Like his days revolved around her.” She ran her thumb over the skin between my fingers. “I remember my parents, too. I remember the way they’d fight all day long. My dad would cheat, and my mom would be gone all night trying to find him. Tim was older, so he’d be out with his friends. And I’d be home by myself, trying to figure out what I’d eat for dinner. One day, my dad left. My mom left after him, as usual. Only, they never came back. I was twelve. Tim was seventeen.”
My hand was numb from the pressure of her grip, but I didn’t care. She was finally letting me in. I turned my head to look at her. Silent tears slid toward her ears. I wiped them away with my free hand.
“See, I relied on the people I was supposed to, and they left anyway. So, what’s stopping you? Isn’t it only a matter of time?” she questioned, and it felt like she was asking the sky, her words directed toward it.
“I can’t make you believe what I say. All I can ask is for a fair shot at this.”
“I’ve had a crush on you since the moment I saw you. At this point, I’d likely give you whatever you asked of me. Which is dangerous. And I probably shouldn’t have told you that.” She slapped her free hand over her face.
“I have to tell you something,” I whispered. She peeked between her fingers and I laughed, pulling her hand away from her face. “You don’t have to look inside my head to feel what I’m feeling. You only have to know that it’s exactly what you’re feeling.”
“I refuse to believe you’re as dopey about me as I am about you.”
I could tell her time and again. Or I could show her. I could make it so she’d never believe anythingbutthe fact that I was in as deep as she was.
I tugged her against me and ran my nose against hers. I was so close to her lips—so close—but I didn’t kiss her.
Her breath caught and only when I’d stayed still for a moment, did she find it again.
“It feels…intense,” I whispered, kissing the corner of her mouth. “I’m mildly obsessed.” I kissed her chin. “Euphoric.” I kissed her cheek. “And so confused.” And I went for it.
Softness and silk, her lips gave way and she pressed against me. Her arms came around me, and it felt like I was the one who was floating, and she was bringing me back down to Earth.
When we pulled away, our hands still in each other’s, I saw the sparkle in her eyes.
She sat up and hopped off the car, dusting the snowflakes from her hair. “Let’s go before we’re late to the movie, slowpoke.”
Could she not see the birds chirping around my head from that knockout?
Dexter
It was official.Noa was my girlfriend.
I hadn’t actually asked her, but we were always together. She spent Christmas with me, and we hung out and watched movies during the holiday vacation. It was New Year’s Eve, and I was hoping to take her out.
I pulled my cell phone from my pocket, tapping it against my hand. Sitting there nervously reminded me of the very first time I’d texted her. I typed out something quickly, figuring she’d either say yes or no. And either way, I’d be right by her side, held by invisible chains.
Me:What are your plans for tonight?
I tossed the small football up in the air a couple of times, waiting for thepingof her incoming text. When the text came, I grabbed my phone, forgetting the football until it hit me on the head. I rolled over and eyed the message she’d sent.
Noa:Whatever your plans are. If you’ll have me, Dexter Andrews.
I smiled.
Me:I was invited to a party. I know last time wasn’t exactly great, but I really want to try again.
Her response was immediate.
Noa:I trust you. Let’s try it again.
“Dex?” Tracey stuck her head inside my room. “What’s going on tonight?”
“Funny that you ask. I have the honor of escorting the loveliest lady in town to a party tonight.” I sat up, making room for Tracey on my bed.
“Huh,” she said as she sat. “I didn’t know I was going anywhere tonight.” She chuckled and patted my knee.
