Gregory grinned. “It’s okay. But… you still want to do this, right?”
I slipped on my jacket. “Yes, of course.” No, not really. But just because my mood had plummeted, I refused to let it stop me from giving this a chance. Just maybe Gregory could, in fact, sweep me off my feet.
The night wasn’t too bad. By the time Gregory walked me to the front door at the end of the date, I had a smile on my face. I’d managed to forget about Wreck because Gregory made sure of it. He took me to a restaurant where there was a show as well. It was that entertaining and I had such good company, everything just fell away.
“Thank you again. I had an amazing time,” I said, turning to him on the front porch.
His smile almost seemed shy as he kicked at the ground. “You’re welcome. I’m glad you could make it.”
“So am I.”
He lifted his brown gaze to mine. “Does it mean you’d want to do it again?”
“I’m not sure when. I have a few exams I have to study up for, but I’d like to.”
Now his smile was wide. “Great. Don’t worry, I understand about studying. Maybe we could do it together one time?”
“Sounds like a plan.”
“Good.” He nodded, still smiling. “Would… can I kiss you?”
My stomach gave off a little pitter-patter feeling. “Yes.”
He stepped closer, his hands going to my shoulders, while I put mine on his hips. We were about the same height, so it was good when all he had to do was lean in and press his lips to mine. It was tender, sweet even.
Light suddenly shined over the both of us.
Startled, we pulled away, and both looked at the front door. In it stood a smiling Zion. “Sorry about that. Just heading out to grab some more beer.”
“T-That’s all right,” Gregory stammered, blushing tomato red. I knew my cheeks were flaming as well, maybe just not as much. “I b-better get going.”
“You sure?” Zion asked. “You can come on in.”
“Oh, n-no, thank you. I have to get up early.”
Gregory’s stumble over his words with Wreck and Zion had me thinking about why he didn’t do it with me. He was shy with me, but not enough to freak out like he was.
“All right then.” Zion’s hand shot out. “Since my baby bro isn’t forthcoming with introductions, I guess I’ll do it. Name’s Zion, Lucas’s brother.”
I hadn’t even thought to. I was still annoyed he’d opened the door in the first place. I’d hoped to enjoy the kiss… see if it took off, or was the interruption a blessing in disguise? Why was I suddenly doubting it?
Slowly, Gregory took Zion’s hand, and he gulped. “Gregory. Nice to m-meet you.”
“You too. Well, I’ll be off. Wreck’s inside, and Death’s on his way over with Quake. We’ll keep it down. Don’t stress, bro.” Zion patted my arm as he walked by. I would have said something if I wasn’t stuck on Wreck being inside the house on his own.
I didn’t want to walk in there knowing he was there.
Maybe I could army crawl in, and he wouldn’t notice me. I would even try an army roll if I thought it would work.
Great, now all I could think about was Wreck in the house, so when Gregory called my name, I jumped like a little girl.
“Yes?”
He smiled. “I’ll see you at school?”
I nodded. “That would be great, and we’ll do a study date soon.”
“Okay, thanks again for coming tonight.”
“Thanks for inviting me.” I grinned. He shot me a half-wave, turned, and made his way back to the car. I stayed on the front porch until he pulled away with a second wave, which I returned.
Then I thought I could just wait outside until my brother got back or Death and Quake arrived. I would have if I wasn’t starting to get chilled to the bone. Sighing, I rubbed a hand across my chest, but it didn’t help my fast-beating heart. I went through the front door quietly, kind of hoping Wreck had somehow magically fallen asleep.
After closing it, I turned and found him standing just behind me. I screamed and then covered my mouth with both hands.
Wreck’s lips twitched. I glared at them, deciding it was safer than making eye contact. “Don’t ever do that again.” I kicked off my shoes and removed my jacket before walking around him. “I’m… yeah, ah, tired. Goodnight.”
His footfalls sounded loud as they followed me down the hall. I glanced back; his eyes were to the floor. Maybe he was just walking this way to go to the bathroom. People had to pee.
I passed the bathroom and opened my bedroom door. Before I could close it, a hand landed on it.
Licking my dry lips nervously, I looked up and asked in a soft voice, “Do you need something?”
His eyes ran over my face. “Did he kiss you?” he bit out.
My heart stumbled over a beat. He couldn’t ask me that. He had no right to ask me that. Why was he even asking me?
“I… you…. I don’t understand this,” I admitted.
His jaw clenched. “Answer me.”
“Why?”
His nostrils flared. “I need to know.”
“Again, why?”
“Are you seeing him again?”
“He goes to my college,” I said in the way of an answer that wasn’t really one.
He made a noise deep in the back of his throat. “Are you dating him?”
“We’re getting to know one another.” Which was true.
“He isn’t for you,” he stated.
I jerked my head back in shock. “What do you mean?” I shook my head. “Actually, I don’t need to know because it doesn’t matter.”
“You need someone else,” he clipped.
I threw my hands up, dropping my jacket in the process. “Who? And I swear to God, if you say anyone but him, I will kick you in the balls. I’ve never done it to anyone, but I’m this close, Wreck.” I held up my finger and thumb to show him
