WHO IS SWOONING?
1206 Words
“You okay?” he asks. I nod, as I find my footing again.
Considering our dramatic face-off mere minutes ago, chivalry from him feels as random to me as serving chicken in a cake dessert. Totally unexpected. And makes no sense.
He puts Sean back in the tub. “Dude, you are wasted.”
But Sean is not listening. He’s already passed out and we just stare, neither of us knowing what to do about that. There are identically passed out figures all around the hot tub so we tactically retreat.
“So, you want to call Anna?” He turns to face me, the dim light from decorative LED lights hung on poles casting an arcane glow on his face.
Outside, during our little scene, I was irritated at him for all the adrenaline rush. Now as I study him again I feel kind of mesmerized by his eyes. With the slight slant at the edges and really thick dark lashes, they are totally swoon-worthy. His lips twist into a smile as he catches me staring. Mental facepalm! Oh s**t. I try to hide my scarlet face behind my hair.
“You know her?” I finally ask. I wonder how long he has been listening.
“Yup.”
“How?”
“My best mate’s girl.”
Wow. Sometimes the universe could be such a small place. He must be Sean’s friend if he knew which Anna I was talking about. “So, do you really have her new number?”
“I can get it for you.” He smirks. My heart skips a beat. My eyes wander to the smooth five o’clock shadow on his cheeks. “But it will cost you.”
Oh, man. Somehow, this guy is unknowingly pushing all my buttons. I feel like I’m in a magnetic field where he is the edges locking me in, while I’m getting increasingly affected by his proximity. I’m seriously considering refusing his offer, but he is already texting someone on his phone.
“By the way,” he says flipping his phone shut. “I think you owe me a thank you.”
I was convinced he forgot about it. Damn.
“I’d say we are even now.” Or at least, my pride says so.
“Oh, really? There.” He shows me the text. It is Anna’s new number. “Seeing as we are lacking pen and paper, why don’t you give me your cell number and I’ll text it to you?”
Why do I feel like that’s suddenly the greatest idea ever? I’m sure I have a pen somewhere in my purse, but I nod. I pry my brain to remember my own phone number but, in the end, I accept defeat and hand him my phone.
Maria calls my name from the doorway. Dazed I walk towards her.
“What happened to you?” She eyes me warily. “Anyway, Poppy asked me to get you. We are leaving.”
I blink. “Already? But it’s not midnight yet.”
“Duh. It is. Kind of. Two minutes left now.”
“Oh.” I nod. “Okay. Tell her I’ll come to the parking lot.”
“Okey-dokey. Who’s that guy?” She smiles appreciatively, nodding towards him. For some reason I don’t like it.
He has my phone in hand and is making slow come-hither motions. “Mmm?” I say distractedly. “Just a guy. You go ahead.”
Dismissing her, I return to his side. He steps forward until there’s no foot space between us.
“Leaving already?” His voice is low and I feel oddly seduced.
“Yeah.” Well, what do you know? Suddenly, I can only manage one-word replies.
“Too bad.”
“Yeah.”
“Want to go out with me?”
“Yeah.”
What?! I think I misheard him. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”
He doesn’t reply. Around us, the crowd gathers. I don’t understand why until I hear the countdown start. Nine…eight….seven… People shuffle, toasts in hand and ready to snap the first picture of a brand-new year. A girl rushes past me and bumps me forward, but his arms steady me.
When he steps forward and put his lips near my ear, I shiver. “Go out with me.” His voice is a whisper, but I hear it loud and clear.
Five… four….
With the voices of a dozen people synchronizing into a hypnotic rhythm, the intensity builds until all I can hear is a loud rumble. And all I can see is his eyes holding me captive, inches from my own.
Three.…two….
His breath is warm on my cheek and when the crowd shouts one, his lips meet mine in a searing kiss. I’m hot all over and I can’t think straight. I hold on to him like I’m holding on for dear life.
I hear catcalls and whistles from people around us, but I don’t care. When he pulls back, I’m so dizzy that he has to put a hand on my back to steady me. “That’s my payment for the number, by the way. So, is that a yes?”
Go out with him? I’m amazed the answer is not right there in my eyes. But his gaze is questioning, willing me to say it.
I need to get out of his attraction field to even remember my own name, so I mumble, “I have to go.” I turn and practically run out, skipping down the stairs until I hear my name called out.
He stands at the landing, his gaze locked with mine, like I’m the only thing that he sees.
And then I don’t care if I’m thinking clearly or not, because I know with certainty that there’s no way, I can pass up on a chance to see this boy again. “Yes,” I mouth.
He smiles a little smile and it’s like the sun just came out on an overcast day. He cups his ears. “Didn’t catch you there? Did you say something?”
I giggle. “Yes, you douche bag. I’ll go out with you.”
He blows me a kiss and I catch it. “Do you even know my name, darling?”
Oh crap! I don’t even know the name of the guy I just started going out with! Am I crazy? I must look pathetic because he laughs. “Jase.”
“Jase,” I repeat, as his eyes hold mine. I can feel the pull starting now. The magnet effect that he has on me. Before it paralyses, I make a run for the parking lot.
- Writer
