It does the trick; Paige tears her eyes away and hands the cards to Jonathan, who is beside her. She’s flushed and there’s a smile on her face that I don’t like.
Later, I won’t be able to say why I do it. But I wait until Paige is looking at me. And then I deliberately lean against Kyle, staring at her intently.
Her mouth drops in shock. Then realization crosses her expression. She leans back and I see the acceptance in her eyes.
That’s it, that’s the end of it. Paige won’t pursue Kyle, and that means Kyle is…
My thoughts stutter to a halt. Kyle is what, exactly? Mine? Because he isn’t, and it really isn’t fair that I just chased Paige off, especially if I’m not going to do anything about it.
Except…
Kyle leans back toward me. He doesn’t seem to realize he’s doing it, his eyes on the game. His skin is warm, which in turn heats mine as my arm presses against his.
Why can’t I do anything about it?
A distant part of my mind is exasperated at myself because a thought like this is exactly what caused us to tumble into bed the first time. I ignore it, however.
Because, suddenly, I’m really looking forward to the end of this party.
Chapter Twelve
Kyle
The door closes behind Jonathan and Susie, who can’t keep their hands off each other even as they leave through the door, and I laugh, stretching my hands over my head.
That…had been a surprisingly fun night. When I asked Allison if I could stay for her party, I hadn’t expected much. A little music, some snacks, maybe some chatting, that was it. I hadn’t expected to have fun.
But now, sitting in only my boxers and jeans, I realize that I did enjoy myself. I look over to Allison who is smiling as she looks around, clad only in her undershirt and a skirt. I flush as I remember she isn’t actually wearing any panties; rather than sit in only her underwear, the last piece of clothing she had taken off were her panties, shimmering them down from underneath her skirt, much to the amusement of her friends.
“Did you enjoy yourself?” Allison asks.
“Yeah,” I say. I glance at her clock. It’s one in the morning. Then I set my shoulders, determined. I don’t know if it’s the alcohol talking again, but there’s no way I’m leaving with the threat of Jesse around. “I’m taking your couch again.”
It isn’t a
question. No matter what Allison says next, I’m staying the night. I can’t drive my motorbike, and I can’t leave her alone.
Allison just smiles, however, and I relax.
“Yeah?” she says, and there’s a tone in her voice that instantly sets me on edge. “But wasn’t that uncomfortable?”
“It was fine,” I assure her. “I’ve slept in more uncomfortable places.”
“I’m sure,” she says. She’s stalking toward me, and my chest tightens uncontrollably. Damn, she’s beautiful. “But wouldn’t you rather be comfortable?”
“Uh…” I’ve lost my voice.
She grins at me and laughs. “Come on, my bed is big enough, we can share.”
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” I try.
There’s no way I can share a bed with Allison, not with the way my groin is already tightening. It would end in disaster.
“We’re adults, we can handle sleeping in the same bed,” Allison says, rolling her eyes. “Come on, already. I’ll feel safer with you there.”
Well, I can’t argue with that. I waver and then, against my better judgment, I follow her into the bedroom. She smirks at me over my shoulder, and I have the oddest feeling that I’m missing something.
Her room is as messy as I remember it being, and her bed is still unmade. I can’t help but smile at this; for a clever college student, Allison is incredibly unorganized.