His jaw clenches and he shakes his head, his hair brushing my forehead in the process. “That’s not why I feel like I should’ve known,” he says softer. “If I’d known I wouldn’t have …”
“You wouldn’t have what?” I ask, my back flush against the door. Every time I breathe, my chest rubs up against him and I hate that I like it.
“I don’t know,” he says gruffly. “I guess I wouldn’t have made some of the shitty jokes and innuendos I have.”
“Being a virgin doesn’t make me a prude. You can say whatever you want. I promise I won’t go running for the hills.”
He smiles slightly. “Then what was that mini freak out in your room?”
I sigh. “I couldn’t remember what happened last night, remember? Virgin or not, I’d think anyone sensible would be a little worried about what they’d done.”
He nods. “Right.”
He pulls away slightly—just enough for me to not feel like my personal space has been invaded anymore.
“I never want to talk about this again,” I tell him, lifting my chin defiantly. “It’s not important.”
He nods and moves back completely so I’m finally able to open the door. “You’re the boss.”
I nod too. “Okay. Glad we’re on the same page.” I open the door and step out into the afternoon sunlight. “Ugh, kill me.” I shield my eyes, barely able to keep them open. My head begins throbbing with a renewed force.
Bennett and I make the trek across campus, and as per usual, people stare and take photos. I don’t understand it. Bennett’s just a person—he’s normal, even if his head is inflated to the size of Alaska.
Bennett reaches for my free hand and entwines our fingers together. He smiles down at me and then brushes his lips against my cheek.
It’s all a show, but no one but us knows that.
I just hate that it feels so real.
“Girls’ night!” Elle screams shrilly, taking my hand and dragging me out of our room.
“Where are we going?” I ask.
“Makenna wants to go to the mall,” she says, rapping her knuckles against the door to their dorm room.
While we wait, she picks up the marker for their dry erase board and begins doodling a little bird. Just as she finishes, the door opens and we’re greeted by the two girls. I recognize them now from seeing them around the building but I’ve never spoken to them. I don’t really speak to most people. The whole deal I have going with Bennett makes it hard to trust people—I’ve had a few people try to get close to me solely so they could meet him.
“This is Makenna.” Elle points to the light-haired brunette with brilliant blue eyes. “And Celine.” She points to the other girl—this one with dark-brown hair and unique gray-colored eyes.
“Hey,” I wave awkwardly. “I’m Grace.”
“We know.” Celine speaks for both of them.
“Right.” I nod. “Because of Bennett,” I mumble under my breath.
The Makenna girl laughs and it’s a light, twinkling sound. “No, silly. You live right across from us, of course we know who you are.”
“Oh, yeah.”
Someone give me the crown for Queen of Awkward.
I feel bad since the same goes for them and I had no idea what their names were until now.
“Should we get going?” I point over my shoulder. “Should I call us a cab or something?”
“I have a car,” Celine says, shutting the door behind her. She’s dressed in a pair of shiny black skinny jeans and a black sweater that falls over her shoulder. I then look at Elle and she’s dressed similarly. I’m tempted to ask them if they’re long lost sisters or something.
Celine’s car isn’t parked in the garage like Bennett’s is. Instead, hers is in a lot all the way on the other side of campus.