Part 12 (2/2)

She grins. ”Something like that.”

”Cool, you've got talent.”

”I've heard you do too,” she says, deflecting my compliment, and I grin.

”You'll have to come see for yourself.”

”Maybe,” she says, but I can tell it's not a promise. Soon, we fall into an easy conversation about cla.s.ses and campus. When I find out her schedule, which involves a whole lot of music stuff, I realize why I haven't seen her before. If I hadn't left my car where I had, I probably never would have met her.

Now, that's a depressing thought.

”So which do you want more? To be the singer or the songwriter?”

”Either. I love writing, but I love singing too. I want to sing for people. I want to hear my music on the radio. I want to change lives, better people, and all that jazz.”

”You can do it.”

”Thanks.”

When she tucks our hands into the front of my pullover, I smile. But then she stops. ”Well, here we are.”

s.h.i.+t, already? I was so caught up in everything she was saying I hadn't realized we were already across campus. Sullenly, I nod, turning to face her. Her face is flushed, her little nose red and so freaking cute. Grinning up at me, she looks shy. ”Thanks for walking me. I hadn't realized it was such a long walk.”

”My pleasure.”

Her eyes darken before she takes a step forward. She goes onto her toes as I take her face in my hands, but I don't kiss her. I can't let this be the last time I see her. I have to know more. I need to know her.

Holding her gaze, I say, ”Let's go out.”

Her brow rises. ”Go out?”

”Yeah, a date.”

”Ugh, labels. I don't like those, and also, I don't date,” she reminds me, her hands coming up onto mine.

”Yeah, I know, but give me a bye on that.”

She bites her lips, her eyes searching mine. I feel I've got her, but she shakes her head. ”I said I wouldn't date anyone when I came here.”

”That was before you met me,” I say with a wink and she grins.

She's still working that lip, and I am sure I can sway her, but then she says, ”No, Jace, sorry.”

I don't let her go, though, even when she tries to turn out of my grip. I hold her. ”Fine, friends with benefits. I can't let you go, Avery. I'm nowhere near full from what you gave me.”

Her cheeks redden as she gives me a cheeky grin. ”Friends with benefits means we have to be friends.”

”So, be my friend,” I say simply.

”I don't know you.”

”So, get to know me.”

”Like dating?”

”Wow, who's labeling what now? I'm just trying to get to know you, be friends.”

Her expression is challenging as she rolls her eyes. ”I don't know.”

”You know you want to.”

Her lips curve as she shrugs. ”I don't want that, though.”

”You don't want a friend? I find that hard to believe,” I supply and she laughs.

”You know what I mean.”

”No, I don't. Now, what are you doing tonight?”

Her brows come together as her eyes narrow. She's on to me, but I don't care. I refuse to let this girl go without the rea.s.surance of more. ”I can't do anything. I have a gig at Get Coffee.”

”Who said anything about doing anything? I'm just saying I might show up.”

”Show up?”

”Yeah, maybe we can get some coffee afterward, and I'll take you outside and do you against the wall.”

That has her giggling, but she doesn't shoot me down as her lips touch mine. Wrapping my arms around her ribs, I hold her tightly as I kiss her long and hard, hoping to make her realize she can't walk away from this. Because doesn't she feel how our lips just fit so perfectly? That it's hard to stop kissing her. Why stop something so perfect? It seems almost wrong.

But soon, she's the one pulling away, kissing my lips one last time before breaking free of my arms.

”See you later,” she says, walking away in my pullover, and I let her go. Gives me a reason to find her later if she blows me off tonight. Though, I doubt she will. She wants me.

And I want her.

”Tonight,” I promise, and when she grins back at me, I know that's one promise I refuse to break.

And no matter how big of a loser it makes me appear...

I'll be front row, cheering her on.

Closing the door behind me, I lean against it and suck in a deep breath and then let it back out.

My heart hasn't slowed since I walked away from him.

From Jace.

<script>