"You're trying to make me forget you and Tom were whispering secrets."
"It was nothing. When's the last time you saw your parents?"
It wasn't nothing. There's tension in Miles's face. His brow is furrowed. His shoulders are tight.
He's upset. This is a big secret. Do I trust him enough to let it go?
I'm not sure.
I stare back into his gorgeous blue eyes. "Haven't seen them since the day I left for school."
"They miss you? Beg you to visit?"
"All the time."
"Offer to come up for lunch or dinner?"
"They come up all the time. I make excuses."
"Tell me next time. I'll come with you. As your boyfriend."
"You want to meet my parents?"
He traces the neckline of my top. "I'll keep them off your back."
His voice is heavy with need, but I'm not sure if he's desperate for me or for the end of this conversation.
I need to think.
I press my lips to his. Damn, his lips are soft. I can feel the kiss all the way to my toes. It isn't helping me think.
"Excuse me." I take a step backwards. "Bathroom."
He nods.
There's something in his eyes, something I can't place. I turn and make my way down the stairs.
* * *
Everything in this room is red and shiny, and the lights above our heads are a particularly fluorescent purple.
And Kara is here. She's standing at the sink touching up her lipstick.
She makes eye contact through the mirror. "You okay?"
I nod.
"You look upset."
"It's nothing." I think it's nothing. I go to the mirror and check my makeup. It's fine but I need some excuse for why I'm here.
More lipstick can't hurt. It can't help either. Miles already wants to fuck me. What I need is something to convince him I'm worth his trust.
Do they make a shade called girl you tell your secrets to? Mine is some play on cherry red.
"Whatever is happening with Miles, it shouldn't leave you with that expression on your face." She plays with her tube of lipstick. "Like you just got hit by a truck."
I clear my throat. "It's nothing. I'm just not in the mood to be at a party anymore."