I lost control of my body, leaning into him as he devoured me. I let out a small moan and my fingers tangled in the soft strands of his brown hair. I never wanted to let go. His tongue pressed against my lips, seeking entrance. Nothing had ever felt this good. This was so much more than a kiss. I couldn’t get close enough to him. Our bodies lined up perfectly and my chest pressed against his as I leaned closer.
“Tate,” he breathed my name in the space between our lips.
I startled at the sound of his voice. I jolted away from him, breaking the kiss. It was like my hand had a mind of its own as it flew out and smacked his cheek. His head swiveled to the side, stunned by my action.
I used the same hand to cover my mouth as I gasped, “I’m sorry! I-I don’t know what made me do that!”
“Jesus Christ,” he rubbed his cheek, “what is today? Everyone-smack-Jude-in-the-face-day?” He started to laugh and I was tempted to hit him again.
“It’s not funny.”
“You’re right, it’s hysterical,” he countered.
I felt defensive so I took a few steps back and straightened my clothes. “Never kiss me ever again.” I turned hastily, pushing open the bathroom door and out into the hallway. I couldn’t get out of there fast enough.
“Aw, come on, Tate!” Jude called after me. “You know you liked it!”
Didn’t he know that was the problem?
“It was gross,” I called over my shoulder. “I felt like I was drowning in saliva.”
“Oh, Tater Tot,” he laughed, “that’s a new one. Most people love my kisses,” he grinned. He caught up to me easily, slinging his arm over my shoulders as I pushed the door open and stepped outside. I hoped that guy had left. I’d hate to run into him again.
“I’m not most people,” I retorted.
“You’re not,” he agreed.
“Oh, crap!” I exclaimed suddenly, stopping in my tracks.
“What is it?” Jude asked, stopping as well and looking at me quizzically.
“My books!” I cried, burying my face in my hands.
“Don’t worry about them, we’ll just go back and get them,” he turned, ready to head back in the direction of the bathrooms.
“They’re not there,” I put a hand on his arm to halt him. “I threw them down on the ground when I jumped between you and that guy.”
Jude gasped dramatically, placing a hand over his heart. “You mean that you threw those poor defenseless books so you could help me? I’m honored.”
“You’re such an ass,” I groaned, looking around to get my bearings on campus, so I could head back in the direction we came from. I really hoped they were still there. Nibbling my lower lip, I looked up at Jude. “What if someone took them?”
He shrugged. “So what? It’s not the worst thing that could happen. At least you’re alive.”
“Thanks,” I grumbled. “That makes me feel loads better.”
A grin spread across his face. “Glad I could be of assistance.” When I headed in the wrong direction, he grabbed my arm. “Nuh-uh, pretty girl, it’s this way.”
“Oh,” I mumbled, with eyes downcast.
“You know,” he grinned boyishly, “I think I need to change your nickname to Rambo.”
I rolled my eyes. “How about no nicknames?”
“Where’s the fun in that?” He countered.
We approached the area where I’d seen him arguing with the guy and I scanned the ground for my books. Luckily, they were there. Albeit, covered in dirt. I picked them up, brushing off the debris.
“You ready to go?” Jude asked as he pulled his keys from his pocket.