She shakes her head, dislodging the hair I’d slid behind her ear. “I didn’t….” She licks her lips. “That video cut off right before I moved my hand away.”
“Well, that’s really fucking disappointing.” My voice is husky.
She purses her lips together, a slight scowl forming on her face. “Are you joking right now? Really?”
I settle one hand on her thigh, keeping it close to her knee.
“Fuck no, I’m not joking. Do you know how many times I’ve jacked off to the thought of you?” Her mouth drops open and her breath hitches. “Too many to count. I expect calluses to start popping up on my palms any minute.”
“You’re lying,” she accuses, narrowing her eyes.
“Actually, I’m not. It wouldn’t surprise me if my dad starts charging me for water. I’ve taken so many showers lately.”
Her lips twitch, but she doesn’t smile, which is a pity, because I’d give damn near anything to have her smile right now.
Suddenly, her eyes glaze over with that despondent look again and she glances down at her hand. “I’m never going to be able to show my face again. Oliver has officially ruined my last year of high school.”
“Fuck Oliver, fuck Tiffany, and fuck everyone else. Don’t let them win by admitting defeat.” I take one of her hands and lace our fingers together. She uses her other hand to trace the veins in the back of mine. “You’re one of the strongest and most resilient people I know, Rylee. Don’t let them take that strength from you.”
“I just don’t understand how he could hate me so much to do something like that.”
“I don’t think his part was intentional.” Her head jerks up at that, anger making the brown in her eyes darker. “I spoke with him before I came out to the parking lot. He said he took the video only with the intention to show you- something he could hold over your head. Tiffany found the video on his phone and must’ve sent it to herself.”
“And you believe him?” she asks incredulously.
It’s my turn to frown.
“Yes. Oliver is an asshole, and we’ve done some pretty shitty things to you.” I swallow thickly, thinking about my part in her torment. “But I don’t think he’d go that far.”
“Maybe you don’t know him as well as you think.”
“Maybe,” I concede with a nod. “But one thing I do know is he won’t be fucking with you again.”
She tilts her head to the side, studying me. “And how do you know that?”
“Because I’ll beat his fucking ass if he even tries.”
Her brows jump up so high her forehead wrinkles. “But he’s your best friend.”
“Best friend or not, you’re now off limits.”
“Why? You don’t even like me. You said so yourself.”
I lean forward until only a couple of inches separate our mouths. “Maybe I’ve changed my mind.”
“Oh.” Confusion clouds her eyes. “You have?”
“Yes, Rylee. I have.”
I close the gap between us. The second my lips touch hers she releases a little sigh and her body relaxes against mine. I know I need to keep this kiss simple, because now isn’t the time for anything more, but it doesn’t stop my body from reacting. My cock grows stiff underneath the plumpness of her ass, tempting me to press my hips upward at the same time I pull her down. I wasn’t lying when I told her I’ve jacked off multiple times with her in mind. And it looks like tonight will be no different.
With a groan, I lift my head. Rylee’s eyes flutter open, a glazed look on her face. I drop my forehead to her temple and pull in several deep breaths to rein in my desire. I think about Danielle and her illness, my grandmother and her chocolate cookies, and the assignment I still need to do in my economics class. Anything to take my mind off the girl in my arms and what she does to my body.
Soon, my erection begins to wilt, and I’ve managed to get myself under control enough to lift my head. Rylee watches me with wary eyes.
“What’s going on here, Zayden?” Her voice comes out small and unsure.
“I don’t know,” I answer truthfully. “I just know I’d like to find out.”