I lean against the closed door. As much as I wanted to slam it and send the message that I’m not interested, I didn’t. My head bangs against the wood in frustration, not because he kissed me, and not because I didn’t pull away the moment his soft lips touched mine; but because I liked it and wanted so much more.
The way he held me to him like I was the most fragile object he’s ever touched? Mason never did that. The way he looked at me like I’m the most fragile being he’s ever seen? I can’t remember if Mason did that. Was it because we started dating so young he didn’t have to learn to be romantic? I know Mason loved me, I’ve never doubted that and I don’t want to compare them, but I can’t help it.
“Who are you looking at?”
“Mason Powell,” I say without taking my eyes from him. The school year has been good to him. He’s gotten bigger, more muscles. It’s hard to believe for only a freshman, well almost a sophomore.
“Why?” Josie asks.
I shrug and close my locker. We have cheerleading try-outs today. I’m not nervous, but I know Josie is. We’ve been waiting all year for this. We missed the try-outs before our school year started so this will be our chance.
“Do you like him?”
“I don’t know. Maybe. He’s cute, don’t you think?”
I follow Josie’s eyes as she looks at him. When she cocks her head to the side, I roll my eyes and pull on her arm, leading us away from the group of football players.
“If you like him, you should ask him out.”
“No way,” I reply as we walk into the gym. “He’ll never go out with me. I’m not his type.”
“Why do you say that?” she asks as we start stretching.
“I’ve seen the way he looks at Candy. She gives all the guys the one thing I’m not willing to.”
Josie shrugs. “Maybe he’ll look at you that way too some day.”
“Yeah maybe, but I’m not willing to put myself out there, ya know? I mean, what if he makes fun of me? He’s this big time football player and everyone says he’s going somewhere. He doesn’t have time to date. He’s probably like those guys we see on those stupid afterschool specials we are forced to watch. He takes the unsuspecting girl on a date, they go parking, nine months later they are expecting and he wants nothing to do with the girl and the whole town hates her.”
“You’re so dramatic, Katelyn. Seriously, if you like him, hint or something.” Josie moves into a split and pops up quickly. “Oh I know, drop your pencil in front of him and bend over, that will surely get his attention.”
“Not going to happen.”
Josie shrugs and goes quiet. All I can think about now is Mason looking at my ass and now I’m self-conscious that it might be fat or too flabby for him. I’ll have to start some butt crunches or something, like my mother does to firm it up.
“Don’t look now,” Josie says, and of course I t
urn and do just that and find Mason staring at me. I have to look away immediately for fear that he’ll laugh when he sees that I blush easily.
“I have to go use the restroom.”
“Josie Preston, if you leave me, we’re no longer friends.” She stands and starts laughing as she walks off. I look up, straining my neck when two muscly legs stand in front of me. He crouches down so that he’s almost at eye level.
I try not to let my nerves get to me, but I’m lost in his emerald green eyes. He could be my Saint Patrick’s Day lucky charm. Oh my god, Katelyn, you’re an idiot.
“Hi Katelyn.”
“Hi,” my voice is weak. I bite my lip, hoping he’ll go away.
“Good luck at try-outs. I can’t wait to have you cheering for me this fall.”
“Okay… I mean thanks.”
Mason shrugs. “Maybe we can hang out over the summer.”
“Yeah sure, stop by anytime.”
As soon as I say it, I know he never will.