CHAPTER12
Ace stands. “You left in a rush,”he comments.
“Why did you leave?”
“It got boring. Most everyone left shortly after you did. All it takes is one person to go, and they all leave like lemmings.”
“So I killed your party? Sorry.”
“Stop apologizing, and it wasn’t a party. Just some friends.”
I smile shyly. “I’m glad you have so many friends.”
“You have friends, don’t you?”
“Yeah, some.”
“Do you count me as a friend?” He takes a step toward me.
“I don’t know. Should I?”
“Why wouldn’t you?” he pressures.
I lift my eyebrows. “What are you, the friendship goon? Trying to befriend everyone on campus?”
“Not everyone.” He brushes back his longish hair.
I almost reach up to touch it. “You should get it cut.”
“Should I?”
“Nice and short. I mean, it’s not long enough to be yanked on for guys to tackle you with it on the football field, but if it ever gets in your eyes during a game…”
“Coach has been asking me to cut it. Demanding it, really. I don’t like taking orders.”
“Is that why you aren’t at a bigger school for football?” I ask.
Shit. I shouldn’t haven’t said that.
“I’m sorry,” I say in a rush. “I didn’t mean… That came out wrong. I—”
“Nah, you’re fine. You were just ribbing.”
“Ribbing?”
“Teasing.” He chuckles. “You’ve had some to drink.”
“I’m sobering up, thanks.” I glare at him.
“Friends can say shit like that to one another. We’re friends?”
“Why do you keep asking me that?” I demand.
“Maybe I want to see where I stand with you, where the line is…”
I swallow hard. How is it that he’s invading my personal space? When did he start to stand so close to me that we’re practically touching along the lengths of our bodies?
He’s pressuring me, and I can put the pressure right back on him.