Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 87766 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 439(@200wpm)___ 351(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87766 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 439(@200wpm)___ 351(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
“I would love to, but I have to save up for a car now,” I sigh.
“What if I paid?” He lifts an eyebrow, and I start to protest. “You can pay me back over time,” he quickly adds.
“I’ll think about it,” I kiss him gently.
“I’ll also accept this as payment,” he mumbles as his powerful lips meet mine.
Chapter 16
-Josh-
Luci and I have been doing our best at avoiding one another while at school, at least until everything dies down some more.
I haven’t seen her yet today, except from a distance, and once school ends I stay late to administer a makeup test.
Once finished, I head to my office to gather my things, hoping to make it out in enough time for a run before Luci comes over.
I guess Luci changed her mine and decided to wait around for me after all, for as soon as I bend down to grab my bag, I hear the door open and her hands slide around my waist. I close my eyes and smile, turning around to kiss her. Our lips meet and my eyes dart open. It’s wrong. I see blonde hair that isn’t Luci’s, and I shove Brittney back with one hand as the other wipes my lips.
“What the fuck!” I shout. “I thought you were-”
“Luci,” she finishes. “I gathered.”
I pull at my forehead.
“Since we already started there’s no need to stop,” she moves closer. “I won’t tell.”
“Get out!” I back away.
“Great move, by the way, outing the rumor before it became a thing,” she sighs. “I underestimated the lengths you would go for her.”
“You have no idea of the lengths I will go,” I clench my teeth. “Blackmail works both ways, you know. I listened to Luci. I tried to do things her way, but how does it make you feel that the thought of even going on a date with you made me so sick I couldn’t do it?”
“It’s not over,” she threatens.
“Well before you go any further, you should know that I will leave this school before I give into you, and as you can see, I’m pretty wanted here, so you loose.” I pick up my bag and head for the door. “I know lawyers that will have you not working in another school district in this entire country for the rest of your life. That’s how far I’m willing to go,” I shove past her and out the door. “Your move.”
I head to my car, not picking up when Luci calls.
Even though it was just a kiss, I think I may smell like Brittney. I feel like I’ve betrayed Luci, and I can’t talk to her until I decide how I’m going to handle this. Do I let things be, and not tell her? We only just smoothed things over! I know it’s risky to withhold this, but what if it’s for the greater good?
I rack my brain the short car ride home, eager for my run.
I round the corner of the bakery, out of breath, when I spot Luci leaning up against my door.
“Have you been waiting long?”
“No,” she shakes her head.
I hesitate, unlocking the door and letting us in. “I’ll run to the hardware store tomorrow and get a key made for you.”
“Just don’t go to my Dads,” she laughs.
We head upstairs, and she takes off her coat, throwing it over the couch before walking over and caressing my arms.
“I should shower,” I mumble. “I’m all sweaty.”
“That’s okay,” she smiles, moving closer, and I swallow hard, dodging her and heading down the hallway to the bathroom.
“What’s going on?” She follows me.
I start to undress while turning on the shower nozzle.
“Josh?”
I pause, her gentle, honest eyes melting my heart, and in that second, my answer is clear. I can’t chance loosing her again. I have to be honest, even if that means she’ll hate me. Sighing loudly, I leave my boxers on as I sit on the side of the bathtub.
“I have to tell you something that’s not going to make you very happy.”
“Oh God,” her face scrunches. “What?”
“It was a complete accident,” I pause. “But, Brittney and I kissed this afternoon after school.”
I can’t handle the way her face falls, and at this very moment, I regret telling her.
“How do you kiss someone on accident?” Her lips are trembling.
“I was getting my stuff from my office, and she came up behind me. I thought it was you changing your mind and waiting for me, and as soon as my lips touched hers I realized it wasn’t you,” I explain. “I pulled away immediately, I swear.”
She nods as tears stream down her face.
“I’m sorry,” I place my head in my hands. “I obviously didn’t mean for it to happen.”
She wipes her eyes, exhaling loudly. “Do I simply say it’s okay and move on because I’m too blind-sided by my feelings? Because it’s not okay.”