“But?” I stand directly in front of her.
“But I’m leaving for school in three months, and I don’t want to get too involved with anyone right now. Casual is about all I can offer, and I don’t think that’s the direction you’re heading.”
“I can do casual,” I assert, even though I can hear the perjury in my own voice.
“Ryan—”
“Come on, Alana, give me a chance.”
Damn, this girl. She is one hell of a challenge.
Alana huffs under her breath. I wish there was a little more light. I’d try to sway her with my smile again.
“Casual,” she stipulates.
“Casual,” I repeat. “But just to clarify, when you say casual, does that take kissing off the table?”
She giggles. “No, kissing can stay, but nothing else.”
“Nothing else? Like no PDA? Or no getting past first base?”
Alana rolls her eyes. “First base.”
“Bummer.”
“Take it or leave it.”
“You drive a hard bargain.” I snatch her by the waist then plant a huge, wet kiss on her lips. “Take it.”
I have a feeling this is going to be one long, cruel summer.
* * *
I dropAlana back at her car. The ride was quiet, but not uncomfortable. My brain and my body have been going a mile a minute. Just being near her buzzes all my senses.
“Thanks,” she combs her fingers through her hair trying to contain the windblown wisps.
“For what?”
“For tonight.” She smiles sweetly.
“Oh, you mean you had a good time?”
“Yes.” She giggles as she opens the door, but I reach over and grab the handle before she can slide out.
“When can I see you again?” Our faces are so tormentingly close. So close I can feel the heat of her breath against my skin.
“Um,” she stammers. “Tomorrow? I start volunteering at Riverview Hospital, but we can have dinner in Red Bank afterwards if you’re free?”
“What kind of volunteering?” I’m intrigued.
“I’m a candy striper.”
My eyebrows perk up. That’s so...fucking hot.“Okay, tomorrow,” I agree with a smile. An alluring, enticing, inviting smile. Alana’s staring at my mouth, so I suck my bottom lip between my teeth just to tease her. She leans in and kisses me, taking me completely by surprise. And it’s this slow, sexy kiss that blows my mind straight out of my skull.
“Tomorrow,” she confirms as she pulls away.
“Tomorrow,” I repeat, not wanting her to go.