Or maybe the mask I’m wearing for Halloween will hide my identity enough so he won’t realize I’m the same girl. It works in thoseCinderella Storymovies.
I take a deep breath, and it’s like my body takes that as a cue to keep walking, even though I have no idea how to start this conversation. But my body’s on a mission, and I don’t have enough time to think of a better opening line thanhi, so I do the only other thing I can think of.
I kiss him.
Sure, it’s forward, and there’s a good chance he’ll have no idea it’s me from a kiss alone, but it’s the only thing I can think of.
And I don’t know if he realizes from the kiss that it’s me or if our bodies just truly know how to react to each other, but he wraps his free arm around my waist, pulling me into him.
I may have started this kiss, but he instantly took control of it, removing any doubts about this situation from my mind.
I don’t know why I’m surprised. Zeke’s intoxicating. I think that’s one of the reasons I snuck out after our first time. I knew he’d be my drug. The one person I kept coming back to, no matter how hard I tried to fight it.
He pulls back, his hand leaving my back and moving to my face. His thumb grazes across my lower lip, sending shivers down my spine.
I reach up, intertwining our fingers to pull him upstairs with me.
“Here, Fletch.” His eyes stay glued to me as he pushes his cup into Fletch’s chest. Fletch takes it, and I notice everyone playing beer pong is staring at us with amusement.
Without a word, I tug on Zeke’s arm, pulling him upstairs to his room. And unlike last time, I don’t need him to show me where to go—
I already know.
seventeen
Avalon
Idon’t know why I’m so nervous. I wasn’t even this nervous the first time we slept together; tonight should be no different. Unless Zeke has changed his mind and doesn’t want to hook up anymore. That’ll be embarrassing. I honestly think I’d drop out of college to ensure I never see him again.
He shuts the door behind us, and I pull off my mask, almost like it’s supposed to be some big reveal. But by the look on his face, he’s not surprised it’s me; honestly, he looks just as amused as everyone downstairs.
“Hi.”
“Hi,” he replies, leaning up against the door. “This is quite the surprise.”
“Yeah,” I mumble. “For you and me both.”
“I assumed this was over with after our little afternoon quickie and the swift escape.”
“I did, too. But I thought a lot about your proposition, and I’m in.”
“Proposition?” He taps his cheek. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Zeke.”
“Avalon.”
“I’m not gonna say it.”
“Then I guess I’ll never know what you’re talking about.”
“You’re ridiculous.”
“I make a lot of propositions a day, Avalon. Just a few hours ago, I was trying to convince the guys that we should start making our own beer. So, you’ll have to refresh my memory of what you and I discussed.”
He crosses his arms, a smug smile forming on his face, and if it wasn’t so damn attractive, I’d smack it right off.
“I’lldothewholefriendswithbenefitsthing,” I mutter.