Page 48 of Until We Meet Again

After we all get up from our seats a couple of hours later, I finally have a chance to read the message I received from Zane during the movie, and as I look over it, a smile forms on my lips.

Z: I wasn't sure if you'd eaten, so I ordered takeout and figured we could heat it. It's Chinese; I hope that's okay. P.S. I'd much rather eat you.

We leave the theater, and a soft breeze brushes against my skin.

"Where are we going, people? Hanks?" Harry suggests yet another bar that everyone my age seems to enjoy but that I've never been to.

"Actually, I'm heading back."

"Come on, Tessa, you never come out with us." Erik pleads, and I can feel the stares of the people here as they wait for my response.

"I'm out with you now."

"You know what I mean," he says softly, and at that moment, I feel guilty for bailing on not only him but also Jen, Harry, and even Tobias.

"I'm in. I need a drink after that snoozefest. Whoever said that shit was good lied," Ashlee complains, and it's no surprise that she found something to be unhappy about.

Moron.

"Do you want me to make your night better, Ash?" I feel slightly sorry for Josh. Yes, he's a bit of a douchebag, but he really doesn't realize when he's being used.

"You good, Blondie? You need a ride home?"

"I'm okay, thanks, Tobias. I've got my car."

"I'll come with you." Thinking up an excuse to tell Jen isn't something I was prepared for.

I don't want to lie to her again.

"No, you can't. I need my woman with me."

"See, Harry needs you, and besides, I'll be fine."

"Send me your location so I know you get home safe." She's testing me, and I'm about to take a major plunge into the abyss of failure, which she sees from the look on my face alone. She grips my arm and pulls me away from thegroup with her not-so-subtle move. "If you're planning on getting involved in something this risky, Tessa, please make sure you don't get caught."

"I won't."

"Okay, I love you. Send me the location anyway."

When I pull up to Zane's place, I have Rihanna's "Only Girl in the World" blasting through my speakers. The anticipation I'd built up escalates when he opens the door wearing low-hanging shorts, sparking a strong urge to explore his sculpted abs with my tongue.

He holds the door open for me, but as I walk past, he grabs my hand and stops me. "Hey," he says as he kisses my lips and slowly moves his hand down to my waist, drawing me in.

God, he's hot.

"So, how was the movie?" He closes the door behind me and takes my jacket, hanging it next to his on a chrome hook by the front door.

"It was so good. I think you'd love it."

"Have you read the book?"

"Yeah, that's why I wasso excited to see it." He slides his hands into his pockets and laughs softly. "What?"

"You're just really fucking cute." He kisses me on my forehead before taking my hand and leading me into the kitchen. "You hungry?"

"I could definitely eat."

"Funny, I was thinking the same thing."

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