Page 68 of Best Friends for Never

“No.”

He chuckles darkly. “Oh, I’m sorry if you thought I was asking, because I wasn’t.”

Sweet crackers. Why is that so hot too?!

I’m still just worked up from earlier. It has to be that.

I point to the other side of the road, hoping that Noel can’t see my finger shaking. “See that plump cat in the window?”

He follows my finger. “I see it.”

“That’s Pumpkin.”

He swings his gaze back to me. “You live across the street?”

“I live across the street.”

“Oh.”

“Oh, indeed.” I echo him for the second time. “So, good night?”

“Yeah. Good night, then.”

He turns on his heel and begins walking away, and I ... well, I can’t believe it.

Is he seriously just walking away? After our kiss? After he had his fingers inside me? Aftereverything? That’s his response? I can’t believe it. Can’t fathom he’d do such a thing. I hate it and wish I had something to throw at the back of his head as he continues sauntering away.

But I don’t. So instead, I settle for a foot stomp.

He hears it.

He stops, turning back to me, one hand tucked into his pocket.

“Something the matter, Peter?”

“No. Well, no. I ... Yes.”

“Well, which is it?”

I push my shoulders back. “Yes, something’s the matter.”

He marches back over to me, concern woven into his blue-green eyes. “What’s wrong?”

“I just ...” I swipe my tongue across my bottom lip. “Well ...”

“Yes?” he prompts.

I huff. “Aren’t you going to kiss me good night?”

He doesn’t say anything, just stares down at me, his eyes losing all fear and turning darker by the second.

“No.” It’s one word, yet it’s so pained.

“Why not?” I shoot back.

“Because, Parker,” he says quietly, stepping into me until I’m forced to tip my head back to stare up at him. His cologne engulfs me, and I want to pull him closer and press myself against him so I can smell like him the rest of the night. “If I kiss you right now, I won’t stop. And not stopping means I’m going to press you up against this building and fuck you. I really don’t think our first time should be in public or against the Community Hall for the whole town to see, nor do I think you’re ready to invite me into your home, especially not with all the things I want to do to you.”

I gulp, too shocked to respond.

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