Page 33 of Forever Cursed

I don’t mind crowds, but something about movie theater crowds hits differently, and they can be irritating. Sipping on my frozen drink, I lean back and open a box of gummies. When the lights dim, Rome’s relaxed expression turns eager, and I realize just how much he wanted to do this today.

A smile spreads across my face, and when he looks at me, he tosses his hoodie at my face. I peel it off and snort when I catch Rome holding back a violent laugh. I chuck a gummy at his face and press my lips together.

“I see how it is, turtle licker.” I cross my arms over my chest and huff.

His chuckle is muted by the movie’s volume.

“I’m sorry,” he tries to whisper, but he’s almost doubled over from laughing so hard.

Rome leans over and wraps his arms around me. I can’t resist nuzzling into the crook of his neck and getting lost in his ocean-scented skin.

“I’m right here if you get scared.” His words send a rush of hot chills over my body, and I nearly faint.

Pulling back, Rome offers me a kind smile before leaning back in his seat and tossing popcorn in his mouth like nothing just happened.

Chapter Nineteen

Rome

So far, the movie is everything I hoped it would be—the premise is what pulled me in. The main character’s name is Shay, and she has a neurological condition that numbs her ability to feel fear. She enrolls in an experiment to visit a haunted manor, hoping the experts may be able to help her. Of course, there’s a love interest, but I enjoy romance more than the average guy. We’ve already had a few jump scares, and each one has caused Chrissy and me to either scream or jolt in our seats.

Chrissy puts on the sweater and covers her face with the hood. I smirk when I catch her hiding behind the fabric. Just when I thought she couldn’t get more adorable, she goes and proves me wrong.

I grab popcorn from the bucket mindlessly, and another hand reaches in, making me jump.

“It’s just me,” Chrissy reassures as our hands brush together.

Peeling my eyes off the screen, I look at her and become distracted from the movie. What would it be like to have someone like Chrissy in my life? Someone I could joke around with but who would still love me deeply. What would happen if I didn’t let my fears get in the way?

The music hastens, and Chrissy’s posture stiffens in response. Grabbing her slushie with her free hand, she slurps on it as her eyes widen.

With a lopsided smirk, I turn back to the screen just in time to see the main character enter a room that she discovered behind a portrait.

“That was amazing!” Chrissy cheers when we leave the theater. Her hair is slightly mussed from wearing the hood the entire time. “The ending?!” Chrissy makes a gesture like her head is exploding. “Did you enjoy it?”

“Yes, it was definitely worth the wait. Thank you for coming with me.”

Chrissy nudges my arm as we walk side by side back to my car. Rushing ahead, I open the door for her, and her facial expression softens.

“Why, thank you, kind sir.”

I close the door once she slides in.

Back in the driver’s seat, I start the engine and fasten my seat belt. After blasting the AC, I drum my hands on the steering wheel. The idea of going home makes my skin crawl. I don’t want to be alone. I’m tired of being alone. I don’t want to drag Chrissy around with me all day though. She’s probably sick of me by this point.

“What’s next?”

Her question catches me off guard.

“You don’t want me to bring you home?”

“It’s still early. Why don’t we crash the Waylens’ house, or maybe we can get some lunch?”

I’m baffled. That’s the only word I can think of that accurately describes how I feel right now. My original plan was to drop her off and then do everything possible to avoid going home. I like this idea a lot better.

“Can I take you to one of my favorite places?”

Chrissy nods, so I shift the car into drive and start back toward the Castle Brook campus.

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