Page 38 of The Overdue Kiss

Good grief... I can’t focus for one second, can I?

But for once, I’m okay with that. All this time, I viewed commitment like the plague, not understanding why anyone would want to spend all their time with one person. Or jump through all the hoops for their attention or drop everything to spend as much time with them as they could.

But with Maya?

I secretly breathe in her scent, my heart thudding wildly in my chest.

I’ll enjoy every second I can with her.

Chapter Ten

Mr. Sherman boots us out at eight on the dot. Just as I’m pulling out my phone to call Julia, Des points at his bike parked in front of the library.

“Need a ride?”

“Saving me again, are you?”

“It’s my new favorite hobby.”

“I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.” I tilt my head.

“It’s good—very, very good.”

The air sizzles between us like it had all day in the library. Even something as innocent as passing a stack of books crackled with a static charge. I’m not sure if we were flirting or just talking, but there seemed to be an undercurrent to everything.

I’m sure I’m reading too much into it. Overanalyzing is one of my superhero gifts. Des is probably just being his funny and sweet self, and my brain is complicating things as usual.

Chill it, Maya. He’s a friend.

“I’d love a ride, if you don’t mind,” I say.

I quickly text Julia the change of plans as we walk up to his bike. Right when I hit send, Des spins back to me, grinning.

“Do you mind if we stop by my place real quick? I left your Tupperware, and I wanted to give it back to you... and maybe beg you to refill it with more cookies.” His eyelashes flutter closed for a brief second. “They were delicious.”

My cheeks flush at the compliment.

“Like I’d say no to extended backpack privileges.”

“I knew you couldn’t resist. You’re a biker girl at heart.” He whips out the spare helmet hidden behind his back with extra flair. A cheesy smile is plastered to his face, one I can’t help but return. What is it about him that makes me feel so relaxed? So comfortable in his presence? It feels so natural, like we’ve always known each other.

“Think you know me, Mr. Brooks?” I cross my arms, entering into librarian mode. Yet it’s a battle to hold my serious expression.

“You’re like an open book, Ms. Santos,” he counters with his teacher voice.

“More like a mystery book. You’ll never expect the ending.” I wink, thinking I won this round.

I did not.

He slides the helmet over my head and hooks a finger underneath to tug me closer. My hands reach out from the sudden movement, my palms landing on the solid wall of his chest.Holy guacamole.The flittering butterflies ignite into flames as a scorching heat pulses through me at his molten gaze.

“I can’t wait to find out,” he whispers.

My breath expels in a shaky rush from another punch of desire.

He holds my gaze as he clicks my helmet on, and his thumb traces under my chin in one slow swipe before he steps away.

I never understood those historical romances where the females swooned over men. Overdramatic, I always said. Now here I am, fanning my hot cheeks because this man put on my helmet.