Page 137 of The Jack*ss in Class

“Can you blame me?” I pulled her closer, spinning her again just to hear her laugh.

When the song ended, she fanned herself with her hand. “I need a break and something to drink.”

We made our way to the bar, where Gryff and Artemis were already waiting.

“Water for the dance queen,” Gryff said, handing Tempest a glass. “You’ve got some moves too, Navarro.”

“Just wait until Abuela visits us in LA and takes us outsalsa dancing.” Tempest did a little salsa step. “You won’t be able to move for a week.”

We all laughed, and I felt a surge of warmth watching Tempest so relaxed and happy with my brother and his best friend, talking about our life together in LA. This was how it should be. Our lives intertwining, our people becoming her people and vice versa.

The band returned, and the singer’s voice floated over the crowd. “Alright, couples, time to slow things down. Grab your special someone and head to the floor.”

I held out my hand to Tempest. “May I have this dance, my queen?”

Her smile was soft as she took my hand. Back on the dance floor, I pulled her close, one hand at the small of her back, the other holding hers against my chest. She rested her head on my shoulder, fitting against me perfectly.

We swayed to the music, her curves pressed against me, her scent, that floral and uniquely Tempest smell, surrounding me. My body responded predictably. I glanced around, wondering if there was somewhere I could drag her off to have my way with her.

She pulled back just enough to look up at me, one eyebrow raised. “Is that a football in your pocket, Mr. Kingman or...?”

“Sorry, not sorry, babe.” I pressed my lips to her ear. “You just... you feel really good. Wanna go find a coat closet and let me see what you’ve got on under your dress?”

To my surprise, she didn’t tease me back. Instead, shepressed closer, her lips brushing my ear. “I like knowing I affect you this way.”

Jesus Christ. My body went from interested to fully at attention.

As if on cue, the music faded, and Bettie’s voice came over the speakers. “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the moment you’ve all been waiting for, the crowning of this year’s KATman.”

Oh shit. I was about to have to get up on stage with a huge stiffy for the whole world to see. I tried desperately to think of anything unsexy. Coach yelling during practice, Isak’s disgusting protein shakes, the time Declan’s dog devoured my favorite cleats.

“You’re thinking too loud,” Tempest murmured, amusement in her voice.

“I’m trying not to embarrass myself in the middle of your sorority formal,” I admitted.

She laughed softly and pressed her soft curves against the bulge in the front of my pants. “Maybe this will get you a couple of last minute votes.”

The crowd cheeredas the senior KAT class filed up on the stage with their dates, and I strategically placed myself behind Tempest. I wrapped my arms around her waist, pressing my hard on against her luscious ass. She gave a tiny squeak and whispered something about saving that for later.

God, I loved her.

“Our KATman candidates have been judged on charm, personality, dancing skills, and of course, their compatibilitywith their KAT date,” Bettie announced. “We’ve tallied the votes, and we’ll start with our runners-up.”

I was genuinely curious about where I’d place in this ridiculous but endearing tradition. Competition was in my blood.

“Our second runner-up is... Artemis Ingvar.”

Cheers erupted as Artie made her way to Bettie, accepting a small trophy and hamming it up for the crowd. Gryff wolf-whistled from beside us, making her laugh mid-bow.

“Our first runner-up is... Flynn Kingman.”

I kissed Tempest’s cheek. “Everyone is going to know exactly how hot I am for you now, babe.”

A few titters and a couple of gasps sounded as I stepped out from behind her. But then someone stage-whispered, “If that’s the runner-up, the winner must have, like, magical monster peen or something.”

Everyone laughed and Bettie, being the smart woman she was continued the ceremony. “And this year’s KATman is... Killian Kane.”

A guy from the hockey team, that Hannah had started dating after the party that shall not be named, bounded onto the stage to thunderous applause, accepting the ridiculous crown and scepter with good-natured humor. I clapped him on the back as he took his place at the center, genuinely happy for him.

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