Page 77 of Paper Hearts

Ender looks uninterested in anything around us. “Nope.”

“You probably wouldn’t be caught dead at something like this in school, would you?”

“Not a fucking chance.” He breathes, shaking his head as if he can’t believe it either.

“So why’d you ask me to mine?” I never asked Ender to come. He’s the one who called last month and asked the date.

His beautiful bright blues lock on mine. “To remind you how good summer feels.”

My heart pumps faster in my chest, my smile so wide my cheeks hurt. My eyes lift to the group of cheerleaders watching us. “I feel like everyone is drooling over you and if I snuck away, even for a second, they’d hit on you,” I tease.

A chuckle leaves his lips as we sway on the dance floor, white lights flicker on his face. He keeps his hands low on my waist and I’d be lying if I didn’t say it makes me feel wanted, desired, as if I belong here with him. His lips are at my ear when he says, “I got asked if I wanted my dick sucked on the way to the bathroom.”

“Are you freaking serious?” My eyes widen. What kind of girls are at this freaking school? “By who?”

His back stiffens and his eyes rise over my shoulder. “I don’t know. Some blonde.”

I scan the dance floor but I have no idea who he’s talking about.

Squeezing tighter, Ender nods to the stage. “So where’s this Toby guy who tried to cop a feel. Him and I need to have a conversation.”

I smile. “He’s long gone, and probably with his girlfriend.”

One of my friends approaches us, Gretchen, her hands on my shoulders as she pushes herself between Ender and me. He steps back but doesn’t say anything.

Gretchen grins at Ender. “Girl, who’s he and why have you been keeping him a secret all these years?”

I blush and reach for Ender’s hand. He takes it willingly but lets go just as easily and slides it behind my back to my ass. In. Front. Of. Everyone. I jump, unprepared for his public display of affection. “This is Ender… my friend.”

Ender leans in, whispering, “Friendsdon’t do the things I’m going to do to you later, baby.”

I twist closer to him, smiling at Gretchen as she shakes Ender’s hand. He’s polite, but I can tell a high school dance is the last place he wants to be. He did this for me because he refused to let me go with anyone else, but wanted me to have all my high school experiences.

“I can’t take another minute of the shit,” he mumbles when they’re getting ready to announce king and queen.

“Thank God.” I sigh, sliding my hand into his.

As we’re leaving, Ender starts laughing as we pass by a group of baseball players who say hi to me.

“What?” I ask as he opens the metal doors leaving the hotel lobby we’re in. “Why are you laughing?”

“Nothing.”

“What? Tell me.” My heels click against the pavement as we make our way to the parking lot.

His smile falls. “I find it entertaining how much attention you get and you’re completely oblivious to it.”

I glance back at the hotel where the guys from the team are now gathered outside. “The baseball players? I practiced on the same field as them. That’s all.”

Ender stops walking and I realize we’re at his truck. He slides easily around me and reaches for the door handle. “No, that’s not all, Hads. Every single one of them wishes they were me.”

“Doubtful.” I roll my eyes as he opens the door. “Most of them have girlfriends.”

“That doesn’t fucking matter,” he snaps, a hint of annoyance finding its way into his tone. “They’d still fuck you if they had the chance.”

“I didn’t think they liked me,” I remark, getting into the truck.

Ender snorts, rolls his eyes, and closes the door. Around the front of the truck, he runs his hands over his face and then makes his way to the side. When he’s in the truck, he places the key in the ignition, and it rumbles to life. “It’s a good goddamn thing I never went to school with you.”

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