Page 88 of Unbidden

I turn and look at Reed behind me. I want to feel bad for the guy in front of me, but nothing would stop me from going with Reed.

I nod mutely and let him lead me from the party. Once outside, I text Victoria, letting her know our plan worked and that I’m with Reed.

She sends me the eggplant emoji with hearts back. Whatever that means.

Once in his SUV, I break my silence. “You came.”

He glances over at me, then back to the road. “I did. Did you want me to?”

I shrug but realize he isn’t looking at me. “I was hoping you would.”

“Why didn’t you call me, babe?”

“Fear of rejection?”

He stops at a stop sign before placing the SUV in Park. Then he turns to me, taking my face in his hands.

“I would never reject you. Do you even know how amazing you are? You’re gorgeous and smart as hell. I should be the one to fear rejection, not you.”

“But in the beginning—”

“In the beginning nothing. I was a stupid kid scared of the feelings you brought to life. Did you know that I wanted you the moment I saw you? Standing there watching some chick get me off. I didn’t even want her to suck my dick, but she begged, and I was having a bad morning. I could barely get hard for her. Then you came into sight and I almost blew my load then and there. You’re the reason I got off that morning, and you’re the reason I haven’t since. You got into my head. So don’t feel fear of rejection from me. I want you more than words can describe.”

“Then show me.”

He crushes his mouth to mine before I finish my sentence. His lips move expertly against my less-experienced ones, but he’s patient, allowing me to explore his mouth leisurely.

A horn from behind us breaks us out of our lust-filled haze.

“Can I take you home? To my home?” He doesn’t move even as the honking continues.

“Yes.”

That one word changes his whole demeanor. After giving me one last kiss, he turns and starts to drive. This time, his speed is the furthest thing on my mind. Instead, I’m wondering what’s going to happen.Are we going to do more than kissing? Am I ready for sex?

I’m a ball of nervous energy. So much so that I don’t realize we’ve pulled up to his house until he opens my door to help me out.

“You okay, babe?” His gentle voice calms my nerves.

“Yeah.” I smile at him as he reaches for my hand and leads me into the foyer.

“Do you want to watch a movie in my room?” Something in my body language must concern him, because he adds quickly, “Or we could watch it down here.”

I squeeze his hand, appreciating the out but knowing I want to see his room. I want to get to know him better.

I want him.

“Your room,” I choke out.

He gives me a small smile before leading me up the set of stairs that I’ve gone up many times before. Instead of turning right at the staircase, towards Tinsley’s room, we turn left. At his door, he pauses.

“I’ve never had a girl in my room. I never really have anyone in here. I want you to know that this means something. I might not always be a great guy, and I might say stupid things, but my actions always speak louder than my words.”

I lean up and kiss him softly. “Show me your room,” I whisper.

He opens the door, flicking on the light. His room is much like him: at first glance, it seems dark and mysterious, but once I step inside and begin to look around, I see the warmth and care within. The bed is neatly made. There’s a desk in the corner with schoolbooks open as if he was studying. I expected clothes to be lying around, but the floor is spotless.

What draws my attention is a board on the wall. It’s so girly that it surprises me that he even has it in his room. Green ribbon borders it, and silver ribbons run down the board at different intervals. Pinned to this board are pictures.

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