Page 59 of Phantom Faceoff
Two slices of pizza down and Micky’s stare is almost its own entity. “What?”
He drops his chin into his open hand, green eyes analyzing me to an unnerving degree.
“Is that what this is? You’reseeinghim?”
“Oh, c’mon. You know what I mean.”
Micky laughs, short with an edge of sarcasm. “I don’t thinkyoudo, man. Answer me this: are the two of you exclusively hooking up?”
I don’t like this line of questioning. “Yes.”
“Okay. Do you hook up every time you hang out?”
“No.” Though, not entirely by choice. I would have my hands all over Malachi if he’d give me the chance.
“Do you talk—often—even when you aren’t hanging out?”
“That’s kind of how friends work!” I throw my hands up. “You know my MO. Friends with benefits until the benefits wear off, and then … eventually so does the friends part.”
The words leave an icky taste in my mouth.
“How do you feel about that? Losing out on everything that isn’t sex.”
We haven’t even had sex yet. I haven’t even seen him naked.
I know what he’s asking, and even thinking about it causes a pain in my chest.
“It’s okay to have a crush,” Micky says, patting me on the back. “Just make sure you know where he stands, too.”
Until just now, I didn’t even know where I stood.
Me having a crush on Malachi? Like genuine romantic interest?
If I suggested taking him out on a date, I’m pretty sure it would freak him the hell out. A few weeks ago I may have thought he’d murder me at the idea, but now? After spending time with him?
I think I’d be the one scaring him.
Normally, I’m jumping on Malachi the second he’s available, but now I’m standing outside The Den while he locks up for an entirely different reason.
He smiles at me over his shoulder, and it’s a genuine one. I’ve been getting more of those lately.
“Thought you were stopping by in the morning.”
A waif of cold air makes my skin feel hot. At least, that’s what I blame it on.
“Is it so strange that I wanted to see you sooner?”
He steps forward, fingers gripping my wrist and sliding up to my elbow. The gentlest tug pulls me into him, his free hand cupping my chin and his mouth descending on mine.
I open up for him right away, inviting his tongue to explore mine as if there’s any ground left to cover.
Why does kissing him feel like such a relief? When did that happen?
“Wanted to see me or wanted your reward?” he asks on a breathy exhale after pulling away.
I don’t even entertain teasing tonight. “You. We need to talk.”
“Uh oh. Bored of me already?”
