Page 22 of Plot Twist
“Thanks, Dash.” A rosy flush rushed up her neck as she twisted the pinkie ring again.
Maybe he didn’t need to keep pumping her up, but making her smile was exhilarating, and he wanted more of that, so he added, “You’re a great writer, Soph. I’m glad you’re fighting for your dreams. Not everyone does.”
She held his gaze, and he felt trapped by the rich hazel of her eyes. He really had to stop noticing how they changed color depending on what they were focused on and how gold they appeared when she looked at him: that wasn’t going to do him any favors. He didn’t so much as blink as he stared back, certain that time had slowed. It was then that he realized he really, really liked her. If this were one of his movies, the music would swell, he’d lean across the armrest, gently weave his fingers through her hair, grasp the back of her neck and move toward her lips—
Her phone pinged with a new text, which made her look away and sever their connection.
Dash blinked rapidly and shook his head. He’d had a full-on fantasy sequence going on, and if he didn’t keep his feelings in check, he’d do something neither of them could take back.
“I should go,” Sophie said, pocketing the phone. “I’ll text when we’re done?” She searched his eyes for confirmation.
He didn’t want her to leave, though. He wanted her to get back in the car so they could keep talking about nothing and everything. And, if he was being honest, he didn’t like the idea of her meeting up with some ex she could still have feelings for. So when she got out he said, “Soph?”
She turned back. “Yeah?”
There was that little canine tooth, cresting the corner of her lip and teasing him. Was it possible to find a tooth attractive? Yes, apparently, it was. He so badly wanted to pull her back in, but she wasn’t his, not even close. So he cleared his throat and simply said, “Good luck.”
She paused, as if waiting for more. And maybe he should’ve told her that something felt like it was shifting between them. He no longer saw her as just his sister’s friend, and he wanted to figure that out with her. But after a beat of silence, she just turned and headed toward the bookshop. He should’ve driven off immediately, but he found the thought of leaving her almost impossible.
SOPHIE’S TIKTOK
Ex number two
Name: High-School Sweetheart
Occupation: Sommelier
Length of relationship: Eight months
Reason for breakup:
Disagreement over who Buffy should’ve ended up with—I was Team Spike and he was Team Angel
Weeks until book two is due: 5
“Crushes are bizarre, aren’t they?” Sophie stood outside the entrance to Bart’s Books, in front of a simple wooden door with a carved sign hanging from the top, flanked by ivy vines on both sides and an overhang draped in thick green flowering strands. “In high school there were people I liked and pined after for years. Years! I would just stare at the backs of their heads, write their names in little hearts, and try to partner with them on school projects, and this was totally acceptable. But as an adult? I don’t think staring would be as welcomed.” She blinked a lot, then added, “Even if it would be fun.”
Sophie cleared her throat. “Anyway, High-School Sweetheart was my first real relationship, but we were more like friends who watchedBuffyand went to school dances together. Leave me any thoughts you have in the Comments.”
Sophie’s smile faded as she turned to look toward the store.
COMMENTS:
@lalalifebookclubTeam Spuffy over here too. I think it was his hair. Or cheekbones?
@hadeelthereaderSpike is the only hot vampire ever. Fight me on that.
@1995foreverI once had a crush on a cartoon ghost. His name was Casper. I still have a crush on him, actually.
@nostalgiahourCan I keep you?
@1995foreverWhy did I almost faint at those words?
@nostalgiahouridk, but you’re kinda cute
@1995foreveroh...you too.
@nostalgiahouroh... ??
