Page 118 of We Shouldn't Be Together
There’s that sparkle in her eyes again as she silently stares at me.
When she continues not to speak but her grin expands, I ask, “What?”
“Tabby,” she breathes. “You called me Tabby, again.”
I wink. “It’s your name, isn’t it?”
“Only my family and friends call me Tabby.”
I step in close and hook a finger around her wrist. “Can’t I be your friend?”
Her top teeth graze her supple bottom lip, and she whispers, “I hope so.”
My finger slides down to her palm, and the rest of my fingers follow suit. A soft gasp purrs out of her, and then her fingers reach for mine. In an exhilarating moment, our fingers interlace and our palms press together.
Her thumb rubs against the top of my hand. “So, what are the plans for your birthday?”
“Video games and skateboarding.” My mouth runs dry. “Why?”
The rosy pink of her cheeks soaks through her olive skin. “I dunno. I could plan something for you?”
“What, like a rager?”
She giggles, and it’s another zing to the heart. “Not unless you wanted one.”
I smirk. “I don’t want one.”
“That’s why I wouldn’t suggest one.” Her bracelet grazes against my wrist. “But, I’m serious. I could plan something fun for you and your friends that’s beyond the norm.”
“I dunno. We’re all pretty chill.”
Tabitha nudges toward the front of the department store. “The arcade is right around the corner. Do you guys ever hang out there?”
“Not on the regular.”
“At least it’s a change of scenery.”
The way the light dances in her eyes makes me want to let her plan a party of epic proportions. Anything to keep her looking this happy.
I shake my head, holding her hand tighter. “I don’t need anything planned. I just need good people around me.”
“Oh.”
I shoot my shot. “What are you doing on Sunday?”
The rose turns red and spreads over her nose. “You want to see me on your birthday?”
“I don’t just hold hands with anyone,” I joke. “Come to think of it, I’ve never done this before.”
Tabby looks down at our linked hands, and I feel her shiver.
I let out a nervous laugh. “You okay?”
“Yeah, I just…” she trails off, and a smile calms the nerves showing on her face. “I’ve wanted a moment like this for so long. I just never expected—”
When she doesn’t finish the sentence, I offer, “For it to be with someone like me?”
Her gaze lifts to meet mine, and she has trouble stifling her laugh. “Yeah.”
