CHAPTER 34
JESS
I’m mortified.
No, I wish to fade into the abyss and never return.
The story Tiffany spread about my delusional crush on Luke and perverted dreams have at least simmered down.
Nobody has commented except for Tiffany and her friends, who still snicker when I walk past. The rest just give me sidelong glances, thinking that I don’t see it or realize it.
Sam and Laura are flanking me, and it has helped. I need the buffer, especially now. I didn’t even want to come to this stupid
game.
But Tom asked me, which surprised me considering…
He waited for me that same afternoon outside, leaning casually against his Jeep with a massive smile plastered on his face.
Tom was handsome in a Captain America–type way, and I hated myself for not feeling the same.
But I wasn’t going to give up. I decided that I would try. Attraction can happen over time, right?
When I walked up to him he pulled me into a wrap–around hug and then asked me to come to his game on Saturday.
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So here I am – Saturday.
Laura sheepishly told me she wanted to see Josh play, and Sam, well, Sam is on a conquest to find love now that she’s. shed her shy persona.
“It’s fine. Everyone has forgotten and looked around. I don’t recognize anyone from school. You’re fine.” Laura tried her best to make me less nervous, but honestly, it wasn’t that.
“It’s fine. I’m fine. As long as I leave with you guys tonight,” I said softly. They both froze, remembering what had happened. the last time I left a football game. Sam clung to me a little harder, and Laura gave me a pitying look.
I heard a few girls behind me squirm, telling each other how cute the quarterback was. I should feel lucky Tom is interested in me, but all I feel is guilt. Because as much as I force myself to look at Tom on the field and cheer for him, my eyes keep finding Luke.
“Okay. Let’s go.” Sam pulled me to the parking lot, but Tom called me from the other side. I sucked in a breath, Sam squeezing my hand reassuringly.
“Ge get ‘em, tiger,” She whispered, and it made me laugh, settling my nerves a little.
“Hi,” I said, my voice a little pitched. Before I could freak out about how to approach him, Tom pulled me into a hug, and then
he planted his lips on mine. I was a little shocked at his public display of affection and forgot to move or breathe. He probably felt like he was kissing a corpse.
If he did, he didn’t show it. He pulled away, snuck an arm around my waist, and opened the passenger door. “Let me take you home. We can stop for a burger on the way back,” I was still too shocked to answer him, but I let him guide me into his truck.
“Actually, Tom. I need Jessica to drive me home. I banged up my shoulder pretty bad, and Josh won’t be driving either,” Luke’s voice suddenly boomed from behind me.
I froze, slowly turning to see Luke standing in the parking lot with his arms folded across his chest. He was bigger than Tom -hell, Luke was bigger than almost everyone–and personally, I wouldn’t say no if he asked me to do something.
“Hey, man. Ah… yeah. Sure. I mean. Jess?” Tom stumbled over his words and looked at me as if I had the answer. I lifted my shoulders and shrugged. “Uhm. O–okay.” I stuttered a bit, avoiding looking at Luke. I saw the disappointment on Tom’s face, and even though I shouldn’t have, considering a seething linebacker was standing right behind him, I stood on my toes and kissed Tom on his cheek.
When I dropped back on my heels, I saw the tiny muscles in Luke’s jaw ripple as he ground his teeth. This won’t be a pleasant drive home…
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