Page 33 of Tasting Innocence
“Anyway, the biggest thing my dad has to offer is money, so I might as well use it. I didn’t want to be at my house, and didn’t want to invite people to someone else’s place, so I thought this would be a unique experience.”
“Definitely is.”
We finish our game of gin rummy and immediately start up another one.
“So, you’re gonna be up at South River next year,” he states.
“Yep. Finally out of high school. Thank God.”
“I’d like to say it gets better, but it’s just different.”
“That’s fine. I’m glad I’ll know you and Zo and his friends for my first year there. Then you’ll all leave but hopefully I’ll have friends by then.”
“Scarlet and Monique?” he muses.
I shake my head. “They’re moving out of state.”
“That sucks. They’ve been your friends for a long time.”
“Yeah, I know, but they’re dying to leave. I don’t mind it here in Michigan.”
“Well, I’m not going anywhere,” he says.
I glance at him. “Good.”
“You gonna come to some of the football games?”
With a fake grin, and a fist in the air, I do my best cheerleader impression. “Go Wildcats!”
He laughs. “Pretty good.”
“I try,” I say with a grin.
Dex angles his head, checking to see who’s still in the room. He lowers his voice, placing a card down. “I really wish we could be alone right now.”
Warmth blooms in my stomach. “Oh yeah?”
“Just because I’m dying to kiss you again.”
I bite on my lip, keeping my eyes on my cards so as to not look like I’m completely smitten to anyone who might glance over here. “I want to kiss you, too.”
Dex looks at his watch. “It’s almost ten. When’s too early to sneak away and pretend we’re going to sleep?”
I smirk. “I don’t know. We both can’t say we’re going to bed, but if we just disappear, people, and I mean Renzo, might come looking for us.”
“Maybe you’re still willing to have me in your room tonight?” he questions.
My eyes glance up at him, but he’s not looking at me. I pick up a card. “Maybe I am.”
“You know, just for a goodnight kiss.”
I put a card down. “Maybe a little more.”
His eyebrows shoot up, but he still doesn’t look at me. “I think I can deliver a little more.”
I giggle. “You know where to find me.”
* * *