Page 53 of The Pucking Kiss
“Bryan,” she started following me, determined not to quit. “You’re freaking me out here. What’s the matter with you?”
That was when I snapped. “Last time I checked, you were MY fake girlfriend. I’m the only one allowed to be in your life like that, and I’d appreciate it if you’d stop letting sleazy guys like Karl hit on you.”
“So… you did get jealous after all?” the corners of her mouth curved upwards into a smile.
“Maybe,” I replied, not willing to meet her gaze.
She softened at once and held my hand gently. “You know we don’t have to make this so complicated. If you really don’t want me seeing other people, you could just ask me out for real.”
I bit down on my lip. I wasn’t ready to make that commitment yet. Just the idea freaked me out.
“I…”
“Come on, Bryan,” she pressed. “You can’t have it both ways.”
“I’m not having it both ways,” I snapped, “We made an agreement, remember? You helped me out, and I help you. You need to keep your word.”
A disappointed expression clouded Romai’s features. “So it’s all about the agreement, huh?”
In my heart, I knew there was more. But I wasn’t ready to admit that just yet.
“Yep,” my expression was cold. “It’s all about the agreement.”
She was quiet for a long moment as if battling with her own thoughts. Finally, she let out a deep sigh.
“Fine,” her expression mirrored mine, “But if you really want to do this ‘agreement’ the right way, you’re going to have to take me out to prom.”
Fuck. I didn’t even remember prom was coming up.
She looked at me expectantly, crossing her arms in front of her. “Well, what are you waiting for?” her tone was laced with annoyance.
“Waiting for what?” I shot back a puzzled look.
“Prom,” she repeated. “Ask me to prom, or I’ll go with Karl.”
“Okay, Romai,” I sighed, “Will you go to prom with me?”
She didn’t look too convinced. “That’s not romantic…”
I let out a frustrated sigh. “Geez, Romai. You’re a really tough audience out here. What do you want me to do?”
She laughed at my reaction, “Just ask me out to prom, okay? But not like this… I want you to actually try. And then I’ll agree with your demands of not going out with any other guy.”
“That’s extortion,” I fought back.
“That’s the only way,” she grinned and blew me a kiss. “I have to go to class now. Don’t forget what I told you.”
As I watched her retreating figure disappear down the schoolyard, I realized she had me wrapped on her finger.
How did I get here?
“Hey man,” Jake hit me playfully on my arm as we caught up before practice. “I heard you got into quite the fight today.”
I sighed, throwing my team jersey over my shoulder. “Where’d you hear that?” my tone was laced with sarcasm.
“Are you kidding me? It’s all anyone is talking about. I heard Karl tried to steal your girl, and you made sure that everyone knows—”
I cut him off midway, “Okay, I was there. No need to recount the whole thing to me.”