Perfect for You(8)

I look over my shoulder. “Right, because that’s what you meant.”

“Actually, it is. I wouldn’t ask you to cheat on your boyfriend.”

We reach the top, and two attendants hand us our tubes. I look at Noah, trying to figure out if he’s telling the truth or not.

“Seriously, I won’t ask you to do anything you don’t want to do. Forget the bet. It’s stupid. Let’s just enjoy the ride.”

I nod. If he’s willing to drop it, then so am I. I take my seat on the tube, and Noah holds his hand out.

“Only way to make sure neither of us gets a head start is to hold hands until the count of three.”

What the hell? I take his hand. “One,” he counts. “Two. Three.” He lets go, and we both lean forward. The water takes us rushing down the mountain, over the bumps, and through the turns. I’m flying, and I forget everything that just happened. I love the feel of the air on my face and the water spraying my legs. Noah reaches the bottom first, but I don’t even care.

“That was awesome,” I say.

“Guess I won.” Noah reaches for my hand and pulls me to my feet. Our faces are inches apart. Suddenly I feel like I’m flying down Tube Mountain again. At least my heart thinks I am. “Too bad we called off the bet,” Noah says, his lips brushing my cheek.

One thing is clear. I’m in over my head.





Chapter Four


Before I know it, it’s dinnertime and we’re all standing in front of the cheesesteak place. I’ve managed to avoid making any more bets with Noah or even getting too close to him. I can’t deny the attraction between us, but I can stop myself from acting on it. I won’t hurt Ash like that. Of course as soon as I sit down, Noah slides into the seat next to me.

“Good, you’re one of the few girls who actually eats. I can’t stand the ones who order diet soda and only eat lettuce.”

“Not a fan of diet anything, but I do like salads on the side of actual food.”

“See, that’s why I like you.” He playfully bumps his shoulder into mine as he sips his drink. I can’t help wondering what “like” really means to him. I’ve been watching him with Lindsey and Emma. He jokes around with them and does have a tendency to touch their shoulders or arms, but he doesn’t look at them the same way he looks at me. It’s obvious he only thinks of them as friends. Me? I’m not so sure.

“What time do you have to be at the school tonight?” he asks, when I don’t respond to his comment.

The school! “Damn it, I’m supposed to meet Grayson. What time is it?” I reach for the watch on his wrist, turning his arm slightly so I can see what it says. His arm grazes my chest, and our eyes meet. One corner of his mouth curves up. I let go, the time not even registering in my head.

“Are you late to meet her?”

I have no clue, but I can’t tell him I was too distracted by him touching my boobs to notice the time. Crap!

“I have to call her. My cell is in the locker room.”

“I’ll walk with you.” Before I can protest, he’s on his feet. No time to argue. At least I don’t think there’s time.

I’m on the verge of power walking, and Noah grabs my arm, slowing me down. “What’s the rush? If you’re already late, you’re already late, right?”

“I promised I’d spend the day with her. If she doesn’t make varsity this year, Coach will cut her from the team. I can’t let that happen.”

Noah cocks his head to the side. “And you’ve only just thought about her now? It’s six thirty.”

Damn, damn, damn. I’m officially the worst best friend on the planet. “I have to get my phone. Now!”

He laughs. “You’re cute when you’re frazzled.”

I shake off the comment and jog toward the locker room. He starts to follow me in, but I spin around to face him. He bumps into me and our faces are only inches apart for the second time today. “What are you doing?”

“Right. Girls’ locker room. I’ll wait here.” He doesn’t move away at all. He’s testing me, trying to see how far I’ll let this go. But he stays true to his word. He’s not making a move to kiss me, even though it would only require moving about a quarter of an inch.

I step back, not breathing.

“Change your mind?” His stare couldn’t be more intense, and I’m not sure if he’s talking about calling Grayson or kissing him.

“No,” I say, answering both questions. I turn and head for my locker. I shove four quarters into the slot and pull the door open. Grabbing my phone, I see I have six text messages and three missed calls.

Grayson: Meet you in five, running a little late.

Grayson thought she was the one who was going to be late.

Grayson: Where are you?

Grayson: Did I get the time wrong? Calling you now.

Ash: Almost time. Can’t wait to see you.

My heart clenches in my chest. It’s six thirty. The Football Challenge starts at seven. I’m never going to make it. I can’t even read the rest of the texts or listen to the voicemails. I grab my clothes from the locker and put them on. I have enough money to call a cab. I’ll still be late, but I can’t miss seeing Ash play. I’ll have to make up with Grayson later. One crisis at a time.