Counting Down with You(90)

I don’t have anything to say to that. I have no idea how long I can make this work, either. I want it to last as long as possible, but I know as we keep moving forward, the riskier this becomes. If we’re together years from now, I will have to decide whether Ace is worth risking my family’s wrath. It’s inevitable.

And even though I’m terrified of that day, it’s not enough for me to give up on what we have together now.

For now, I’m willing to give this my all.

I want to believe I’m going to win in the end.

Samir and I part ways after he buys Jane Eyre and then chips in to buy me the young adult book I wanted, too. Maybe I can forgive him for being a nuisance.

I meet Ace at the aquarium and the entire time we’re in line for tickets, he playfully grumbles about how the zoo would be a better date.

His silly complaints do make me feel oddly better. I try not to think too much on why that is.

“Zoos smell,” I say, wrinkling my nose. “And these animals are in glass tanks so they can’t try to kill us.”

He sighs dramatically before resting his palm against my neck, a bright grin on his face. “I’ll stop complaining for a kiss.”

I shake my head at him. It feels like I’m in some ridiculous movie. Things like this don’t happen to girls like me. “You’re terrible,” I say but stretch onto my tiptoes to kiss him anyway. He tastes like mint chocolate ice cream and peppermint ChapStick, both of which are quickly becoming some of my favorite flavors.

When I pull away, there’s a warmth spreading through my chest, a small fire that roars with the heat of a million shooting stars. “Terrible,” I repeat and run away from him, toward the dolphin exhibit.

He laughs behind me. “Terribly infatuated with you, yes.”

We’re wandering aimlessly when I hear a familiar voice. “Can you stop being an asshole for two seconds?”

I turn around, looking for Cora, and come to an abrupt stop when I see her next to someone equally familiar.

“Is that your brother?” I ask incredulously.

“What?” Ace turns around, following my gaze. “What?”

“You read too much into everything,” Xander says to Cora dismissively. There’s a horde of students behind them, some I know, some I don’t. It must be the student council.

Now that I think back on it, Cora did send a Snapchat streak this morning that said: dealing with the white devil today,,, but I hadn’t given it much thought. It makes sense now.

“It’s classist to insist every member of student council has to pay an entry fee for a mandated trip during spring break,” Cora says darkly. “I know you’re a trust fund baby that’s never worked a day in his life, but some people aren’t that privileged.”

I glance at Ace for his reaction, but in the face of Cora’s bluntness about his socioeconomic status, he looks amazed. “I think Cora is my new best friend.”

I snort. “Get in line, buddy.”

Cora looks up at the sound of my voice and a smile breaks across her face, wiping away any lingering irritation. “Karina!”

She runs toward me and I open my arms, accepting her hug. She squeezes me tightly before pulling back, glancing at Ace. “Your brother is the worst.”

“I know,” Ace says, grinning.

Cora blinks in shock. “Are you...smiling at me?”

I steady her, trying not to laugh at her dismay. “It’s a rare sight, I know.”

Seconds later, Xander comes to stand beside Cora, his eyes flicking between me and his brother. Ace’s smile has vanished, replaced by an indifferent expression.

“Karina,” Xander says, nodding at me.

I wave awkwardly. “Xander.”

To Ace, Xander says, “I thought you had a piano lesson today, Alistair.”

“It was canceled,” Ace says, his gaze cool.

Xander clicks his tongue. “I highly doubt that. Does Dad know you’re at the aquarium instead of your lesson?”

Ace smiles thinly. “I’m sure he will soon.”

“You’re even a dickhead with your family,” Cora says, startling both of them.

I giggle and attempt to cover it with a cough. Xander is too busy staring at Cora with an appalled expression to notice.

“I think Ace and I are going to take that as our cue to leave,” I say, pushing Ace back with one hand and squeezing Cora’s hand apologetically with the other. “It was nice seeing you...both.”

Without another word, I slip my hand into Ace’s and pull us toward the jellyfish exhibit, almost running in my haste to get away.

Behind me, Ace chuckles as he follows along. When we’re safely away from them, he gives me a grateful look. “Thanks. He’s just...aggravating. I wasn’t even lying—my piano lesson really was canceled. My instructor has the flu. Not that he cares.” Ace sighs, scratching the back of his head. “I’m sure he’ll tell Dad either way.”

“And he’ll look stupid when he does,” I say, squeezing Ace’s hand. “Forget him.”

He huffs a rueful laugh, pulling me closer and leaning his chin against the top of my head. “I wish.”

I sigh, wrapping my arms around his waist. “Family, am I right?”

“Family,” Ace agrees solemnly.