Page 35 of The Masks We Burn
“Will do,” I lie, hanging up quickly as I rush to my bedroom.
Why I’m even partially nervous is beyond me, but the butterflies flutter rampant when I look in the mirror. I run the brush through my hair before strategically putting it up in the perfect messy bun and tug down some strays to frame my face. A hasty layer of mascara and swipe of lip balm is all it takes before I’m satisfied with my lazy look.
I change out my two-piece pajama set for an oversized cut up bleached shirt and cotton shorts, before climbing back on the couch. It isn’t until my episode ofHunter X Hunteris rolling the credits that my apprehension ebbs away, making room for irritation. What the hell takes so damn long to grab your computer and walk across twenty yards of grass?
I push play on the next episode and roll over the side of the couch, aiming for the kitchen to grab another muffin, when two knocks on the door scare the living shit out of me. My heart beats into my ribcage so violently, I press a hand to my chest to keep the damn thing inside.
A quick look through the peephole confirms it’s him, and I open the door. Even though it’s literally forty degrees outside, William has on a tight white Henley, rolled up at the sleeves, leaving the butterflies on his arm on full display, while a pair of dark joggers do nothing to keep his imprint hidden.
“What took you so long?” I bite, my teeth clenched as I force my eyes to stay locked on his.
A scowl is planted on my face, but my libido is wide awake. It’s as if the very sight of him brought her out of dormancy.
Damn, I’m glad that rose toy came in the mail.
As always, William only grins, and sidesteps me to come in. “Didn’t know you were waitin’ on me, sugar, or else I’d have moved a little quicker.”
I narrow my eyes as I shut the door and return to the couch, flopping down in an annoyed huff. “I wasn’twaitingon you.”
He gazes at my muffins before somehow grabbing two while holding his laptop and meeting me in the living room. He tosses one my way before taking a seat in Remy’s oversized reading chair. “Good catch.”
“Don’t throw my sweets,” I deadpan.
“Or what?” Will leans forward, the smirk permanently etched on his smug face. It makes my skin boil.
Arrogant asshole. “There doesn’t have to be an ‘or else’ for you to have some manners.”
This makes the smile disappear and his eyes widen as though he just realized what he’s done. “You’re right. I’m sorry about that.”
“Whatever,” I say, ignoring the light sting of guilt winding through me for making him obviously feel like shit. It was just a muffin. “Anyway, did you have any ideas?”
He clears his throat, setting his uneaten treat on the coffee table and opens his computer. “Yeah, a couple of things.”
I peel the paper back on the muffin and take a bite. They’re still a little warm, and the comforting taste does something to calm my nerves a bit. “Like what?”
“I decided to meet your ideas in the middle, doing a combination of outside and indoor activities.”
“You still want to sleep in tents?”
“Yeah, that one is nonnegotiable. Besides, they aren’t the little ones you just string up and hope for the best. They’re luxury tents that all connect to one long hall. Don’t worry, though, you’ll have about twelve feet between your neighbors’ tents.”
He shoots me a wink and I roll my eyes. “I’m more worried about if we’re going to freeze.”
“Insulated. Besides, it’ll be warmer during spring break,” he says, gazing at a manga I have sitting on the table. His eyes stay trained on it for a few seconds before looking back at his computer. “I’ve heard of that one. It’s pretty fucked up if I remember right.”
Shrugging, I take the last bite of my muffin. “I wouldn’t know. I went to buy them all, but turns out volumes three and five are impossible to find, so I don’t want to be invested in something I can’t read completely.”
It still pisses me off when I think about the outrageous pricesDeadman Wonderlandgoes for on eBay. Like, why do people feel the need to price gouge is fucking beyond me, and it sucks that no local bookstores have more than a shelf or two of manga.
When I glance back at Will, he’s already focused on me. His face is void of anything readable but the pull from the other night is in full effect. My pulse hums under his heavy stare, and for once I wish I could just say fuck it and climb his ass like a squirrel.
“Something on your mind?”
He nods, his eyes flashing to my lips. When he looks back at me, he tilts his head, a challenge playing in his gaze. But even that couldn’t prepare me for what he says. “I want to kiss you again.”
My own eyes widen while my legs squeeze shut. “What?”
I half expect him to laugh or say he’s just joking, but then his eyebrows tic and he grows more serious. “It’s all I’ve thought about since that night and part of me wonders if it would feel as… addicting as the first time.”
