All of this talk about sex toys is making me heated, and since I don’t have any time to relieve the problem, I’d better focus. The last thing I need is to be turned on when I’m sitting in the library, proofing someone’s essay.
Me: I have to go to a tutoring session. I hope Nick leaves soon or I’ll have to face Mr. Grouchy again.
Paige: Wear something cute and flirty.
Me: Why? I’m just going to the library.
Paige: Because it’ll make you feel good. And if you feel good, you won’t give a shit that Nick’s being an asshole. Remember how awesome you felt after that makeover?
She makes a solid point. I don’t want to sit here all wound up over what Nick may or may not think about me.
Me: What’s cute and flirty? Jeans and a t-shirt?
Paige: What about that pink top with buttons? It’s casual but nice. Pair that with some dark jeans. Hair up in a messy bun, but you should swipe on some mascara and lip gloss.
Messy bun. Light makeup. Nothing crazy. I can do this.
Me: Thank you!
Paige: Please kiss him already! He’s probably grumpy because he wants you! You’re graduating soon. Make the next few weeks count.
My heart races when I think about kissing Nick. But do I really want to get involved with him when I know he doesn’t want anything serious?
I sit at the edge of my bed and consider that. Before the tree incident, I would’ve said no, but now? I’m not sure. What if it’s really fun? What if we have great sex? What if we’re really good together? I’ve never had a fling before.
I’ve always thought I couldn’t do a hookup because I’d get attached, but I don’t know that for sure since I’ve never experienced one.
Would it hurt to try?
My whole body tingles at the thought.
I’m probably jumping the gun. He likely wants someone like Cadence who looks like a pretty princess and does everything perfectly.
Realizing I’m running out of time, I run around my room and get ready. When I come out, I find Nick doing Hazel’s hair.
He’s sitting on the couch, and she’s sitting between his legs, watching a cartoon while he puts her hair in a ponytail.
“Is it okay if it’s crooked?” he asks.
“No.” Her little mouth purses.
“What if it’s the best I can do?”
She sighs. “I guess that’s okay.”
“Just teasing, gingersnap. It’s straight.” He kisses the top of her head. “There. All done.”
Holy swoon. What is it about a dad doing his daughter’s hair that’s so sexy?
I wave awkwardly. “Hey, guys.”
Nick does a double-take when he sees me. I pat my hair, worried I didn’t pull off the “cute and flirty” look Paige suggested. “What?”
“Nothing.” He frowns. “You look nice. That’s all.”
If I look nice, why does he look so pissed about it?
I push up my glasses. I didn’t want to deal with contacts and mascara today. “Thank you. Have fun at the park. I’ll be back late.”
