I give him a wry smile.“It’s a 3D horror movie.Not really my thing.”
Blaze chuckles softly.“Wanna get out of here with me then?We can go somewhere fun.”
I hesitate.“Where were you heading?”
“Back to my apartment.Just got back from visiting my parents.”
I nod, debating whether to take him up on his offer.His gray eyes are fixed on me with a hopeful look, and I bite my lip, glancing back at the theater.The first time I rode with Blaze was for a frat party, and while I feel like I can trust him a little, I don’t know him that well yet.
Blaze seems to pick up on my hesitation and chuckles.“Hey, it’s okay if you’re not comfortable.I can drop you off at your apartment if that’s what you want.”
“No, it’s not that,” I say quickly.“You don’t have to change your plans because of me.”
Up close, I notice a faint streak of blue in his gray eyes, and it’s mesmerizing.For a moment, I just stare, feeling my pulse quicken.There’s something in his expression—calm, maybe even a little vulnerability—that makes me want to say yes, to just take the risk
“If you’re worried, we can leave once your friends call you,” he adds.
“Okay,” I say, exhaling as I feel myself relax.
A slow, satisfied smile spreads across his face.He gestures toward his car, and I follow him, my nerves buzzing with anticipation.I can’t help but hope I won’t regret this decision.
25
Kiss Me In The Dark
Heopensthedoorfor me, waiting until I’m settled inside before he closes it and slides into the driver’s seat.The car is warm, filled with that clean, faintly spicy scent that’s unmistakably his.
“Where do you wanna go?”Blaze asks, glancing over at me.
“Uh…” I rack my brain for somewhere decent, somewhere that won’t take us too far from the movie theater so I don’t keep Landon and Nat waiting too long.“How about a pool room?”
“A pool room?”He turns to me, his face illuminated by the streetlights outside, a smirk playing on his lips.
“You play pool?”he asks, clearly amused and a little curious.
I chuckle, shrugging.“I used to.It’s been a while, though.”
“Nice.Then let’s test your skills,” he says, eyes glinting with a challenge.“We’ve got a table at home, and I’ll have you know, Cam—I’m kind of a pro.”
He smirks, throwing in a wink, and I bite my lip, looking out the window to avoid his gaze.The whole thing feels unexpectedly… intense.
“Are you blushing?”Blaze teases, his tone playful.
“What?No, absolutely not,” I say, though I can feel my cheeks heating up, and he laughs quietly, clearly not buying it.
“You know, there’s nothing wrong with blushing,” he says, still smiling.
Of course, there’s plenty wrong with it.He’s a guy.And I have no idea if he knows I’m not as straight as I look.But I let the moment stretch out anyway, pretending my pulse isn’t picking up like a warning siren.
We drive in comfortable silence, the hum of the engine and the city lights creating a calm, almost hypnotic rhythm.After a few minutes, Blaze breaks the silence.
“So, horror movies aren’t your thing.What do you like, then?”
“Honestly?I’m kind of a sucker for comedies.And, yeah, maybe a little romance,” I admit, feeling slightly embarrassed.“Nothing with jump scares.”
He chuckles.“Good to know.I’ll make sure not to suggest any thrillers.”
We pull up to a small private VIP club, the kind of place reserved for the rich, and I still can’t believe I’m here with Blaze.It’s tucked away from the busy areas, giving it an almost hidden, intimate feel.Blaze parks and gestures for me to follow him inside.
