thumb grazing my cheek, searing my skin with pins and needles everywhere we touched.
I didn’t know if he was going to kiss me again or hold me like this forever. I didn’t know which I wanted more.
“Good night,” he whispered, his lips softly grazing my cheek for scarcely a moment before he pulled away.
“What was that for?” I asked even though he was already walking down the steps.
He turned and looked up at me. “I’m still your kissing tutor, am I not?”
I nodded slowly, still stunned by his kiss.
“Then perhaps that was just a proper goodnight kiss.”
I swallowed. Perhaps? “I don’t know what that means,” I blurted out.
He smirked. “Then let it mean what you want it to.”
With that he turned and walked to his car.
I stood on my porch staring out at the darkness that had swallowed him whole. The street was so silent it would be easy to believe he’d never really been there at all. It was much more feasible to believe I’d imagined the whole thing, but my skin told a different story.
I reached up retracing his kiss with my fingers. My whole body still tingled from his touch and I couldn’t stop remembering how perfectly I’d fit in his arms.
I smiled, deciding it was silly to argue with fate even if it felt like my life had been taken over by a delusional fairy godmother. I’d seen enough Disney movies to know sometimes a girl just needs something magical to believe in.
So, I decided right then and there, that for the next two weeks I’d let Wyatt Nash be my reluctant hero. Though I had to admit he was growing more gallant by the day.
I’d be fine. There was no harm in enjoying a little fantasy as long as I didn’t get attached. I just needed to remember that in a few days the competition would be here, turning my life back into the proverbial pumpkin.
And if I ever needed a reminder, I knew just who to call.
I went inside, climbed up the stairs and collapsed onto my bed, pulling out my phone. It was time to stop avoiding Lola.
As expected, my best friend gave me a harsh reality check after I sent her a text catching her up on my recent developments.
Lola: You kissed him? Layne!
My phone rang immediately. Apparently, texting was no longer an efficient means of conversing when kissing was involved.
I didn’t even say Lola’s name when I picked up the phone, instead I launched into an apology. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to, it just happened. I’m the worst friend ever.”
“Stop,” Lola commanded. “First, I’m not mad. I already told you, I’m over that jerk. But he’s still a jerk, Layne. I don’t want him to hurt you, too, which is exactly what’s going to happen. This has disaster written all over it. Maybe you should find a new partner.”
“I can’t! There’s no time left. Besides it’s not like there’s a line of people who want to sing with me.”
“Did you even check with the drama club?” Lola argued.
“Lo, I know Marissa Munns is your idol, but just because one Broadway bound diva came out of our school’s drama club doesn’t mean they grow on trees. Besides, musically, Wyatt’s actually perfect for me.”
“What?” Hurt cracked Lola’s voice and I immediately regretted my words.
“I mean, he’s no Lola Rey,” I said trying to recover. “But he’s got a unique style that’s really challenging me to bring my A-game.”
“Right. Unlike me,” she said flatly.
“No, Lola. You’re an incredible singer. You make my job easy—like it should be. I wish I was doing this with you more than anything, I’m just trying to be positive about Wyatt and make this work, so I have a shot at the scholarship.”
“So, you think you have a shot with him as your partner?”
“Yeah, I do.”
Lola sighed. “Well, then I’m rooting for you. Just promise you’ll be careful.”
“I will,” I said for what felt like the millionth time. Geez, how little did everyone think of me? “I’m not naïve. I know Wyatt is just doing his mom a favor. We’re strictly partners.”
“Partners who kiss?” she challenged.
“That was one time and just to help me figure out my lyrics.”
I could practically here Lola rolling her eyes. Thankfully I hadn’t mentioned our goodnight kiss or I’d never hear the end of it.
“All I’m saying,” Lola cautioned, “Is you have a tendency to put your heart into your music. That’s what makes it so good. But in this case, it’s