Free Livvy by Lori L. Otto Page B

says. “I like girls who know what they want, and won’t settle for less. I like creativity and individuality. I love a beautiful smile,” he says as his finger touches my lip. “I like a girl who’s spirited and determined. I like someone who’s smart and curious. Do you live up to any of those things?”
    By his definition, I’d say I’m pretty close to what he’s looking for. He drags his thumb down my bare arm. It feels nice, but it’s confusing to me, too. I feel something in me–desire, I think–and it seems too soon.
    “I think you do,” he suggests, answering for me. “Now that you know how you affect me, tell me how I affect you.” He stares at me, waiting, and eventually moves his fingers back up to my face, brushing them against my cheek. I’m sure he’s noticed my hard blushing. I like the way it feels when he touches me like that. So slow, and soft, and sensual. My pulse quickens, and I feel it everywhere.
    “It’s unexpected,” I answer him honestly. I dip my head and close my eyes, imagining it’s Jon’s hand that’s moving to the back of my neck; imagining that it’s Jon that’s pulling me toward him; imagining that it’s Jon’s mouth– “No,” I tell him, pushing him away at the feel of his lips touching the corner of mine.
    He looks around the crowd, as if he’s checking to see if anyone saw the rejection. He kicks at something on the ground before looking back up at me. “Too fast?” he asks.
    “You said you like nice girls.”
    “Some nice girls kiss on the first date.”
    “Not me,” I tell him.
    “I know. This is our second, though,” he explains endearingly.
    “It’s too fast for me,” I tell him, hoping it’s a good enough reason without having to tell him why. “Plus, this isn’t a date.”
    “Again, do I have any chance with you, Livvy?” he asks.
    “Of course you do,” I tell him. “I think you’re very attractive... and creative... and a little mysterious, and dangerous.”
    “Dangerous?”
    “Dangerous,” I confirm. Dangerous because I can see myself letting go with him, even though I barely know him and definitely don’t love him. “You make me feel sexy,” I tell him softly. “You make me want things I shouldn’t want.”
    “Says who?”
    “Me.”
    “Why shouldn’t you want to feel sexy? Why wouldn’t you want to be with someone who makes you want things? You’re an adult. Sexuality is part of who we are.”
    “It’s just too fast,” I reiterate. “I want those things. But I want it to mean something, too.”
    He looks at me skeptically. “So, from what I’m hearing, I turn you on. You’re attracted to me. You think I’m dangerous, but wait–”
    “What?”
    “Didn’t you say the other night you weren’t afraid of me?” he asks.
    I nod slowly, feeling his hand on my waist. I instinctively put mine on top of his, but I can’t tell if my instincts are to move it or keep it there. I keep it there. “That was before you...” I look away from him again.
    “Before I got you hot and bothered,” he says with a satisfied laugh. My cheeks get hot again as I look away. He tips my head back to his, though, looking intensely into my eyes. “But it sounds like I have a chance with you.”
    “You do,” I whisper. A part of me wants him to try to kiss me again, but I hear the other part screaming against that notion.
    I see Katrina’s pink hair moving toward us. Finally, I move his hand from my body, signaling to him that we’re not alone.
    “We’re not interrupting, are we?” my roommate says.
    “Not at all,” I tell her, even though they are. I don’t know if I should be annoyed or grateful.
    “Aren’t you happy we got her to stay on campus this weekend?” Rachelle asks Emmanuel.
    “It’s a nice surprise,” he answers her. “Was there a trade-off?”
    “We’re spending next Saturday in Manhattan, at Livvy’s loft.”
    “You should come!” Katrina says excitedly. “I mean... maybe–” she stops herself