“Jen, don’t go! You didn’t even get a turn yet.” Sadie’s voice did nothing to take away from the joy I felt. He said it was nice!

Kent’s gaze left mine as he was pulled to the stairs by Jen, “Merry Christmas, everyone.” She didn’t sound like she’d really meant it. But I felt it. The compliment from Kent was an awesome Christmas present. And the only one I received from him that year.

Chapter Seventeen

I was sitting by the window of the coffee shop, a well-worn notebook on the table in front of me, a pencil in one hand, a steaming coffee cup in my other. I was finally completely over my breakup with Nate, or so I thought anyway. I’d written enough lyrics about the pain of rejection, of not feeling good enough. It was so emo it was making me sick.

So today I was trying something different. Trying to imagine I was with Kent, living happily ever after in the alternate universe that was taking place every night in my dreams ever since that night we’d shared a couple of months ago.

The words were flowing onto the page until a soft familiar voice spoke to at my side, "This seat taken?"

I would know his voice anywhere. My heart fluttered as I looked up and smiled, "Kent." I got up and wrapped my arms around him, forgetting that I was still trying to avoid him. Remembering why I had been keeping my distance as soon as I touched him. The sparks flew into my fingers, through my body and right between my legs. I pulled back and sat down, the blush on my cheeks evidence of my arousal.

"Um...no, please. Sit,” I said. I motioned to the empty chair across from me and then quickly turned my notebook over since the lyrics I was writing were about him and his name was doodled all over the page.

"It's good to see you, Elly. You've been busy, huh?" That smile didn't move from his lips as he sat down across from me. His eyes moved to the notebook for a moment but they quickly went back to me. "How'd you do on the final?"

"Oh, um. I don't remember. I did okay, I think. Seems like so long ago. How about you? How did you do?" I sipped my coffee slowly, my attention solely on him. I wasn’t going to tell him that I was so wrapped up in what had happened between us that I failed. I was going to be retaking that class over the summer.

Kent shook his head. "Got a ninety eight. I assume you did well. At least I hope so." He grinned. "It's been a while since I've seen you. I've been busy myself. I'm not sure what's been up with Jen, but she's been,” he hesitated as he found the right word, “extra nice."