“Nowhere close to terrible.” My voice was all husky, and even knowing we were way too exposed, I was still tempted to haul him back for another kiss. “You should probably get inside before one of us freezes.”

“Or spontaneously combusts.”

“That is a risk.” We laughed together as he gathered his stuff.

“Drive safe. Text me?” he asked as he opened the door.

“I will.” No point in playing it cool. I would text, exactly like how I’d give him more non-terrible kisses if I got the chance. And despite everything, I hoped I did.

Chapter Eighteen

Milo

“Ready to go?” As he’d done on Wednesday night, Jasper had parked a bit down from my building, but I’d been waiting outside for him and didn’t have far to walk. “Tell me you didn’t have to stand too long in the cold.”

“It wasn’t bad.” I didn’t want to keep him waiting because he’d been nice enough offering me a ride to Professor Tuttle’s house. And okay, I also wasn’t wanting the drama from Luther and James if Jasper came up to fetch me. I wasn’t going to repeat the mistakes of high school, and I’d tell them where they could shove it if they hassled us, but I wasn’t looking forward to that conversation.

I did a fast glance around the parking lot because I also couldn’t resist the chance to lean in and give Jasper a quick kiss hello. It wasn’t a long one—no tongues tangling like the other night—but Jasper’s small, pleased smile said he appreciated the gesture. And that made me repeat it another time before settling into my seat and clicking the seat belt.

“Wow.” Jasper rubbed his mouth, cheeks still pink. “You’re definitely getting better.”

“Yeah?” I liked knowing that, and I resisted the urge to wriggle in my seat like a puppy getting praised for a new trick.

“Your improvements have been noted, but you might need more practice later.” Jasper’s voice was light as he drove toward the exit.

“I could be down with that.” I started racking my brain for ideas of where we could go park that might allow for more kissing. I’d never done the whole parking thing in high school, but I’d heard enough from the guys in the locker room to know such places existed.

“Good. But first, we’ve got to get to the professor’s.”

“Darn.” Laughing, I stretched my legs. His car was suspiciously cleaner, and I had a feeling it might have been for my benefit. “Thanks for the ride. I could have done the bus—”