“I pierced my nose,” I said, dropping my chin just a little as my confidence faded.“I can see that,” she said blandly. “What on earth were you thinking?”Um, I was thinking that I am an incredibly boring person, and it was about time I do something to change that.”

“If you want me to get closer, there are other ways to do it,” I said, leaving my statement open-ended. I gave him a pointed look, dropped my hand and turned away, leaving him staring after me. I started to walk toward the ice cream parlor, smiling to myself.Zack caught up with me, his arms catching me around the waist as he pulled me back against his chest. His lips met the hollow of my neck, just above my collarbone. “I’d be careful about saying things like, princess,” he said, his voice rough and urgent. “I don’t think you know what you’re insinuating.”

“I disarmed you with my smile?” I called out when he was a few feet from me, raising my eyebrows.He turned and smirked at me. “You sure did.”“You totally snaked that from a Smashing Pumpkins song,” I said, shaking my head.“The fact that you know that is incredibly sexy.”“I told you, I’m not like most girls.”

“I don’t think it’s possible for you to look any sexier right now,” he whispered in my ear. “If it weren’t for the fact that I need this job, I might be inclined to drag you back to the stockroom and have my way with you.”I spun around in his arms and looked up into the eyes I’d missed seeing. “This is nothing compared to how sexy I’ll look later,” I said, leaning back against the jukebox. “If you’re interested.”“Is that an invitation?”I shrugged. “Consider it a request. No, scratch that. Consider it a demand,” I said, as I locked eyes with him.”

“You love it, don’t you? Admit it. I got you excited about football.” He was gloating as he did a little victory dance.You got me excited about something, that’s for sure.“I love it,” I said, grinning back at him. I poked him in the stomach while he danced around like an idiot, feeling his taught stomach beneath my fingers.”

“She’s right, though. I completely stole her boyfriend, and I had no qualms about doing it. I had no remorse, as I weaseled my way in and took what I wanted. You have to admit, that’s kind of shitty.”Connor’s arm slid around me, pulling me close, and I noticed everyone was staring. We were together, and we had gone public.“First of all, you saying you took what you wanted is incredibly hot. Feel free to take it again anytime.” His voice was low, his lips close to my ear.”

“I like you too, Zack,” I said, leaning my head against his shoulder, so I could look up at him. “You’ve sort of had me . . . enamored, I guess is the right word . . . since we met.”He laughed. “You were enamored with me?”I nodded. “Yeah, I was. It’s sad, but I was completely enamored with you. I blame your eyes, and your stupid guitar playing. I’m a sucker for a guy with a guitar.”“Don’t forget my kissable lips,” he said, as he kissed my neck, trailing his lips down to my collarbone. I sighed, a long, deep, satisfied sigh.”