Chapter 4
KENNA
“ T hat was sooo weird,” Sarah said as the café’s reflection in the rearview mirror shrank behind them.
“Yeah,” Kenna said, but her mind was elsewhere. Homework had been a lost cause after that weird encounter, which was why they were heading home instead. Cliff was flying into San Jose tonight, then renting a car to drive down and meet her.
“Did you figure out what you’re wearing?” Sarah asked, like she’d read her mind.
“Not yet.” What did you wear to meet a boy you’d only known online? She didn’t want to seem like she was trying too hard—or not trying hard enough.
They were going to Chelly’s party together, which felt safe, surrounded by her friends. After that...well, she didn’t know. Cliff had been polite enough to book a hotel room downtown, just in case. If things didn’t click, he wouldn’t have to crash on their couch. But if things did click...
Her stomach flipped. What if things went really well, and suddenly she was taking her clothes off in some hotel room?
What was the right layering strategy for that? Sexy first, with casually-confident-comfortable on top? Or sexy all the way through, just in case?
“You’re overthinking it,” Sarah said, grinning.
Kenna snorted. “You don’t know that.”
Sarah raised an eyebrow. “You’ve got the look . Like you’re running through every possible outcome and planning for each one.” She smirked. “Just wear the black dress. Problem solved.”
“The black dress says, ‘I’m trying.’”
“It says, ‘I look amazing, and you’re welcome,’” Sarah countered. “What’s wrong with that?”
Kenna stuck her tongue out at her, but her phone beeped, drawing her attention.
Her chest tightened when she saw the message:
Can’t wait to see you!
Her fingers hovered over the screen for a second before she typed back, Me too!
She stared at the words, smiling. The nerves eased, just for a moment—replaced by a flicker of hope.
Tonight?
Sexy everything.