Chapter 16 #2
Dax rests his hand on Ryan’s arm, and my tension ratchets up a few notches.
Dax would fuck around with Ryan in a minute, and Ryan’s so promiscuous, I have no doubt that given this new thing we’re discovering, they’ll hook up at some point.
I don’t know why it bothers me so much. Maybe I’m jealous about how easy it is for him, like I was when I kept catching him with girls.
Still, discovering he’s interested in guys because of my mouth doesn’t mean he owes me anything, but maybe because I’m not like him, some part of me feels like he does.
“You okay?” Gisele asks, pulling my attention from the guys.
“Did you think I was doing badly?” I ask, assuming she’s talking about the exercise.
She chuckles. “No, you just seem…off right now.”
She must’ve picked up on my discomfort with the way Dax is chatting up Ryan. Not that I have a right to be uncomfortable about that. It’s not like we’re dating. Fuck, he’s helping me figure out how to flirt with girls so I can maybe have a chance with Angie, so this whole thing is ridiculous.
“I’m fine, Gisele. As you’ve probably noticed, this is really fucking awkward, and I don’t need any help in the awkward department.”
“You’re too hard on yourself. You’re very attractive, and I think you have an adorable personality.”
“Is Ryan paying you to say this? Or is it helping you with your acting?” I’m only slightly joking because a part of me feels like that’s what this must be.
She shakes her head and steps toward me. “If you’d approached me at a party, I’d be very interested in a guy like you. And I know plenty of girls who would feel the same.”
Now my face is warm.
She sneaks a glance toward Ryan and Dax. “You know, maybe you should kiss me now. It’ll be easier without Ryan hovering over us. I think it’s making you too self-conscious.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
She laughs. “Marty, you are ridiculous if you don’t get that I’m into you. I want to kiss you.”
Not sure why that’s so hard for me to believe, especially when she can’t seem to take her eyes off me.
She creeps closer, resting her hand on my side, near the chest plate. It’s a nice sensation, and once again, I’m getting twitchy, reminding me I’m most likely bi.
As I lean toward her, I’m waiting for her to pull away or laugh in my face, but she closes her eyes in anticipation. Excitement rushes through me as I move in—before a hand against my chest is shoving me back.
“Hey, hey,” Ryan says, intervening once again.
Fuck, that was so close too.
“What the hell?” Gisele asks.
“I leave you alone for five seconds, and you’re running the scene without me?”
Dax watches us, his twisted-up expression suggesting his confusion about whatever the hell he thinks he’s witnessing. I mean, I really can’t imagine what’s going on in his head.
Ryan turns his attention back to Dax. “Sorry, we’re helping Gisele with a scene for class,” he lies, surely to get him off the scent, which I appreciate since it’d be embarrassing as fuck if he knew the truth.
Dax shrugs. “Cool, man. Catch up with you later. See you, Marts.”
He heads on his way, leaving us in this weird-ass situation, and I find myself less stressed with him gone, but also annoyed at Ryan for interrupting my moment with Gisele.
“I’m really confused right now,” Gisele tells Ryan. “I thought you wanted him to get practice.”
“Yes, that’s what we’re doing, but we don’t need to rush anything.”
“You wanted him to make out with me the last time we got together.”
Ryan flinches and stammers before explaining, “I realized I was moving things too quickly. You’re gonna make him uncomfortable.”
“I’m fine with it now,” I assure him, and he shoots me dagger-eyes. I don’t get what the issue is.
He shakes his head. “Look, we’re doing like you would in a play. I cut the kiss from the scene.”
“But both actors want it back in the scene,” she insists.
His eyes narrow as he glances between us. “Fine,” he says through his teeth. “You’re both right. I’m wrong. Let’s go for the kiss.”
“With pleasure,” Gisele says, turning her attention back to me.
I move closer, leaning in and pressing my lips against hers. I’m curious to try this out with the confidence Ryan’s given me, and as I do, I notice Gisele is much more receptive to my kisses than my ex.
But…it’s not the same as it is with Ryan. Doesn’t have the same spark, though it’s still pleasant enough.
As I pull away, Gisele smiles, and I look to my mentor for feedback. He’s got his fists clenched, and his shoulders are as tense as the time he got a pinched nerve in his neck. “How was that?” I ask him.
“It was very good,” Gisele replies.
“Yup,” Ryan says, sounding annoyed. “No issues. You did it.”
“Should we practice again?” Gisele asks.
“Nope,” he answers on my behalf. “You know, I think that was more than enough for tonight, but thank you.”
She shrugs. “Okay. I need to get up early tomorrow anyway. I’ll see you guys for the next session.”
She sets her hand on my arm, gently caressing before Ryan takes hold of my other arm and starts to pull me away. “We should definitely recap, go back through everything,” he rushes out. “Later, Gisele.”