Chapter 7
Seven
Christian
"That was a bullshit shot," Walker yells.
We're playing the newest basketball game, and I'm kicking his ass. "You're just mad I'm a better shot than you. On the court and virtually."
"I don't think so," he scoffs. "We only made it to district playoffs because of my three-point buzzer beater."
"Now that shot was pure luck. You were halfway down the court."
"It's skill, baby." He beams before pausing the game. "Since you can afford to put your controller down for a bit and allow me to make some points, go grab us some of the pizza."
"Or you can keep the game paused and get it yourself." I throw one of his pillows at him. "It's not like you had to work today."
"You're right, I didn't." He grins. "My job doesn't start for another two weeks. Even then, it's sitting at a computer and putting in a bunch of numbers."
"Lucky," I groan.
"At least you're inside, too. Can you imagine if you worked in the heat with your dad? Pretty sure you'd die."
"Probably."
Walker waves his controller in the air. "So, about that pizza."
"Fine," I roll my eyes. "But if you take any shots while I'm gone, I'll smother you in your sleep."
"Whatever." He waves me away. "Don't bring that nasty stuff my sister eats. I'll never understand people who put pineapple on their pizza."
Walker has his phone out when I walk out of his room. Probably replaying that three-point clip from basketball season. We should be shooting around outside instead of in a video game.
The house is dark as I make my way down the hallway, through the living room, and to the kitchen. It's a good thing I know this place like the back of my hand. Since Bianca moved out, I've spent more nights here than I can count. It's just not the same with her gone.
I feel my way along the countertop until I feel a box. The main light will shine down the other hall into Walker's parents' room. I don't want to wake them up, so I keep the lights off. I should have brought my phone for extra light.
I reach over to grab a box, but my hand brushes against something soft. Something human and it takes everything in me not to scream like a kid.
A bright light fills the small area. It takes me a few minutes to realize it's the flashlight from a phone. "Oh shit," Wren squeaks. "You are not Walker."
"Nope, not Walker." I take a few steps back and grab a box now that my eyes have adjusted to the light. "I'm just going to take this and go."
"Wait." Wren reaches out and grabs my arm. "Don't go yet. I was hoping we could talk."
Could this be my chance? The one Corey told me to take. I want to hear her out. Let her say her piece, but what if it's rejection? I don't think I could handle that. Not here in their house where I'll have to go back to Walker's room and act like I'm fine.
I take a step, and her grip tightens. "Please, Christian."
Those two words keep me from guarding my heart. I move toward the table and quietly pull out a chair. "I can't stay in here long. You know how your brother is. He'll come searching for me."
She sets the phone on the table and turns the flashlight off. "I know. I'll make it quick."
I take a deep breath, preparing myself for whatever she's about to throw at me. "Hit me."
"I like you. I've liked you for a long time, and even though I know my brother won't approve, I want to know if you like me, too. If you want to see what could happen between us."
My jaw drops. That's not what I expected. Telling me nothing could happen between us, and that I need to get over myself is what I thought she'd say. I'm not sure if I can even form words.
"Christian? Did you hear me?" She slides her hand across the table until it's covering mine. "I want to date you."
Lifting my free hand, I reach over and pinch my arm. "Ow." No, it's not a dream.
"What are you doing?"
"Making sure this conversation is really happening. I've liked you since I was a freshman. I never in my wildest dreams thought I would hear you say anything resembling the words that came out of your mouth."
"Why is it so hard to believe?"
"Have you seen me? I'm scrawny, have wild hair, and don't fit in with many people."
"Why would you want to? I always thought you acted older than you are."
"But I'm fresh out of high school. You've been out here living life these past two years. I can't compete with that kind of adventure. Besides, I still live at home."
She motions around her. "In case you didn't notice, I'm not exactly maintaining my own space lately. And stop trying to compare everything. I like you. That should be the end of the conversation."
"Okay, what will your brother say? You know how he can be."
"Let me deal with my brother."
This is it. This is my chance. She brought the choice to me without me having to do worry myself. Without me looking stupid. "Okay."
Before I can react, she's in front of me. Hands on either side of my face, pulling me toward her. Our lips meet. It's not like I've never kissed another girl, but it's different with Wren. It's perfect, and right. Like something we should have done so long ago.
I lose myself in the kiss, wrapping my fingers in her hair. She's straddling my lap and I know if I don't pull away, I won't make it back to Walker's room.
Slowly, I break the kiss. "That was everything I imagined it would be."
"Good to know."
She leans in again, but I stop her. "If I don't get back to Walker, he's going to ask questions."
"I'll see you tomorrow then," she whispers. Getting up, she grabs a small box of pizza and saunters out of the room. This is either the best or worst idea I've ever had.