I stepped off the elevator with swollen lips, weak knees, and the very disturbing realization that one kiss from Hunter Russell had somehow made me forget basic motor skills, including not smiling like an idiot in a public hallway. I pressed the back of my hand to my mouth as I walked toward my parents’ apartment, which was stupid because it only made me think about his mouth more. I was so screwed. I unlocked the door and slipped inside as quietly as possible.
Jaden was in the living room with a giant stuffed basketball shoved under one arm, telling Dad something about how he almost won a massive frog but the game was rigged. Mom was standing near the kitchen island with a takeout bag, looking beautiful and tired and way too observant for my current situation. All three of them turned when I walked in.
“Hey,” I said, aiming for casual and landing somewhere around guilty criminal.
Jaden lifted the stuffed basketball. “No dolphin.”
“Still impressive,” I said.
“It is very cool,” he agreed.
Dad looked over at me from the couch. “You eat?”
“Yes.”
Mom’s eyebrows lifted a fraction. I hated being raised by smart people.
“What did you eat?” she asked.
“Dinner at Taylor’s,” I said. “Chicken. Pasta. Vegetables.”
Dad nodded, satisfied.
Mom kept looking at me. Not satisfied. “Where’d you order from?”
My brain blanked for a millisecond. “Taylor cooked. I helped.”
Mom’s mouth twitched. “Are you feeling better at least?”
“Yes. Much better. I had a relaxing day. I slept in, stayed by the pool most of the day, and hung out with Taylor.” I pointed toward my room. “I’m going to wash my face and sleep.”
Dad’s eyes narrowed. “Why are you acting weird?”
“I’m not acting weird. This is me relaxed,” I muttered awkwardly.
Mom studied me for one more second. I held her gaze like a liar with a medical degree in progress.
Finally, she smiled. “Go rest.”
“Good night.”
I turned too quickly and almost tripped over the corner of the rug.
“Very rested,” Jaden called after me.
“Funny, I’m a klutz,” I called back.
I made it to my room, shut the door, and leaned back against it. Then I slid down until I was sitting on the floor. I touched my lips again. Still swollen and tingling. Still stupidly obsessed with Hunter Russell. My phone buzzed in my hand.
It was Hunter.
Hunter: Did you get back to the apartment okay?
Me: Yup. All good.
Hunter: Good. I’ll be thinking about that kiss.
My skin heated. It wasn’t fair.