Текст книги "Our Little Secret"

Автор книги: Ashelyn Drake

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Chapter Seven

“Does that make sense to you?” Toby asks, but I’m so lost in his blue eyes that I’m not processing anything.

“Um, sort of?”

He laughs and puts the book aside, leaning back against his headboard. “Let’s take a break. You deserve it.”

No, I don’t. I haven’t been paying attention at all. “How come you didn’t mention us studying tonight to me? You only told Tori.”

He shrugs. “I figured it was a regular thing.”

Makes sense. “Did Tori ask where you were earlier?”

“Nah. She never cares where I go.”

“Okay. Good.”

“You worried?” He turns on his side, and he’s so close I can barely breathe. My heart pounds inside my chest, and I’m suddenly worried that my minty gum has lost its flavor.

“A little, after what you told me about Allison.”

“We don’t have to hang out anymore if you think it’s a bad idea.”

“No,” I answer way too quickly.

He laughs. “Good.”

“You always do that.”

“Do what?” He shifts closer to me. God, he smells good. A combination of mint and shampoo.

“You’re…” Why am I such a chicken? I should just say it and get it out there. Then I’d know how he feels.

“Flirting with you.” He smiles.

Holy crap! I swallow and look up at the ceiling.

“Sorry. I’ve been told I’m a flirt.”

So he does this with everyone? That would put me back where I was twenty seconds ago. “How’s that girl you were telling me about?”

“What girl?”

“The one you said you liked. The one who’s standing in Meredith’s way.”

He laughs. “There’s a lot more than a girl standing in Meredith’s way.”

That doesn’t answer my question at all. I’m about to burst. Just tell me who you like and put me out of my misery already! “But there is a girl.”

“Yeah.”

“Then why would you admit to flirting with me? Wouldn’t she mind?”

“I’m trying to figure that out.” He sits up slightly and tilts my chin toward him with his finger. I forget how to breathe. His lips are so close to mine, and his eyes are slowly going back and forth between mine and my mouth. Oh God! Is he going to kiss me?

He leans closer, but I’m frozen in place. I want to kiss him. It’s all I want to do, but my stupid body is betraying me. I can’t move!

“Is this okay?” He’s not even an inch away, and his bottom lip brushes mine.

I’m screaming on the inside, but if I kiss him, I’ll be choosing him over Tori. Trading my best friend in for the guy I’ve been wanting for years. Can I do that? Is that the person I’ve become?

“Becca?” He pulls back slightly, studying my face.

“Yeah?” I manage to squeak out.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have tried to kiss you.”

“It’s okay. It’s just that Tori’s not going to like this,” I say and immediately want to smack my forehead. Why did I bring up Tori? I blew my chance to kiss Toby.

“I know.” He sits up, and it’s all I can do not to grab him and pull his lips to mine.

“I don’t really know what to do here.” If I could split myself in two and have both Tori and Toby, I would.

“I put you in a bad spot. It’s totally on me. Don’t worry about it.”

But it’s all I can think about. Toby actually likes me. Me. “It’s not all you.”

He looks into my eyes and I swallow hard. Understanding washes over his face. “You wanted to kiss me, but you’re afraid you’ll lose Tori if you do.”

I nod because I don’t think I can bear to say the words.

“You’re a good friend, Becca. Tori’s lucky to have you.”

“If I was such a good friend, I wouldn’t have put myself in this situation.”

He cocks his head and leans closer to me. His scent fills my head, and it’s so intoxicating. “Forget about Tori for a minute. What do you want?” He reaches forward and brushes his thumb across my bottom lip. My lips part in response, and I lean into him. I know exactly what I want. Him.

His eyes lock on mine as he slowly inches toward my mouth. I know he’s giving me a chance to say no, but I’m not strong enough to stop him twice. His lips press against mine, so lightly. I want to devour him, but I’ve never been kissed like this before. It’s soft, yet passionate. Better than any kiss I’ve ever had. I don’t want it to end, but he pulls back and looks into my eyes again. He doesn’t say a word, just studies my face, waiting for my reaction.

“That was amazing.”

He smiles, but it quickly fades. “But it can’t happen again, right?”

No. It has to happen again. Right now. Please! “I didn’t say that.”

He slides closer to me. “You had no idea I was talking about you, did you?”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re the girl, Becca. You’re the one I like.”

My mind’s been in such a cloud that I didn’t put it together. I have to be dreaming. Stuff like this doesn’t happen to me. Toby is supposed to be with Meredith. Not me.

“I’ll take your silence to mean I’m right.” He reaches for my hand, our fingertips brushing against each other.

A loud knock on the door makes me jerk my hand away. Tori bursts in. “How long do you plan on torturing Becca tonight?”

Torture? This is anything but.

“She’s all yours,” Toby says. He gets up and walks over to his desk to feed Elvis, as if nothing happened. I, on the other hand, fumble with my books, totally missing my bag when I try to put them away.

Tori laughs. “Man, Becca, you are so weird lately. Totally spastic.”

Toby turns and smiles at me. Luckily Tori has her back to him so she can’t see.

“Thanks, Toby,” I say and walk out of the room before my face can get any redder.

Tori shuts her bedroom door behind us. “I thought he was going to make you study all night. Sorry he’s such a demanding prick sometimes.”

“He’s not.” I whip around to face her. “He’s really helping me.”

“Um, okay.” She shakes her head and narrows her eyes at me. “That time of the month, Becca? You don’t need to bite my head off. I’m not the one who made you study for two hours.”

Two hours? That’s how long it was? The time always goes by so fast when I’m with Toby. “Sorry.”

“Whatever.” She waves it off, over it already. “I was thinking you should just stay over. We don’t have school tomorrow.”

I’ve totally lost track of the days. It’s Friday. Toby gave up a Friday afternoon and evening to be with me. He really does like me. The kiss wasn’t a fluke. “Um, I don’t have any of my stuff.”

“I should’ve told you to bring it. I was just so pissed that Toby insisted on ruining your Friday night.”

“He didn’t.” I really need to watch how much I defend him in front of Tori.

“Yeah, he said it was your idea, but I know how he is. He has a way of suggesting something and then making it seem like you really came up with it.”

“He just knows I’ve been struggling in trig. It’s really nice of him to help me like this.”

“Whatever. I’m going to pick out some movies for us and make some popcorn. Raid my pajama drawer and find something to wear.” She points to her bottom dresser drawer, as if I don’t know where everything is in her room, and leaves.

My heart is still racing, but I take a few deep breaths and find a pair of pajamas I bought for Tori. They still have the tags on them. Somehow it doesn’t feel right to be the first person to wear them, even though I suspect she’ll never take the tags off. I opt for a cute blue tank top and matching pants. It’s always hot in the Michaels’ house, so I’ll be fine in a tank. I bring them to the bathroom in the hall and get changed. I pull my hair back into a loose ponytail and carry my clothes out.

Toby walks out of his room and eyes me. “Spending the night?”

“Um, yeah. Hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all.” He walks by me, brushing against my side. “I can’t wait to see what you look like in the morning.”

I’ve slept over plenty of times, but things are different now. The kiss changed everything between us, and I suddenly feel like this is the first time I’ll wake up under the same roof as him. I turn to face him and flirt right back. “It’s not a pretty sight.”

“I doubt that.” He smiles.

“Would you leave Becca alone?” I jump. Tori’s at the top of the stairs, holding a big bowl of popcorn in one hand and a stack of movies in the other. “Go harass your own friends.”

Toby steps back into the bathroom and out of Tori’s view. He wags his eyebrows at me before closing the door.

“Sorry about him.” Tori heads to her room, and I follow.

“He wasn’t bothering me. We ran into each other in the hall.”

“Sometimes I wish I were an only child like you.”

“I’m glad you’re not.” It slips out, and I immediately freeze.

“Why?” She whirls around on me, nearly spilling the popcorn.

“It’s boring being an only child.” I rush over to my bag and put my clothes inside it to avoid looking at her.

“Yeah, but I bet it’s peaceful.” She puts the popcorn on the bed and brings the movies over to the TV on her dresser. “Horror or romance?”

I don’t want to be dreaming about Toby while I’m under the same roof as him and Tori, so romance is definitely out. “Horror.”

“I was hoping you’d say that.” She puts the movie in and sits down on the bed. “Are you going to watch while standing? Come sit.”

“I have to text my mom and tell her I’m staying over first.”

“You’re such a good little girl, Becca Daniels,” Tori says like she’s talking to a five-year-old.

I roll my eyes at her. “Another downside to being an only child. I’m the only one my parents have to worry about and check up on.”

“Point taken.” She shoves a handful of popcorn into her mouth.

Toby shows up in the doorway, holding his cell. “Hey, got an idea.”

“That’s nice. Now go away. We’re watching a movie.” Tori shoves more popcorn into her mouth.

I elbow her and give her a “be nice” look. She just rolls her eyes.

“Okay, if you don’t want me to invite Ryder over so the four of us can watch a movie, that’s fine.” He starts to walk away, but Tori is already out of bed and lunging at him.

“Wait!” she says around the mouthful of popcorn.

“Attractive, sis.”

“Shut up, loser.”

“Hey, be nice or I’m not calling Ryder.”

The four of us watching a movie. Like a double date. What is he thinking?

“Dear, sweet brother.” Tori pats Toby’s arms. “You know I was only teasing.”

“Yeah, right. So should I call him?”

“Duh!”

She really can’t be nice to him for more than two seconds.

Toby leans toward her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t catch that. What did you say?”

Tori grits her teeth. “Yes, please.”

He pats her head, and I can tell she wants to take a swing at him but he hasn’t called Ryder yet. I walk over to her and pull her back toward the bed. “Easy, girl.”

“I have to change and brush my teeth and fix my hair!” She pushes me out of the room with Toby and shuts the door.

“Well, that’s interesting,” Toby says.

“What?”

“She practically threw you into my arms.”

Oh, I wish. I smile and rock on my feet, not sure what to do with myself. “Don’t you have to call Ryder?”

“He’s already on his way.”

I laugh. “You knew she’d say yes.”

“Of course. She’s my twin.”

“So what’s this all about?”

He pulls me down the hall and into his room. My heart hammers, wondering if he’s going to kiss me again. “I don’t want Tori to hear us.”

“Oh.” My whole body deflates.

“I thought if we all hang out, she’d open up to the idea of you and me hanging out.”

Makes sense. I nod.

“What’s wrong?” he asks.

“Nothing. It’s a good plan.”

“Glad you think so.” He smiles and steps toward me. “Can I just say one thing?”

Uh-oh. “Sure.”

“The next time you stay over, make sure you bring your own pajamas. It’s so weird looking at you in my sister’s clothing.”

I laugh. “Got it.”

Guess that means no stolen kisses tonight.

Chapter Eight

Ryder is a total popcorn hog, but Tori doesn’t seem to care. She’s staring at him like a lovesick puppy. Luckily, that means she hasn’t even acknowledged Toby and me. He managed to get himself a spot next to me at the head of the bed, while Ryder and Tori sit on the pillows on the floor. It really does feel like we’re on a double date, only Toby hasn’t even tried to touch me. I sneak glances at him, but he’s totally into the movie.

“Oh man, we’re out of popcorn,” Ryder says, holding up the empty bowl.

Tori hits pause on the movie and grabs Ryder’s arm. “Come on. You can help me make more.” There is nothing subtle about the look in her eye or the way she’s rubbing his arm. The girl has no shame. I kind of envy her for that.

“Be right back,” Ryder says, wagging his eyebrows at Toby.

“Does that bother you?” I motion to them as they head downstairs. “Your best friend with your sister?”

“Should it?” He cocks his head at me, and I get what he’s saying. I’m Tori’s best friend and he’s her brother.

“Is that why you did this? Do you think setting them up will make it easier for—?” I stop, realizing I just implied he and I are trying to get together. We’ve only kissed once. How could I jump to that conclusion so quickly?

He smiles. “You need to relax, Becca.”

No chance of that. “Sorry, I didn’t mean—” He reaches for my hand, and I shut up.

“I’m not going to lie to you. I have no idea if this is going to work. I’m just trying to find ways around Tori getting mad at you.”

I nod. No girl wants to hear the words “I have no idea if this is going to work” from the guy she wants to date.

He squeezes my hand. “I want it to work though, and I’ll keep trying until I find something that does.”

Much better. I catch myself staring at his lips, wanting to feel them against mine. But can I really go there again before we figure out what to do about Tori? I look away. “So, do you like the movie?”

“It’s a little predictable. I mean, killer moves to town, people show up missing, and then bodies are found. Everyone but the main character is chopped to little pieces. Been there, done that.”

“Oh? You’ve done that?” I laugh.

“Well, no, I haven’t done that. You know what I mean.” He bumps his shoulder into mine.

“What the hell?” Tori comes back into the room, holding a full bowl of popcorn.

Toby discreetly removes his hand from mine. “Where’s Ryder? Did you scare him off?”

She glares at him. “He’s in the bathroom, genius.” She looks at me. “Is he bothering you?”

“No. We were just talking.”

“Why?” she asks, as if it’s the craziest thing in the world.

“Did you expect us to sit here and stare at the walls until you two got back?” Toby asks. “I mean, it’s not like we were groping each other, which I’m guessing I can’t say the same for you and Ryder.”

She pats her hair down. “That’s none of your business.”

Oh my God! She hooked up with Ryder already. I give her a knowing smile, and she winks at me. It’s a little disturbing that she and Toby both do the whole winking thing, but I shrug it off.

After Ryder returns, we finish the movie and say goodnight. Tori insists on walking Ryder to the door, most likely to steal another kiss. Toby lingers in her room, his hands in his pockets. “So, I guess I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Yeah.” Will there be a goodnight kiss for us?

He turns and walks out of the room, and my heart sinks.

***

I wake up to the smell of pancakes and bacon. Tori is still out cold, probably dreaming of Ryder, so I slip out of bed. I use the brush I always carry in my bag to tame my hair, and then I head to the bathroom. Luckily Tori’s mom has an extra toothbrush for me to use, so I brush my teeth, take one more look in the mirror to make sure I’m presentable, and head to the kitchen.

Mr. and Mrs. Michaels are seated at the dining room table, already eating.

“Good morning, Becca,” Mrs. Michaels says.

Mr. Michaels looks up from his paper and nods.

“Good morning. The food smells great.”

“Sit down. Toby made enough to feed an army.”

“Toby?” I sit down next to Mrs. Michaels and put my napkin in my lap.

“He’s our little chef.” She beams with pride.

“Who are you calling little?” Toby walks in, wearing an apron and holding a plate of pancakes.

“Nice apron.” I can’t help myself.

“You be quiet. Mom bought it for me.” He smiles as he puts the plate in front of me. “Like pancakes?”

“Who doesn’t?”

He sits next to me and pours me a glass of orange juice.

“Thanks.”

“It’s so nice to see we’re raising a gentleman,” Mrs. Michaels says, giving Toby a wink. Apparently winking is a family thing.

“Thanks again for letting me stay over last night, Mr. and Mrs. Michaels.”

“You’re welcome any time. I haven’t seen Toby and Tori watch a movie together in ages. It was a nice surprise, so thank you for that.”

“Oh, well, it was Toby’s idea.” I take a sip of my orange juice.

Mrs. Michaels leans closer to me. “He’s the well-mannered twin.”

“Yup, and I’m the devil twin,” Tori says, coming up behind us.

“No, sweetie. You’re just a little rough around the edges, but we love you just the same.”

I love how weird this family is. My parents are great, but they’re pretty much typical parents. They worry. They work. And they do everything for me. Weird is actually really refreshing.

“What’s got you so happy this morning?” Tori asks Toby as she sits down across from me.

Toby raises his glass and eyes me around it. “Nothing. Just felt like making pancakes.”

“And bacon.” Tori takes a heaping forkful of bacon and drops it onto her plate. The girl can eat like no one I’ve ever met, and she doesn’t gain an ounce. If I didn’t love her, I’d hate her for that.

“So”—Mr. Michaels puts the paper down—“what’s everyone up to today?”

“I was planning to go shopping,” Tori says, going back for another forkful of bacon.

“How much is on your credit card already?” Mr. Michaels asks.

Tori rolls her eyes. “I’ve got it under control, Dad.”

“I’ll keep an eye on her, Mr. Michaels. I have to return a top I bought but didn’t like.”

His brow wrinkles. “Why did you buy it if you didn’t like it?”

“Tori made her buy it,” Toby says.

“Excuse me, but she happens to look amazing in that shirt.” Tori points her fork at me. “You are so not returning it.”

“Don’t tell her what to do,” Toby says.

Okay, maybe being an only child isn’t so bad. “Tori didn’t make me buy the shirt. I thought I wanted a change, but I—”

“Changed your mind?” Toby asks.

“Exactly. That’s all.” I look at Tori. “I’m returning the shirt.”

“Suit yourself, but I think you’re making a huge mistake.”

“How can returning a shirt be a huge mistake?” Toby asks.

I force my pancakes down as quickly as I can and stand up. “Well, I have to get going. Thanks again for having me and for the pancakes.”

“Anytime, dear,” Mrs. Michaels says.

“I’ll walk you out.” Tori gets up, but I hold a hand out to stop her.

“Finish eating. I think I can find my way out.”

She shrugs and sits back down.

I clear my plate and head upstairs to change and get my bag. This time I change in Tori’s room, folding her pajamas and leaving them on her desk chair. I grab my bag and open the door. Toby comes up the stairs and motions for me to follow him to his room. I don’t get my hopes up.

He shuts the door behind us and turns to me. “Sorry about that. Guess my plan didn’t work as well as I hoped it would.”

“Don’t worry about it. Tori’s not a morning person.”

“I was going to say she’s a cranky bitch in the morning, but we can go with ‘not a morning person.’”

“Wow, you guys are worse than usual lately. I’ve never seen you fight this much.”

“You caught us on a bad decade.” He smiles.

“So you two haven’t been close since you were seven?” I think back to what they were like at that age. I’m pretty sure they fought over little things like toys and who got control of the TV remote—typical kid stuff. Nothing like this though. What happened to them, and how didn’t I realize it had gotten this bad?

He pauses like he’s thinking about it and then nods. “Sounds about right.”

“That’s awful.”

“There’s always next decade.”

“Stop making jokes. I seriously don’t want to cause any fights between you two. You said you’re worried about my friendship with Tori, but I’m worried about your relationship with her too.”

“Trust me, if Tori and I don’t get along, you’re the last reason on a long list.”

I shake my head. “That’s just terrible.”

“Hey, she’s my sister and I love her. Don’t tell her that though, okay?”

“Maybe she’ll be nicer to you if you do tell her that.”

He raises an eyebrow. “Have you met Tori?”

I laugh. Nothing sways Tori’s opinion once it’s set. Another reason why being with him is impossible. No matter how incredible that kiss was. “Maybe this is a bad idea.”

He steps closer and tilts his head to the side. “What is?”

I motion between us. “I don’t know what’s going on, but it’s already wickedly complicated. Secret bowling outings, group dates, and tutoring sessions that end with…” My heartbeat drowns out any sound in the room.

He reaches for my face, cupping it in his hands and pulling me closer. One hand drops to my waist, brushing the tiny bit of bare skin peeking out from under my shirt. Tingles shoot through me as his face dips toward mine. My chest rises and falls with the pounding of my heart. Will every kiss with him be this intense? God, I hope so. His lips find mine. It starts out soft, like the kiss last night, but then his lips part and he deepens the kiss. My fingers weave through his messy hair, pulling him closer to me. I don’t want this to end. Please don’t let this end.

Someone knocks on the door, and we pull apart in panic. He motions for me to get behind the door, so I’ll be out of sight when he opens it. I hold my breath, praying it’s not Tori, but knowing it is. It has to be.

“What do you want?” Toby asks. Yeah, definitely Tori.

“Have you seen Becca?”

“No. She must have left.”

“Her car’s in the driveway, and no one saw her come downstairs.”

“No idea. Have you checked the bathroom?”

“The door’s open.”

“Sorry. Don’t know.” He shuts the door and I exhale.

“What am I going to do?” I whisper. “I can’t explain this—where I’ve been.” I’m in full panic mode.

“Calm down.” His fingertips brush against my cheek. “We’ll figure something out.”

“What? This is too risky. She’s going to find out and hate us both.”

His eyes meet mine. “Are you saying that kiss wasn’t worth the risk?”

Of course it was. “That kiss was amazing.”

“I agree.”

“Great. But that still leaves one question.”

“What?”

“How the hell do I get out of your room?”