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“Thanks, but you know as well as I do that second is disappointing.”

He chuckles. “True, but you get to try again in the next round at least.”

“We do.” I fiddle with the hem of my skirt. “I liked that you came to watch us,” I admit.

“Well, I came to watch you.”

“I know.” I bite my bottom lip, trying to find the words to say what I want to. “Did you mean what you said earlier?”

“Which part?”

“About not wanting to just be my friend.” I look up at him, realising that I probably look more vulnerable than I’m completely comfortable with.

But this is Jeremy. I have no reason to worry about anything. He won’t take advantage or reject me in a way that will be unnecessarily cruel.

“I meant it,” he says softly. “I know it’s not what you want...”

“It is” I blurt, not wanting him to say something that he doesn’t actually believe. “I thought I was making the right decision, but I've been more distracted thinking about not being distracted by you.”

Jeremy chuckles. “I can see how that would cause a problem.”

“So, I guess what I’m saying is would you like to go on a date with me? Or are we past that? I’m not really sure how this is supposed to go,” I ramble.

His whole face lights up as if he’s realised what I’m trying to say. “We can go wherever we want to,” he responds. “Including out with the others, if you want?”

I shake my head. “I’d rather stay in with you if that’s okay? Unless you need to do the serious second-year work they were teasing you about in the kitchen.”

“Myseriouswork was not wanting to be drinking when you came back in case you wanted to continue our talk,” he admits.

“Oh.” My heart skips a beat. “Then you’re free?”

He nods. “Are you hungry?”

“Yes. And I’m dying for a pizza. Zara told us not to eat any for the past week.”

“I could go for pizza. I can order some while you shower if you want?”

I raise an eyebrow. “Are you trying to tell me that I smell?”

Alarm flits through his eyes, meaning he probably hasn’t worked out that I’m only joking.

I reach out and place a hand on his arm. “It’s okay, I know you’re just guessing because you know what you feel like after a game.”

“I didn’t mean anything by it.”

“I know you didn’t. I thought about showering first, but I didn’t want to waste any more time than I already have.” I get to my feet and stand a little awkwardly in the middle of his room, unsure what to do with myself. “I won’t be long.” I gesture towards the door but don’t move.

He nods.

I take a deep breath and start to head over to it.

“Krissi,” he says, getting to his feet.

I turn instantly, bringing us very close together.

Jeremy reaches out and brushes a strand of hair out of my face, the touch leaving a faint tingle along my skin.

I step forward, bringing us flush with one another and wrap my arms around his neck. There’s not going to be any doubt about who startedthiskiss.