Page 92 of I Don't Need Your Love

“Honestly? I was hoping you’d ask because those things look so darn good.”

With smiles, we each choose a piece and dig in. “Oh my gosh,” I moan. “This is the best chocolate I’ve ever eaten in my life.”

“I knew you’d love it.”

“Thanks. I guess you know me.”

“You bet I do.” He winks.

My stomach somersaults and my palms grow clammy.

We’re quiet for a bit, each of us enjoying a second chocolate. Then I say, “Why did you reject the Parker Twins? I mean, if you don’t mind telling me.”

“I know I won’t have fun with them.”

“Are you sure? I mean, they’re like the prettiest girls at school.”

“Maybe I don’t care about that.” After wiping his fingers on a tissue, he leans over and taps on my phone. He pulls up my account and starts scrolling through the pictures, a smile taking control of his lips. “Nowtheseare photos.”

My face and neck heat up. Most of them are with my friends, many of them with silly poses or faces. But I also posted some photos and videos of me dancing.

“Ugh,” I say as I cover the screen.

“What? You look great. And your dancing is amazing. I don’t see why anyone would scroll through the Parker twins’ feed over yours.”

“Please,” I say as I take my phone and drop it into my bag. “Why would anyone choose me over them?”

“I know a lot of people who would. For the record,” he says as he moves closer. “I think you’re way more beautiful than them, both inside and out.” His gaze drops to my lips. I find my eyes have dropped to his lips, too.

“You’re just saying that because you owe me,” I whisper.

“Owe you for what?”

“Being a jerk to me when we were kids.”

“I thought we were over that?”

“We are, but…” My breathing has gotten heavy. Is he moving closer to me? And am I moving closer to him?

“Carly, I hope you know how amazing you are,” he murmurs. “Forget the fact that you feel invisible here or like you’re second class. These kids? They don’t know what’s good in life, even if it were to knock them over the head.”

“I’m sure they do,” I say, my breathing growing even more labored when there are mere centimeters between us.

“They know nothing.”

When his lips are so close to mine that I feel his warm breath on mine, my eyes flutter shut, anticipating the feeling of his lips pressed to mine. I admit that I have imagined once or twice—okay, maybe a million—what it would be like to kiss him. I can’t believe I might actually experience it. My first kiss.

But then reality hits me over the head.

I shoot to my feet and stammer, “We should get back to practice.”

I turn my back to him so I won’t see his expression, then return to the area where we were practicing. I don’t hear him get up and follow. I bet he’s sitting there with a perplexed expression.

I have no idea why I freaked out. Okay, I know exactly why. Ryder is not the right person for me. He may be sweet to me and want to be my friend, and he’s doing all that he can for the dance team, but he’s not looking for a serious relationship. He likes having fun with girls. I can’t get wrapped up in him if we’re not looking for the same thing. Because that’ll leave me with a broken heart.

He joins me and offers me a smile. From his expression, I know he came to the same conclusion as me. The best thing for us is to be friends and nothing more. We’ve been getting along so well and have fun hanging out together, despite the bickering. Why change that?

“Ready to try again?” I ask.