Page 54 of Palm South University: Season 2

Adam drops my hand and I pull it into my lap, the skin still hot from his.

We pull into a gas station a few minutes later and as the girls climb out of the car and head inside, I stop Adam, holding him back.

“I agree.”

“You agree?”

I nod, though I’m not entirely sure what I’m doing. “Let’s start over.”

He smiles, one of those dazzling smiles that makes it hard to breathe. “I think it’s time for our first shot of Spring Break.” Jumping out, Adam pops open the trunk and digs around before retrieving a small bottle of Jack. “If I remember right, you like whiskey.” He winks and my cheeks heat, memories of the Fratalina Wine Mixer hitting me.

Adam rips open one of the packs of red plastic cups and pours us each a shot.

“What are we toasting to?”

He fixes his gaze on the console between us, tasting the words he’s about to speak before lifting his eyes to mine. “To a second chance — for a boy who didn’t deserve the first one.” He offers a weak, half-smile. “And to the girl sweet enough to give it to him.”

Our plastic cups click together as his eyes pin me, purpose in their gaze, and we lift the liquid to our lips. It burns on the way down, and I can’t help but think it isn’t the only thing.

“We come bearing snacks!” Skyler yells as she and Jess fly through the small gas station’s doors, multiple white plastic bags swinging from their arms. We all pile back into the car as they pass around chips, candy, and drinks. Skyler and Jess both pop open Bud Lights but I pass, the whiskey is still settling in my stomach as Adam pulls back onto US 1.

He called me sweet.

But I thinkstupidmight be the more accurate term.