Chapter 74 CHAPTER SEVENTY-FOUR

Chapter 74 CHAPTER SEVENTY-FOUR
 I immediately froze, genuinely convinced I had heard him wrong.

I watched a smile appear on his face as he stared at me for a moment before walking towards me, slowly closing the distance between us.

“Hey.”

The moment he was close enough, he reached for my hand and gently pulled me towards him. “I missed you.”

I felt my already warm cheeks heat up all over again. My gaze immediately fell to the floor, my fingers curling nervously around his.

“We saw each other yesterday,” I managed to say.

“Yeah, I know,” he replied, his words coming out in between breaths. “I know it was just one night but it was a very long one for me.”

He leaned closer before I could say anything else, his lips met mine.

The kiss was soft at first, almost teasing, but it didn't stay that way for long, because the moment I felt his hand settle against my waist, I instinctively moved closer to him.

I forgot where we were and immediately kissed him back. I forgot that we were supposed to be careful and wrapped my arms around his neck, pressing my body against his. I forget everything except him, my body shamelessly admitting I’d missed him just as much as he’d missed me.

Until the sound of footsteps replaced our quiet breaths.

We immediately pulled away, my eyes widening as I turned in the direction of the entrance. Josh did the same, another sound coming from somewhere down the hallway.

“Oh my God,” I whispered, immediately stepping away from him. “What was that?”

“I don't know,” he was already reaching for my waist again. “I don't care.”

“You should though,” I pressed my hands against his chest, trying to put some distance between us even though a part of me desperately wanted to close it again. “We need to stop.”

“Why?” he groaned softly.

“Because we're going to get caught,” I tilted my head before his lips could meet mine again. “And we don't want to get caught.”

He sighed, watching me pull away and straighten my clothes. I looked away from him, biting my lip gently as I attempted to slow my breathing. My heart was still beating far too quickly, and I wasn't sure if it was because we'd almost been caught or because Josh was standing so close to me.

“Don't do that.”

“What?” I blinked at him, confused, but before I could move away, he caught my hand and pressed it against his chest as he leaned his back against the locker.

“Don't bite your lips like that.” His eyes dropped briefly to my mouth before returning to my eyes. “It's making me want to kiss you again.”

My breath caught.

I could feel the heat spreading from my cheeks all the way down my neck, and for a second, I couldn't even think of a response. I tried to pull my hand away, mostly because I needed something to do with myself, but he held onto it gently.

“Josh,” I whispered, although there wasn't nearly enough warning in my voice to convince either of us that I actually wanted him to stop.

His lips curved into a knowing smile and I immediately looked away.

“I can’t wait for these exams to be over,” he ran his hands through his hair. “I don't think anyone hates exams seasons as much as I do.”

I laughed lightly, grateful for the change in subject and then dared to take a step towards him. “Was today’s paper awful?”

“Not exactly,” he shook his head slowly. “I’m just not a fan of written exams. I’d rather be on the field showcasing my skills physically.”

“Of course,” I smiled at him. “But it’ll be over in three days.”

“I honestly can’t wait.”

I bit my lip then the moment I watched his gaze fall, took a step backwards.

“Right.” I cleared my throat, hoping he hadn't noticed how flustered he was making me. “Peter mentioned a party this weekend. Would you be there?”

“Oh,” his smile immediately faded slightly. “Caleb’s party, right?”

“Yeah?”

“I don't think I’ll be able to make it,” his smile completely vanished and I felt my excitedness deflate. “I’m sorry.”

“Why though?” I couldn’t hide my disappointment. “Peter would be there.”

He seemed to hesitate before answering. “There’s a brand Indianna influences for and they’re having a party on that same day. We’re both invited and I promised to attend already.”

“Oh,” my face fell. “I see.”

“Eva,” he immediately reached for my hand and this time I didn't pull away. “Trust me, it’s not like that.”

“You don't have to explain,” I refused to look at him.

“I want to,” he lifted my chin with his free hand, forcing me to look at him. “It’s just one of those appearances. It’s basically work. That’s all there is to it.”

I looked at him and nodded slowly, the sincerity in his eyes making it impossible for me to actually be mad at him. “I know.”

“It’s just one party, Eva,” he whispered softly, gently squeezing my fingers. “And after that, we have the whole summer break. More than enough time for me to make it up to you.”

“Make it up to me?”

“Make it up to you,” His lips curved into a smile. “Yes, I will.”

I could feel my heart thudding in my chest with his eyes fixed on me. “How?”

“Well,” he leaned closer, resting his forehead against mine. “You'll have to wait and see.”