"No, stay here," I tell him. "I'll be fine."
"You sure?" He gives my hand a squeeze and looks at me with concern.
"Yeah. I'm good."
He lets go of my hand and Stella and I walk off.
She loops her arm around mine. "Oh my God, Luna."
"What?"
"That guy is sooo into you."
"You think?"
She stops. "You really don't know this? Or you choosing not to believe it?"
"I believe it. I know he likes me but...."
"But you think he won't if he finds out about your eyes."
I pull on her to keep walking but she doesn't move.
"Listen to me, Luna. You're worrying about stuff that may never happen, or won't happen for at least twenty years, maybe more."
"Or it could happen tomorrow. That's the thing. Nobody knows."
"Which is another reason to stop wasting time worrying about it and just enjoy your life. You've found a guy who's completely crazy about you. You thought he'd lose interest in you once he heard what people call you, but guess what? He hasn't. You were wrong, and I have a feeling you're wrong about how he'd react if you told him about your eyes."
"I don't want to find out. He doesn't need to know."
"What did you tell him about tonight? About why you didn't want to go?"
"I told him I'm afraid of the dark."
She bursts out laughing. "Are you serious?"
"I didn't know what else to tell him. It just came out."
"And what did he say?"
"He was really nice about it. He said he understood and that we could get flashlights but then we forgot to buy them. But he said he'd keep hold of my hand all night and wouldn't leave my side."
"He really said that? This guy's too good to be true. If you screw this up, Luna, I..." She shakes her head.
"What?"
"Nothing. I just...I wish I could stop you from doing what I think you'll do, because you two have the start of something good and I'd hate to see you lose it."
"What do you think I'm going to do?"
"Get afraid and tell him to get lost."
"We're on a first date. I think it's a little early to be making predictions."
"I know you, Luna, and I know you end things when you think they won't work out. You're already saying this thing with Wes won't last before you've given it a chance."
"I'm giving it a chance right now. I'm on a date with him."
"Yeah, but how long will it last before you tell him to go date someone else?"
"I wouldn't tell him to go date someone else. If that's what he wants to do, that's up to him. But if it's not working between us—"
"See? You're already planning for the end, before it's even started."
"I'm not—okay, fine, maybe I could try to be more positive."
"Finally!" She sighs and starts walking again. "You're exhausting sometimes."
I laugh. "I'm sorry."
"Look!" I hear a guy yell. "Tuna showed up at a party!"
"Fuck off!" Stella yells as we continue walking.
"Who was it?" I ask.
"Dan. He's such an idiot."
Dan's on the hockey team and Stella swears he's been hit in the head so many times during games that his brain no longer works. It's her attempt to explain why he's always making stupid jokes about me.
We grab some cans of pop from the giant tub of ice and head back to the guys.
"You think he'll kiss you tonight?" Stella asks.
"I don't know. Maybe."
"If he tries, will you let him?"
"Yeah. Why wouldn't I?"
"I thought you might freak out and push him away. You're a little out of practice."
"Hey! I'm not that out of practice."
She stops and turns to me. "When we get back over there, tell him you want to walk around a little, just the two of you, then see if he tries to kiss you."
"He's not going to kiss me out here, in front of everyone."
"Yeah, I guess you're right. Maybe he'll do it later, in the car, before he drops you off at your house."
"I hope not. Car kisses are never good, especially for a first kiss. There's too much stuff between the seats. Oh, by the way, you should see his car."
"He has a car? Then why was he taking the bus?"
"His dad used his car last week. Anyway, he has an Audi TT coupe."
"Luna, you know I don't know anything about cars."
"It's a really nice car. Sporty. Goes fast. He offered to let me drive it but of course I said no."
"You should've driven it. The doctor said you could drive. Your parents are just being overly cautious."
"I don't have a license."
"Oh. That's true." She looks over at Sam. "We should get back to the guys."
When we get there, Wes stands up. "I'm getting tired of sitting. You want to walk around?"
Stella winks at me.
"Sure," I say.
"Where do you want to go?" Sam asks, getting up.
Stella pushes him back down. "We're staying here."
"Why?"
She sits on his lap and kisses him. "So we can do this."
He smiles. "Okay."
Wes takes my hand as we walk through the open field. I have the glow stick but can't see much so I make sure to step carefully so I don't trip.
"I like your friends," he says.
"Yeah, they're great. And they're a great couple. I'm sure they'll get married some day. They're already talking about it."
"Really?"
"They kind of have to. Sam graduates in the spring so they need to figure out what they're going to do."
"Is Sam going to college?"
"He's not sure yet. He's going to get a job after he graduates and figure stuff out from there."
"Ali, wait!" a girl in front of us yells. She runs after some girl, laughing and stumbling like she's drunk.
"Let's go over here." Wes leads me the other direction, away from all the people. "You okay?" he asks, as he continues toward a large tree at the edge of the field.
"Yeah, but where are we going?"
"I just wanted to get away from the music. It's so loud I can't hear."
I'm wondering if that's the only reason or if he's taking me out here so we can be alone.
I'm hoping it's that. I want us to be alone. So that he'll kiss me. It's all I've been able to think about since I met him. What it'd be like to kiss him. Maybe now I'll find out.
Chapter Eleven
We stop when we reach the tree. Wes leans his back against it, keeping hold of my hand as he pulls me in front of him.
"I haven't seen Colton tonight," he says. "Have you?"'
"No. But he's probably looking for you."
"Why would he be looking for me?"
"He wants to set you up with some girl he knows."
"What girl? What are you talking about?"
"He talked to me at lunch and told me he knew this girl he thought you would like. She goes to a different school. She's supposed to be here tonight."
His brows furrow. "I don't get it. Why would he tell you that? That's kind of an asshole move given that—"
"I told him we weren't dating. He asked, and I said we're just friends."
"Why would you tell him that?"
"Because...I don't know. I guess I wasn't sure."
"I asked you out on a date. I made it clear that's what tonight was."
"I know but I wasn't sure if it'd go anywhere. One date doesn't mean we're going out. It could end after tonight."
"Do you want it to?"
"No."
"Then why didn't you tell Colton not to set me up with someone?"
I sigh. "I don't know. I guess...I guess I still don't believe you like me enough to date me."
Leaning back against the tree, he widens his stance. Taking both my hands, he says, "Come here."
I take a step forward and he pulls me closer, between his legs. It makes my heart beat faster, and
it races even more when his arms go around my waist.
"What do I have to do to prove to you how much I like you?"
It's so dark I can barely see him. But I can feel him. I can feel his face next to mine, his breath on my cheek. And then his lips brushing against my ear. Soft tingles run down my neck, making me shiver.
"Luna," he says softly.
I turn to him and feel his lips lower over mine, his hand gently cupping the side of my face. He kisses me, and it's not rushed or quick, but slow and soft and drawn out. He does it again and I drop my glow stick and hold onto his shirt. When my lips part, his tongue slides over mine and I hold on even tighter, kissing him back.
My knees feel like they're about to give out and those tingles I felt earlier are now running through my entire body. It's the best feeling ever! I don't want it to ever end.
But then I feel Wes backing away. When I open my eyes, I see him smiling at me. "That's how much I like you."
A loud pop rings out and I grab Wes around his chest.
He laughs. "Relax. It's fireworks."
I look up and see a rainbow of colors in the sky. Another one goes off. I let go of Wes but he keeps me in his arms.
"Let's watch."
Turning around, I lean back against his chest. His arms wrap around me and I feel like this moment couldn't get any more perfect. This whole night has been great, even when he showed up unexpectedly at my house. Bringing me a get well package? That was so sweet. Then talking at the coffee shop, sitting around the fire with Sam and Stella...and that kiss. Wow.
This has been one of the best nights of my life.
The fireworks don't last long but I want to stay in Wes' arms, hidden away from everyone, just the two of us. Unfortunately, I hear people walking toward us.
"We should go," Wes says. "I think some other couples want our spot."
He takes my hand and we walk back to the field. I'm still thinking about that kiss and how great it was, my mind so far in the clouds I'm not paying attention to my feet. I trip on something and fall to my knees.
"Luna!" Wes helps me up. "You okay?"
"Yeah." I brush the dirt off my knees.
"Sorry, I should've been watching out for stuff. I think you tripped on a weed. Some of these weeds are the size of trees." He points to the bonfire. "Looks like Sam and Stella left."
"They didn't leave the party. They're probably just walking around. Or knowing Stella, she's probably dancing over by the speakers."
"Should we head over there?"
"Sure. And then maybe we could go, if it's okay with you."
This night has been so great, I want it to end before anything bad can happen.
"You want to leave?" he asks.
"Not right now, but maybe soon?"
"Is it because of the dark?"
"No. I'm just tired." I'm not tired, but my eyes are, from straining to see in the dark.
"Wes," Colton says as he comes up to us. "You made it."
"Yeah. Great party."
"Thanks." He notices me. "Hey, Luna. I thought you weren't coming."
"I changed my mind."
He nods and looks back at Wes. "Hey, I wanted to introduce you to someone." He motions for Wes to follow him.
Wes remains beside me. "Is this someone a girl?"
Colton turns back. "Yeah. Why?"
"I'm already with someone." He holds up our joined hands.
"I thought you guys were just friends," Colton says to me.
"We're going out," Wes says, "so I'm not looking to meet anyone."
He shrugs. "No problem. See ya later." He walks off.
"Told you he was going to set you up," I say.
"Only because you told him I'm available. I can't believe you did that. Here I've spent all week trying to show you how much I like you and you didn't even pick up on the signs."
"I did, I just wasn't sure if I was reading them right."
"Have I made myself clear now?"
"Very," I say.
"Good." He leans down and kisses me. With people all around us! People are seeing me, Luna, the shy quiet girl who never goes out, get kissed at a party!
"Get a room, geeks," a guy yells.
I break from the kiss and feel someone bump into me. Hard. Looking back, I see it was one of the guys on the hockey team.
"Did he hurt you?" Wes asks, sounding angry.
"No. But I'm pretty sure he did it on purpose."
"Maybe it's time to get out of here."
"Let's say goodbye to Stella and Sam before we go. Do you see them anywhere?"
He looks around. "They're on the other side of the bonfire."
On our way over there, Ty, one of the guys who trashed Wes' locker, shoves his way in front of Wes.
"I need to talk to you, asshole," Ty says.
"Later. I'm busy." Wes tries to go around him but Ty steps in front of him again.
"You told Pritchett it was me who trashed your locker," Ty says, getting up in Wes' face.
"Are you saying you didn't do it?" Wes asks, remaining calm. "Because I'm pretty sure you did."
"How the fuck would you know? You weren't there."
"Mr. Henderson saw you do it. He's the one who told Pritchett. Not me."
Mr. Pritchett is the principal. He suspended Ty from school for two days because of what he did. Ty not only trashed the locker, but also destroyed the locker door when he pried it open. Destroying school property means an automatic suspension.
"You're a fucking liar," Ty says.
"Believe what you want." Wes goes around him. "C'mon, Luna, let's go."
"Why the fuck would you date that thing?" Ty says from behind us. "How can you even stand to touch her? People say she smells like her name. Fuckin' rotten tuna."
Wes lets go of my hand and turns around to face Ty. "Shut the fuck up."
"Why?" He laughs. "It's true. Smell her. I bet she smells like fish. All musty and moldy. Is that what you're into?"
"You're drunk and stupid so it's not even worth my time to respond to that." He turns back around.
Ty runs up behind Wes and pushes him with all his weight so that he falls to the ground.
"What the fuck?" Wes tries to get up but Ty is on top of him.
"Someone help!" I yell. I can't see who's around me. It's too dark. They're all just shapes and bodies and faces I can't make out.
I quickly text Stella. Help! By the bonfire! Need Sam!
Sam is big and strong and the best person I could think of for breaking up a fight.
That's what it's become. A fight. Wes is now on his feet and takes a swing at Ty. His fist hits right below Ty's eye, so hard it throws him off balance and he stumbles back. Ty tries to swing but he's too disoriented to hit Wes.
"Break it up!" Colton appears and holds Wes back before he takes another swing at Ty.
Ty looks ready to hit Wes but Sam runs up and grabs him before he can. He shoves him to the ground and pins him there.
"Get off me, you fat fuck!" Ty yells.
Sam smiles. "I prefer stocky."
The people around us laugh. Leave it to Sam to make a joke about it. He's always been the class clown. It's the reason people love him.
"Ty, you gotta leave," Colton says.
"I'm not leaving. I just got here." Ty struggles to get up but he's no match for Sam's strength and size.
"I'm not risking the cops showing up because of you," Colton says. "Sam, can you get him out of here?"
"No problem." Sam gets off Ty, then yanks him up to standing.
"Get your hands off me," Ty says, backing away from Sam. "I'll just fuckin' go. It was a shitty party anyway."
A crowd has gathered now and people watch as Ty walks away.
"You okay?" Wes asks, putting his arm around me.
"I didn't get hit. You did. Are you okay?"
"He didn't hit me. He just knocked me down. I'm fine."
Stella races up to us. "What happened?"
"Ty was being a jerk, as usual,"
I say. "He was really drunk."
"And he attacked you?" she asks Wes. "For no reason?"
"He thought I got him suspended. He's the guy who trashed my locker."
"Then he deserves suspension." She rolls her eyes. "He trashes your stuff, then beats you up because he got in trouble? He's such an idiot. I hate that guy."
Sam comes over to us. "You good?" he asks Wes.
"Yeah, he didn't hit me."
Sam smiles. "But you got him good. He's gonna have a huge shiner by tomorrow."
Wes opens and closes his fist. "I need to go ice my hand."
"They make it look so easy in the movies, right?" Sam jokes. "Then you go to hit someone, and shit, it hurts."
"I think we're gonna go," I say.
"Okay." Stella gives me a hug. "Call me tomorrow."
"I will. Bye, guys."
Wes and I walk back to the car. I can't see the people around us but I can feel them staring at us. I wonder how they'll treat us on Monday. They know we're together now, and after seeing Wes punch Ty, they won't think he's a nerd anymore. And if they find out about his video game, his reputation will really change.
"Sorry things ended that way," Wes says as he opens my door. "The night was going great up until then."
"It's still great. I'm not letting Ty ruin it. Other than what just happened, tonight was perfect."
"I think so too." He smiles. "So what was your favorite part?"
"Of the night? Hmm." I scrunch my brow, pretending to think hard about my answer. "I'm thinking maybe something that happened by the tree?"
"You think?"
"I'm not really sure. I'd have to do it again to make up my mind."
He backs me up against the car and kisses me. His body presses against mine and I'm flooded with feelings I've never had. Urges. Needs. A desire to do things I didn't think I was ready to do, and I'm probably not, but just feeling this way is amazing. Like coming alive and realizing what you've been missing out on. How good it can feel to connect with someone like this.
When he pulls away, I remain against the car, unable to move. My limbs feel weak. Warm and weak and not wanting to work.
Wes laughs. "You need some help?"
"I do." I reach my hand out to him and he takes it and helps me in the car.
We go back to my house and he parks in the driveway. "I had a really great night. I already can't wait to see you tomorrow."
Hearing him say that makes me so happy. It's like something I'd read in my romance books, except it's real, and it's happening to me!
The Geek and The Goddess Page 10
