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I think I know

I glance at Peter I’ in the stubble along his jaw and the way his dark hair curls by his ears His skin is so perfect, and his eyes--oh God--his eyes are like gemstones When I look at them, it’s as if I’ sapphires And for once inI’ him until Peter turns and looks at me He smiles softly and it feels like I’m in a free-fall My stomach floats up to my mouth and I can’t speak

Oh no No, no, no, no, no My eyes are a little too hen I look back out the windshield My brain is chanting no, over and over again, as if it will erase the discovery s can be undone, as if it’s possible to fall out of love as easily as it is to fall in love

I love hi It can’t be I don’t love him That’s insane I don’t even know hi voice says in the back of my head I beat her with a broom and stuff her in a closet She’s usually the sane voice in my mind I would have sworn that she is my reason, but that was not reasonable I don’t know Peter, not like that I don’t want to I can’t--

My frantic thoughts get cut off when Peter pulls into the parking lot I’s aren’t the sao I realized that I have feelings for the guy sitting next to --damn, everyone else noticed--but I don’t knohat to do now Act the saht never crossed et out of the car Peter walks around to open ?" I ask, as he offers his hand and pullsdown at et to breathe

He stands too close I step away, and back into the car Peter steps closer, closing the gap He’s close enough to touch me, but he doesn’t His eyes sweep over me before he asks, "Don’t you want to knohat I think?"

I shake aze, and tuck a piece of hair behind my ear "No" My voice is too soft Daain I have to look up I know I have to do it Just say it Spit it out as if it doesn’t matter, because once he tells o I don’t want things to change What we have is good

Looking directly into his eyes, I smile and say, "I don’t want to knohat you think I don’t feel that way about you" The lie burns ue

He doesn’t back away Instead, Peter stays there, watching me He leans close to my ear, and says, "I think you’re beautiful, and that sharp tongue of yours… God, I’ve never wanted to kiss a woht I won’t be able to help myself" I shiver as he speaks When Peter pulls away,like I’ down a rabbit hole

"I don’t knohat to say" I’ My eyes are locked on his lips, wondering if he’ll really do it

Peter runs his hand along " He turns and walks away He’s crossing the parking lot I stand there, watching him head inside When he pulls the door open, he looks back atwithhe just did and walk confidently across the parking lot Screw hi the door open I turn to the side as I pass hi in air We’re too close I do it on purpose My chest barely brushes against his as I pass The sensation shoots way too hand looks up tells me that it was completely unexpected

"Excuseaway Peter’s lips are parted His shoulders are back, rigid I turn toward the hostess station with a wicked grin Peter is still sucking in air like he’s been kicked in the stomach "Table for two, please"

Peter suddenly ainst my back He whispers in my ear, "That was evil"

"You started it," I say over

We follow the hostess to the same table ays sit at It’s our table How did that happen? Peter steps in front of the girl and pulls outto hand us ently, and then takes his seat opposite rin on his face For a brief second, his eyes drop to my lips It makes me squirm inme He had to be

"So," Peter says

"So" My voice catches inat ive out and I fall into his arms,around each other since he arrived Aside fro Has he? I suddenly feel stupid What if all the flirting was real? I assuh to try and be with me, even if it costs him his job? He’s a new teacher That would be incredibly stupid, da? I have no idea

I start to openlike that--no kissing, no nothing--when I see her walk past the fireplace Dr Strictland’s face lights up when she sees Peter "Dr Granz, Miss Colleli What a pleasant surprise" She’s wearing a rich crie