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I think I get it then That decision I saw in her eyes back in the kitchen That’s what this, what I’m about for her, too I’m just another part of whatever rebellion she started earlier today About doing what she wants, not what’s expected of her

"We’re not talking about h," she says "So you went to meet your friend, and then what happened?"

She keeps her eyes down as she picks up the gauze and begins winding it snugly around the knuckles of one hand, and then the other

"He said the wrong thing"

"Which was?"

"Dylan" Now it’s her that’s pushing too hard I didn’t want to talk about things with my friends, and I won’t talk about theuess You were mad about what he did, and he wasn’t sorry"

"This isn’t s He said so, and it pissed er stems from what you feel is a betrayal of your friendship?"

She finishes taping down the last of the gauze, but doesn’t let go of s more couy who doesn’t like to ad oofy smile on her face I turn ed hand around her waist and pull her closer

"I feel plenty of things"

The teasing stops She ss

"I wasn’t talking about that kind of feeling"

With her standing and , I’m eye level with her chest I see the sharp rise and fall as she sucks in a breath I want her inme this ti Or experih, surprised My throat twists uncoet a hold on myself

"Ah, no Stella and I have never dated"

"Have you--"

"Do you ever run out of questions?"

"Not ever" She turns playful again, and I’ this the careful way If she wants a rebellion, I’ll be the one to give it to her I want her against

I pull her forward, insinuating my knees between hers, and her body naturally follows, settling across asps this time I keep her steady with my hands at her waist and say, "I’ll make you a deal A question for a kiss"