She exhaled slowly, hugging her legs. “Seeing him in that hospital bed…” Her voice quavered. “He looked so fragile.”
“Hudson was admitted last year after breaking his arm and his collarbone.” I tried to control the emotion in my own voice. “My little brother is tough and he’s been through more than most kids his age, but seeing him in a hospital bed was the absolute worst.” My throat constricted as I recalled one of the many traumatic events he’d been through in his short life. “He didn’t belong in those sterile rooms, wrapped up in the thin white sheets and scratchy blankets.” Tears stung the corners of my eyes.
“Poor Hudson.” Wren shook her head.
“The good thing is, he got better, and so will your grandfather.” I gave her a sad smile. “You just have to stay strong.”
“Yeah…” Wren looked down at her shoes.
We sat there in silence for several minutes. It was comfortable, unlike when Marissa and I were in her convertible. When we weren’t making out, she would blab on about herself for hours on end. Why had I wasted so much time with someone so shallow? Because she looked good in those ridiculous shoes she teetered around in at school?
A stinging realization settled in my core. Sure, she was shallow, but was I any better?
Being with Wren felt natural, not forced. I could be real with her and she wouldn’t rag on me for my insecurities. Our conversations were open, and they actually meant something. Most importantly, when I was with her, I wasn’t just a dumb jock with a six-pack or Fuller, “Captain of the State Champions.”
For the first time in years, I felt like I could shed the cocky exterior and just relax.
“Fuller, I know you’ve got a lot of homework, but is there any chance you’d come in and hang out until my dad gets back? I really don’t want to be alone right now.” Wren hugged her legs to her chest even tighter.
“Of course.” I’d secretly been hoping she’d want me to keep her company for a little bit longer. “And don’t worry about the homework. I can finish that up in the morning.”
She sniffled and gave a thankful nod.
Part of me wanted to take her into my arms and kiss her. Like you’d see in the movies. A grand romantic gesture, literally sweeping her off her feet. But I knew better. Emotions were high right now, and Wren needed a friend.
Plus, if I was serious about something happening, I needed to tell Marc the bet was off and confess to Wren. I had to face the facts. Even though we weren’t in one yet, our relationship would be doomed if I didn’t come clean. Guilt clamped down on my heart. It was like a vise grip that I couldn’t get loose.
She gave me a sad smile that pulled me out of my internal debate. “Thanks.”
As we made our way to her front door, I pulled out my phone. “I’m going to send my parents a quick text. Let them know what’s going on.”
Wren nodded as she fished out her key and unlocked the front door.
A text from Marc flashed across the screen.
MARC: I stopped by your house.
MARC: Your parents told me you’re with Wren?
He followed the text with a gif of Stanley from The Office laughing hysterically.
A suffocating sensation settled across my chest. I wished I’d never made that stupid bet.
“Everything okay?” Wren asked from inside her house. “You’re frowning.”
“Oh, um, yeah,” I lied. I quickly typed out a message to my parents and hit send.
I followed Wren as she walked through her house, past the table I’d sat at and talked basketball with her Gramps, and into the kitchen. “I’m going to make a cup of tea. Do you want one?”
“Sounds good.” The only time I’d ever drunk tea was when I had a sore throat. My mom would make a steaming mug and load it up with honey and lemon.
Wren’s kitchen was small but warm. Bananas hung from one of those hooks in the corner, next to an electric kettle. As Wren got to work on filling the kettle, I leaned against the blue Formica countertop. My eyes drifted to the refrigerator, where there were a series of magnets lined up. “Wait a minute, are all of these you?”
Wren’s cheeks turned pink. “Oh, yeah. Those… Only child syndrome. All of the most embarrassing pictures are constantly on display.”
She tugged the elastic out of her ponytail. As her hair fell to her shoulders, I caught a whiff of tropical flowers.
“You really don’t have to look at them.” Wren reached out to stop me, but I pivoted and spun around her, like a well-executed fakeout on the court.
“Oh, but I do.” I grinned as I inspected the magnets. Each one contained a picture of Wren, from what looked to be about age five to last year. In the pictures, she wore either a track and field outfit or, in the more recent ones, a cross-country uniform. “You’re adorable.”
Oh, crap. Did I say that out loud?
“Ah, thanks.” Her face went from a subtle shade of pink to bright red. “That shrine is kind of embarrassing, but my parents love it.”
“My parents insist on displaying a picture of me in the bathtub. Which, when it’s in a baby scrapbook, whatever. No big deal. But in reality, it’s hanging on the wall across from my bedroom. So, yeah, I totally understand the parental embarrassment factor.”
Wren let out a chuckle. A warm feeling rushed through my chest.
“You do know that if I ever come over to your house again, I’m totally swiping that picture and sending it to the anonymous Instagram account.” Wren pressed her lips together, suppressing a smile.
I took a step away from the fridge and in one swift motion, I wrapped my arms around her and tickled her waist. “You wouldn’t dare.”
Wren burst out in a fit of giggles, trying to wiggle away. She managed to trap my hands by pulling them behind her and pressing her body against the cabinets.
Holy buckets. My hands were on her butt. Her perfect, firm, round butt…
“Whoa.” I pulled my hands back. “Are you okay with all of this? I mean, you’ve been through a lot tonight and I just want to make sure that—”
“Fuller, I’m completely okay with this. Actually, I’ve never wanted something more.” Her tongue darted out and licked her lower lip. A flare went off inside my body, sending heat radiating from my fingertips to my toes.
I slid my hands down the back of Wren’s legs and picked her up. Her mouth opened in surprise as I placed her gently on top of the countertop.
Wren reached forward and wrapped her hands around the back of my neck, pulling me forward in the process. Her dark lashes swept up and, for the second time that night, I wanted to kiss her more than I’d ever wanted to kiss anyone else.
Ever.
“Wren, I—” But I couldn’t finish the sentence; the golden swirls in her emerald eyes had left me speechless. Screw that, I was mesmerized.
“Kiss me,” she said breathlessly.
Closing the space between us, my lips brushed against hers. What started out as gentle and innocent soon turned into a desire-ridden hunger. Our tongues explored each other’s mouths as my hands ran through her silky locks. She tasted like fresh spearmint.
Wren wrapped her legs around me, bringing me in even closer. I’d promised myself that I wouldn’t let things go anywhere. I couldn’t let them. Not unless I squashed this bet once and for all. I wanted to be completely honest with her, but I was too afraid she’d never speak to me again. Hurting Wren was out of the question, but as she ran her tongue across my lower lip, I forgot all about the bet and the terrible consequences that were sure to follow. All I wanted was to stay in this moment forever.
“Hey, Wren. I’m home.”
I froze but found myself unable to pull away. My lips still yearned for Wren’s touch.
With an intense shove to the chest, Wren pushed me back and hopped off the counter. She smoothed out her hair and took a deep breath. “We’
re in the kitchen, Dad.” Grabbing three mugs from the cabinet, she poured boiling water and deposited a tea bag into each.
Holy buckets. That was…hot.
“Hey there, Fuller.” Her dad gave us a tired smile.
“Hi, Mr. Carter.”
“How’s Gramps? Any changes?” Wren asked. Her voice was quiet but hopeful.
“Great news. The ultrasound came back and Gramps doesn’t have gallstones. He’s sleeping now. I think the pain medication will keep him out the rest of the night.”
“Oh, thank goodness.” Wren gave her father a big hug.
“My dad will be in around seven o’clock tomorrow morning. I’ll make sure he checks on Gramps first thing,” I said.
“That is awfully kind. Thank you, Fuller.” Wren’s dad placed a hand on my shoulder.
“Anytime, sir.”
Wren turned around and used a small spoon to pull out the soaked tea bags from each mug. “I was making tea, Dad. Would you like some?”
“That sounds perfect. Thanks, sweetheart.”
Wren grabbed a little bear filled with honey and squirted it into each of the three mugs. After a splash of milk, she handed one to each of us.
Wren’s dad accepted the mug with both hands. “If you don’t mind, pumpkin, I’m going to take this to bed. It’s been a long night and your old dad needs to get some sleep.” He paused and looked at me. “Oh, um. Are you two going to be out here for a while?”
“No, sir,” I said. “I’m going to head out after the tea.”
He gave me a nod of approval. “Thank you again for your help tonight. If it’s okay, Wren and I will drive over to your house to collect her car tomorrow before school.”
“Absolutely, sir.”
“See you in the morning, Dad.” Wren gave him a quick hug, careful to avoid the mug of hot tea.
“Let’s, ah, go into the family room.” Wren gestured with her shoulder. “This way.”
I followed her into a cozy room with a couch and loveseat. The dark brown corduroy material looked comfy. It was the kind of furniture you’d lie down on to binge-watch an entire season of The Office.
Wren sat at one end of the couch. I wasn’t sure if she wanted me to sit next to her or not, so I made my way to the opposite side.
“So…” She trailed off before saying anything else.
“Yeah.” I switched the mug from my left to my right hand. It had a fluffy orange cat on it. I looked around Wren’s house, wondering if she had any pets. I suddenly found myself wanting to know everything about her.
She set her cup down on the glass end table. “That was, um, nice.”
My hands tingled. “Really nice.” Stop. Stop it right now. Warring thoughts bounced around in my head. That kiss. It was so hot. No. You can’t do this to her. Wren deserves better.
Eyebrows knit together, Wren frowned. “Is something wrong?”
“No. Not at all. It’s just getting kind of late and I’ve got a five o’clock wake-up call tomorrow morning. Plus, I’ve got to finish my math homework and make those last-minute changes on that paper.”
I immediately cursed myself for making excuses to leave Wren’s house. While they were all valid points, none of them was more important than spending time with her. Time I’d never be able to get back if she found out about the bet.
Her shoulders drooped slightly. “Oh, right. I’m sorry. I totally spaced after we left the hospital.”
I set my tea down and scooted next to her on the sofa. “No, don’t apologize. There’s a lot going on right now.” Yeah, like the fact that I want to kiss you again. And again. And again.
Her shoulders were still down, but they stiffened up as my leg brushed against hers.
Okay, maybe one more kiss…
My heart started thumping wildly in my chest as I turned toward her. Tipping her chin up, I leaned forward. Her lips tasted like honey. Fire shot through my veins as she pulled me closer, running her hands through my hair, our bodies melting together. Tingles prickled the back of my neck and spine. I’d give anything to spend the rest of my night, screw that, the rest of the school year wrapped up on this couch with Wren.
Her hands worked their way down my back and to the belt loopholes in my jeans. Holy buckets, this girl has me more worked up than I’ve ever been before. I needed to get control of myself, STAT.
Think about your polynomials. That’s not hot at all. Boring, boring math homework. Yes, polynomials and a cold shower.
Just when I thought I’d gotten control of myself, Wren’s thumb brushed against the bare skin on my lower back.
“Wren, time to wrap things up,” her dad called from the other room.
Using all my willpower, I pulled back. Lips parted, my chest heaved. It took everything in me not to continue the hottest make-out session I’d ever experienced. “Ah, yeah. I better get going.”
“Right,” Wren said breathlessly.
I stood, forcing myself to think of math equations. Otherwise I’d have a whole new reason to stay seated. “See you tomorrow?”
“Sounds good.” Wren stood and led me to the front door. “And thank you. For the ride to the hospital, sitting there with me, and bringing me back here.”
We stepped out into the chilly night. The air immediately cooled my skin, but not the fire that burned inside for this girl.
“You don’t have to thank me for anything. I’m just glad I was able to help.” I bent down and kissed Wren on the forehead.
A smile played on Wren’s lips. Those perfect lips that tasted like honey and spearmint. Dude, get a grip.
“Okay, well, gotta go.” My voice came out an octave higher than normal.
Wren’s smile got even bigger. “Hey, Fuller?”
“Yeah?”
She stood on her tippy-toes and, in one swift motion, she kissed me. Pulling away, with parted lips, she whispered, “See you tomorrow.”
…
The drive home only took a few minutes, but I needed every second to get control of myself. All I could think about was Wren. The way she ran her thumb over my skin, her hands in my hair, the way her tongue licked her lower lip. I’d seen a whole new side of her tonight, one that I wanted to see more of but couldn’t. Not until I got out of that stupid bet. And if I couldn’t, tonight would be the last time anything ever happened between us.
To make matters worse, time was ticking. The game was next week. I needed to figure something out and fast, but it would have to wait until tomorrow. I had way too much homework to do, and I was getting a really late start.
My dad met me at the front door. “How’s Wren doing?”
“She’s pretty upset.” I tossed my keys into the glass bowl next to the door. “Her family was really grateful you made that call to Dr. Adams. They asked me to thank you.”
He nodded. “It’s the least I could do for the girl who’s helped you write this kind of a paper.” He held up the draft of my Lit paper with red marks everywhere. “Now, I know you need to fix a few things, but this is amazing, son. Your mother and I are really proud of you.”
Pride swelled in my chest. Mom and Dad were always proud of the work I did on the court, but it had been a long time since either of them had complimented me on my schoolwork. “Thanks. Wren is an incredible tutor. For the first time this year, I finally feel confident about turning in a Lit assignment.” Understatement of the year.
Hudson appeared at the top of the stairs. “Fuller and Wre-en, sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G.” He made kissing sounds and held his hands up like he was making out with an invisible girl.
“You’re lucky I have homework to finish, turd.”
Hudson giggled and raced off toward his room.
“You shouldn’t call him names.” My dad tried to appear firm, but the smile that crept up onto his face told another story. “Well, you said you have som
e homework to finish up. I won’t keep you.”
Sitting down on the couch, I opened my math book and sighed. Somehow, I’d have to find a way to finish my homework and then focus on fixing my paper. Yet all I could think about was Wren.
It was going to be a long night.
Chapter Thirteen
Wren
“I can’t believe you made out with Fuller James!” Dae’s jaw had practically dropped into his lap.
“I know.” I was still in a state of shock.
He tossed a chip at me. “What is wrong with you? F.B.M.? Really?”
“Don’t call him that.” I laughed.
His eyebrows pulled together in suspicion. “Wait, are you just screwing with me? Making this whole thing up?”
“Nope. I’m telling you the truth. Cross my heart,” I said, making an X motion over my heart.
Picking up my sub, I shrugged before taking a massive bite. What I didn’t admit was that I’d been asking myself the same question and a few others, over and over again. What’s wrong with me? When can Fuller and I make out again? How perfect are his lips?
Dae took a sip of his soda. We rarely left campus for lunch, but today I had to get away and spill my guts to him.
“Okay, pausing on this Fuller madness for a moment, how’s Gramps doing?”
After I finished chewing, I gave him a thumbs-up. “He had surgery this morning. My mom said he did great. He has to have a cast on his arm for a few weeks, but the doctor thinks he’ll make a full recovery.”
“What about the chest pain?” Dae asked.
I chewed and swallowed a bite before responding, “Doctors can’t find anything specific. They think it was just indigestion.”
“Wow. That’s great news.”
Dae totally meant it. Sure, he was a typical guy’s guy—he liked to talk about girls and farts, and he and Brandon were always wrestling around—but he had a heart of gold.
“Yeah. He has to spend one more night in the hospital, but he’ll get to come home tomorrow. I can’t wait. Fuller—” I cut myself off. Almost every single sentence I’d uttered today or thought that had crossed my mind involved Fuller.
I Hate You, Fuller James Page 12