“They teach you that in the Secret Service?” Smith scoffed.
The room went still.
He knew the topic was off limits, knew my mom’s past was supposed to be secret. Something in his voice told me he liked outsmarting the government, wanted everyone to know he’d done it. Like everyone else, I waited to see how Omma would respond.
She hit him with her cold stare. The longer she didn’t answer—sitting so eerily still it looked like she’d stopped breathing—the more Smith squirmed. I smiled. My mom could do serious damage with that stare. Better men had crumbled. The punk was about to get schooled.
“The Secret Service taught me many things, Agent Smith,” she said finally. “I went in young, thinking I knew everything. I was wrong.”
He swallowed.
“One of the things I learned”—Omma dropped her voice, eyes never leaving his. She picked up the butter knife at her side, twirled it around once, twice—”It’s not the size of the weapon that counts, but the skill of the user.”
Holy shit, I thought. My mom is such a badass.
After a moment, Mrs. Stryker cleared her throat. “You’re dismissed, Agent Smith. We’ll discuss your behavior later, after our guests have left.”
He didn’t exactly run from the room, but he didn’t take his time either.
Agent Evers stood to address the table. “I apologize,” he said. “My baby brother always was a hothead. I’ll talk to him.”
“Thanks, Henry.” Mrs. Stryker waited until they were both gone and turned to her husband. “Agent Smith never behaved this way before. I can’t understand what’s gotten into him.”
“Me either, Cher,” Mr. Stryker agreed.
“He is young,” Omma said as if that explained everything. “Thank you for inviting us to dinner. It was…interesting.”
“It was that,” Mrs. Stryker laughed. “Before you go, maybe I could get that recipe?”
“Certainly.”
“While you guys are doing that”—Ash got up, put his napkin on the table—”I’ve got something for Snow. To repay you,” he said with a wink, “for the kimchi.”
“You didn’t even know we were bringing anything,” I said, confused. Actually, he’d told me to just bring myself, but Omma had insisted. Koreans valued their customs—especially the ones about respect. You didn’t go to someone’s house without a gift. It simply wasn’t done.
“It’s up in my room.”
“Your room?” The squeak in my voice was hardly noticeable.
“Yep.” Ash titled his head. “Come on, I can tell you’re curious.”
I was, but…his room? I knew a ton of guys, but I’d never been in any of their bedrooms before. Not even Bae Bae’s. Something about it just seemed so personal.
Omma surprised me by saying, “Be quick, Snow-Soon. We’ll be leaving shortly.”
“Open door policy,” Mr. Stryker said, as if Ash had girls in his room so much that they actually had a rule about these things. Great. Maybe I was making something out of nothing...
“Alright, Dad.” Ash rolled his eyes. To me, he said, “You coming?”
The tone of his voice, the look he gave me, it was a challenge.
“Sure,” I said and followed him upstairs.
When we stepped inside, I stopped for a second to take it all in. Ash’s room was exactly what I’d expected—and not. It was a little messy. There were clothes on the floor and a full-sized bed, which was covered by a navy blue comforter and sheets. Tons of trophies, medals and certificates lined one wall. His soccer wall, I realized, noticing a framed white and green jersey with “Stryker” on the back next to posters of his favorite teams.
But what surprised me were all the movies.
There had to be over a hundred. The shelves wrapped from one side of the room to the other where there was a big flat screen mounted to the wall. From where I stood, I could read some of the titles, looked like most of them were action movies. Avengers, Bad Boys, Bad Boys 2, Batman, Batman Begins, Batman Forever…
I smiled, realizing they were in alphabetical order. Just like my own collection.
“You’re killing me here, ninja girl.”
I turned to find Ash leaning against the wall. His stance was relaxed, but his face was tense. “What do you mean?” I said.
“I didn’t think this would be so nerve-wracking,” he said. “I’ve dreamed about this, you being here in my room.”
“You have?”
Ash grinned. “Just about every night since we met.”
Wow. I didn’t know what to say to that.
“I’m pretty sure the reality’s giving me palpitations.”
“You’re nervous?” I couldn’t believe it. “About me being in your room?”
He nodded.
“But I thought you had girls up here all the time.”
“And why would you think that?”
Because of your dad’s open door policy, I thought but didn’t say.
He shook his head, running a hand through his hair. “Well, I’m sorry to disappoint. But you’re the first girl I’ve had up here.”
“I’m not disappointed.” As he grinned, I hurried to change the subject, hoping he wouldn’t see just how not disappointed I was. Noticing the Captain America poster above his bed, I pointed. “You’ve really got a thing for superheroes don’t you?”
“Always have.” He shrugged away from the wall and came to stand beside me. “I hope you don’t mind, but I thought…well, here.”
I looked down just now registering the box he was holding.
“For being my bodyguard,” he grinned. “And for the kimchi, of course.”
“Do all your bodyguards get special gifts?” I asked, taking the present. It was a smallish box, about 6x6 inches, wrapped in green paper with a matching bow.
“I got Smith a pack of gum once.”
“Nice,” I said, trying to control my voice. It wasn’t like I never got presents. This was just the first one I’d received from Ash. A boy that I liked, God help me, no matter how hard I tried not to. The fireworks in my tummy were going off like crazy.
“It’s really nothing special,” he said, which didn’t seem right.
I’d never seen Ash look nervous. Not to mention he’d brought me up to his room, away from everyone else. My heart pounded a little faster as I gripped the box, but I tried not to get too excited. It could just be a pack of gum after all—a really big pack of gum. And then I’d feel like an idiot.
“Open it,” he whispered.
I opened the lid and…my voice dried up. There was nothing to say really. The DVDs inside were wonderful and thoughtful, too, since he knew I loved Bruce Lee. No way was I telling him I already owned every single one of the movies inside.
“What do you think?”
“Ash, I…thank you,” I said, running my fingers over some of Bruce Lee’s finest. Fists of Fury, Return of the Dragon, Game of Death. There was something funny about them, but I couldn’t figure it out. “This is so great.”
“Glad you think so,” he said and scooped the box out of my hands. I looked up in surprise. “Being the diehard Lee fan that you are, I know you probably own all those already. Am I right?”
I shrugged. “Maybe,” I said, reaching for the box. “But I really appreciate it—”
“Uh uh.” He held it up out of my reach, and I frowned. “Now, don’t get all excited. But these are actually my movies.”
It hit me then what’d seemed so strange about the DVDs. None of them had been in the plastic wrap new movies usually came in. They’d been opened—and apparently watched—already. The hell?
“What?” I crossed my arms. “I thought they were for me.”
“I can see where you might think that,” he said, smiling.
It was too much.
“Ash,” I huffed, “you can’t give someone a gift then take it back five seconds later. It’s just…well, it’s rude.”
“I was thinking we could watch them together.”
That shut me up.
“Not tonight,” he said. “I know you and your mom have to go. But since Guys Night is out…”
“Koi invited you. I heard him.”
“Yeah.” Ash leaned down to meet my eyes. “But he didn’t invite you. No offense to your friends, but that’s BS.”
I couldn’t speak. I’d never told anyone—barely admitted to myself—how much it hurt to be excluded, to be the only Elite member not invited to Koi’s get-togethers. But Ash had known. All of sudden those fireworks, the warmth right in the pit of my stomach, spread to my fingertips. I had the urge to do something. I just didn’t know what.
“Hey,” Ash said, putting the box on the bed. “You okay?”
I nodded.
“I thought maybe we could have our own Bruce Lee Marathon.”
It was sweet. Too sweet. I couldn’t even…no one, not even Min-Hee or Bae Bae, had done anything like this for me. The last time I’d watched any Bruce Lee with another person was before my dad died. Omma couldn’t, said it was too strong a reminder.
The grin slid from Ash’s face a second later. “But if you don’t want to, that’s totally fine, too.” A beat, then, “God, Snow, I have no idea what you’re thinking.” His voice was desperate, eyes tight. “Please, say something. Anything. Just—”
Suddenly, softly, my lips met his.
I wasn’t sure how it happened. Refusing to stay still, my arms had wrapped around his neck. I’d meant to hug him, a thank you for his thoughtfulness. But in one of those awkward, yet perfect moments, he’d turned his head.
I didn’t know who was more surprised, me or Ash.
What I did know was this: When I went to pull away, Ash followed, prolonging the kiss and making a sound deep in his throat that made me shiver. I couldn’t believe this was happening. I couldn’t believe I’d kissed him. Again.
CHAPTER 12: ASH
Snow’s lips were like magnets. They drew me in. I knew she hadn’t meant to kiss me, but whatever. Accident or not, I leaned forward, straining for more. I wasn’t about to let her get away.
For a second there, I’d thought the marathon idea was a big mistake. She hadn’t said anything. I’d felt like an ass. Then her eyes had gotten all teary, and I’d really felt like an ass. Now we were kissing—again. It was different but just as good as the first time. I didn’t think I’d ever get enough of her.
As Snow leaned back, I held on like a champ.
“I’m sorry,” she breathed.
I couldn’t hold it in. The laughter welled up and out of my chest in a burst. My ninja girl was wide-eyed and apologizing for kissing me? It was too much.
“You said that the first time,” I said and shook my head. “Snow 2, Ash 0.”
She frowned, a line appearing between her brows.
“Don’t tell me you forgot?” I wanted to smooth that line with my lips but held back. Snow still looked a little spooked. “You’ve kissed me twice now. I need to catch up.”
“You don’t—”
“I’m all about equality, ninja girl.” I leaned in, wanting more.
“Stop.” She took a step back. “Ash, we can’t do this.”
“Why not?”
“It’s unprofessional.”
I grinned. “Yeah, right.”
“I’m serious,” she said and threw up her hands. “You’re my client, for God’s sake. This can’t happen.”
She looked so stern all of a sudden, as if her lips and mine hadn’t been dancing a second ago. Considering I’d been a pansy ass up until this moment, I was glad she’d made the first move (accidentally). But I was tired of pretending.
“Snow, I want to go out with you.”
I hadn’t thought her eyes could get any bigger, but at that, they did.
“By the way you keep kissing me, I’m guessing you want the same thing,” I said.
“I don’t keep kissing you,” she sputtered. “That last time was your fault. You turned into it.”
“And the first time?”
Snow crossed her arms, mouth tight. “Let’s not bring that up, okay? It’s done, finished. I am officially under your mother’s employment now.”
If she thought mentioning my mom would save her, she was wrong. “You’re not denying it. There’s something between us, Snow. You and I both know it. So, what’s the problem?”
“It’s unethical,” she said flatly.
I gaped at her. “You’re serious?”
Snow nodded. “Besides, we’ve only known each other like two weeks. How about we try just being friends?”
“Friends,” I said, mouth twisting around the word. “I don’t think so.”
“Why not?” she asked. “I have lots of guy friends at The Academy. It’d be just like me and Koi or Bae Bae.”
“Please, don’t lump me in with that asshat.”
“Ugh,” she said and rolled her eyes. “Who says I’m attracted to you anyway?”
I took a step forward. “Is that a challenge?”
“What? No.”
“It sounded like a challenge,” I said, lowering my voice and backing her into the wall. “Girls can’t resist the Stryker charm, ninja girl. I’d watch out if I were you.”
To my surprise, she laughed.
“I’m sorry,” she said between giggles, trying to get herself under control. “But you just looked so serious—”
“Snow-Soon! It’s time to go,” her mother called from downstairs.
“Ah, Snow,” I said and placed a kiss on the tip of her nose. Her laughter cut off real quick.
“Snow-Soon?”
“Coming, Omma,” she answered.
“We’ll try it your way for now,” I said. “Just friends.”
“O-kay,” Snow said slowly, probably wondering what my angle was.
I smiled. If I had to pretend we were best buds, I would—for now. Screw ethics. She didn’t know who she was dealing with. Making her admit she wanted me just as much as I wanted her would be absolutely no problem. No problem at all.
* * *
“Wait a second,” Min-Hee paused a small smile on her lips. “You’re here to return a bowl?”
“Yeah,” I said. “Snow and her mom left it at our house.”
“But it’s just plastic,” she pointed out.
I shrugged. “Thought they might need it for something.”
Today was Saturday. No school and therefore no real reason to see Snow this early. But here I was at 9:00 a.m. in the Academy’s front lobby, carrying the box of DVDs and the now-empty kimchi bowl. I’d had to battle Dad for who got the last bite. I won. Returning the bowl had seemed like a good excuse.
Min-Hee didn’t think so.
“You’re kidding me, right?” she said. “A bowl? Really?”
Smith nodded. “I told him it was stupid. Ash, man, let’s get out of here before you embarrass yourself.”
I ignored that. Smith had acted like such an ass last night I still wasn’t talking to him.
“If you want to see Snow, just say so,” Min-Hee offered.
“Alright,” I said, since she was making it so easy. “I want to see Snow.”
Min-Hee smiled real big. “There. Now, was that so hard?”
“Is she here?” I asked. The gym looked packed, the Academy guys walking around in their gis. But I didn’t see Snow. “I saw all the cars outside. What’s going on?”
“Stunt reel.”
“Really? Sweet.”
“You have no idea.”
“Stryker.” Bae Bae came up behind her and threw a massive arm over her shoulders. He didn’t sound happy. “Why are you here?”
“I missed you,” I said and blew him an air kiss. The guy didn’t even crack a smile.
“He’s here to return Imo’s bowl,” Min-Hee said, grabbing it out of my hands.
Bae Bae’s face didn’t change. “Seriously?”
“Yeah, isn’t that nice?”
“Not really,” he said. “She come down yet?”
“N
ope, still getting ready.”
“Well, she better hurry. Ahjumma’s in there ordering everyone around like a drill sergeant. I think she and the director are about to throw down. Snow can’t afford to be distracted right now.”
“You’re right,” Min-Hee said and threw me a wink. “Ash, maybe you could get her for us? She’s upstairs, second door on the right.”
Bae Bae shot her a look. “Min-Hee, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Of course, it is.” She kissed him smack on the lips. “I only come up with good ideas.” The big guy blushed. “Go on, Ash. We need to get started.”
She didn’t have to tell me twice.
Ignoring Smith’s muttered, “I’ll wait here,” I jogged up the stairs connected to the hallway, glad Min-Hee was on my side. When I got to the top, though, I slowed. I could hear Snow talking to someone.
“I want to do it,” she said. “I’m not scared or anything, but… I mean, what if they don’t like me? Directors can be really picky. The camera loved you, but I feel like an idiot. Plus, even if they did like me, could I really leave Omma and The Academy?”
I took a few steps closer to the door. It was open, light shining out into the hallway where I stood. There she was, sitting on her bed. I could only see her face from this angle. The rest of her was covered up by a large pink blanket wrapped around her shoulders. It had little black Hello Kitty ninjas all over it. My lips twitched, fighting back a smile.
“The business would go under. You know it’s true,” she sighed. “Plus, now there’s Ash to consider.”
I couldn’t see whoever she was talking to, must’ve been on the other side of the door.
“With all those threats, he could get hurt.” She shook her head. “I can’t let that happen. Ash is a good guy. You would like him. I think—”
Leaning in, I held my breath. It was wrong to listen, but this was too good to pass up.
“I think…he’s got a hot car. I can’t wait to ride in it again.”
Huh?
“He’s okay to look at, I guess,” she continued. “Great eyes, nice hair, but the body could use a little work. His abs aren’t nearly as tight as yours.”
Ninja Girl Page 11