A Recipe for Disaster (Clash Of Cliches Book 2)

Chapter 11- ...Into the Fire

Chapter 11- ...Into the Fire.

Desperate times call for desperate measures.

These words kept ringing in my head as I applied mascara to my top lashes, my mouth wide open as I perched on my vanity stool. It was almost as though I was trying to convince myself (what else was new) that my social experiment was going to work. And trust me, I needed convincing, because I wasn't so sure of myself anymore. After last night's pantry incident, I didn't even know if I wanted my social experiment to work. Because if I could look forward to scenes like that in the future...

There can never be a future with Kameron, and your dumb ass knows it.

Knowing this hadn't stopped me from barely sleeping a wink last night as I tossed and turned, replaying the kiss in my mind. Were Shelley, Brandon, and Kaylee, right? Was my social experiment dumb and bound to backfire in my face? Was I on track to (shudder) catch feelings for Kameron? God, how was I even going to know if my plan was working? What if Kameron didn't just enjoy the chase, but liked the idea that I was easily accessible and in the same house as him? What if he thought it was cool to have a girl who was so eager to make out with him right under his nose?

If all these 'what ifs' come true, then you're officially screwed, Janessa.

It didn't help that these thoughts and scenarios were whirling around in my head while I was trying to get ready to go see Tariq's play. Instead of concentrating my energy on gorgeous Tariq, I was fixated on gorgeous, unobtainable Kameron. Life was playing games with me, and I wasn't feeling it.

As I was putting on my chap stick, there was a light knock on my door. My heart skittered irrationally in my chest as I stood up, already knowing who was on the other side of the solid oak door.

And I'm not even psychic.

I opened the door to Kameron, his characteristic warm, sexy smile turning up his lips.

Expected.

What I wasn't expecting, however, was for his grin to falter as soon as his eyes settled on my face.

Self-consciously, I asked, "What?" while resisting the urge to reach up to touch my face.

There is nothing on your face that shouldn't be there, girl. Chill!

"What do you mean, what?" Kameron shifted from one foot to the other, his eyes still roving my face, almost as though he was mesmerized.

"What are you staring at?" I elaborated, crossing my arms over my chest in a defensive stance. "I know I don't have anything on my face because I just finished putting on my makeup."

Shaking his head, Kameron said, "No, I'm just- you look pretty." Okay, so this is a departure from the norm. And- is he blushing? "I mean, you always look pretty, but- yeah. Really pretty."

"Thanks," I replied softly, and I could feel the look of utter confusion playing over my features.

Clearing his throat, Kameron asked, "Going out?" in a voice that was supposed to come out casual, but just missed the mark.

"Not that it's any of your business, but I'm gonna go see a play."

"A play, huh?" Stroking a finger over the stubble on his chin, he continued, "I never figured you were one of those arty types."

Nonchalantly, I shrugged, belatedly realizing that I had the upper hand in this conversation. For the first time since he had come to stay with us, I had Kameron on tilt, flustered, shooketh. Use it to your advantage! Oh, I intended to.