Tempting Eve

Chapter 6

*Thank you for still reading! I wanted to dedicate this chapter to a special reader whose comments make my day! Be sure to check out footnoteofhappiness !

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Have you ever heard your blood rushing in your ears? That steady swish, swish, swish as the waves roll through in time to your heartbeat?

That's what was happening to me.

"Is it a date?" Amy said calmly as if speaking to an easily startled animal.

I paced back and forth in front of my closet. "No? Yes?" I stopped and faced her, my eyes wide. "I don't know."

"Don't worry. Remember how worked up you were before we went out on your birthday? I thought you were going to pass out, but look how well that turned out."

"Well?" I started pacing again, ticking things off on my fingers "I kissed a stranger. Found out he was my Dad's stepson. Found out he was taking over for my professor. Agreed to go on a date with my only friend because my substitute, stepbrother, first kiss, whatever he is - was talking to another girl." I stopped and held up ten fingers in front of her. Maybe a little dramatically, but hey, I was freaking out here.

"I think your math is a little off, but like I said, see how well that turned out? You've lived more since your birthday, than you have in the entire four months you've been here."

I was still wearing the jeans and talk nerdy to me sweatshirt I'd worn all day and the simple act of picking an outfit for tonight had me spiraling out of control.

I liked Mason. I even really liked Mason. But I had told myself from the third day of the semester when he made me smile and forget my heartache - for even just a couple minutes - that I wasn't going to mess with this friendship.

I won't even bring up the fact that I've never actually been on a date...

"Screw your closet. I'll grab you something from mine." Amy ran out of my room, her purple pony tail swishing behind her.

***

Sarah walked into the room just as Amy was finishing with my makeup. A huge smile on her face. "You didn't tell me you were going out with Mason Hawk, captain of the Golden Knights." I could see her sporty fan girl itching to come out. "You know he's going pro right?"

I nodded. "I've heard people talk about it," I said reluctantly. "It's one of the reasons I've avoided doing anything with him outside of school. He's a big deal. His life's a big deal. And I'm more of a fly under the radar type of girl."

Sarah walked closer and put her hand on my shoulder. "Don't sell yourself short Eve. I know the last ten years were rough - I was there, I saw it - but you're both free now and I think it's time you spread your wings young grasshopper."

"Ok, Mr. Miyagi." I looked at her reflection in the mirror and covered her hand with mine. "Thank you for this... and everything else."

She squeezed my shoulder before letting go. "My pleasure... now, are you going to leave that hot hockey player sitting in our living room or-"

"Hot?" I asked.

"Dude. I'm gay, not blind."

Amy and I laughed so hard, it felt like the iced cage around my heart began to melt... and made me feel like, over time, it might fall away completely.

***

"You look amazing." Mason grinned as he opened the door of his white Toyota 4Runner.

"You too." I slid into the warmed leather seat and he shut the door, jogging to the other side and quickly climbing in.