“Keep telling yourself that, player,” she retorted weakly. Kelley’s words flashed through her mind. “But feel free to tell Kelley that I have a black belt in karate; it’s just a little something she should know in case she gets handsy.”
The smirk melted off Eric’s face as a look of astonishment settled onto his face, rounding his mouth into an ‘O.’ She had succeeded in rendering him speechless. He looked torn between snickering and reprimanding her for her lack of trust.
A soft groan of admonishment escaped his lips, and he smiled appealingly at her like a convict making his final appeal to an unyielding judge. Melody stared back at him trying not to let his puppy dog eyes crack her titanium exterior, no matter how big and blue his eyes were when they were widened innocently for dramatic effect.
“C’mon, Mel, you already said you trust me.”
“It’s not you I don’t trust. It’s her. I still don’t believe she will be teaching you math. I don’t trust hormonal cheerleaders not to get handsy.”
Eric barked a laugh. He gave Melody an appraising look, eyes tracing the contours of her body. “You were a cheerleader.”
Melody folded her arms, coking her hip to the side defiantly. Though she couldn’t fight off the smile that conquered her blank expression. “Exactly.”
“Speaking from experience?” he quipped. He wagged his eyebrows suggestively. Underneath the teasing tone was a layer of uncertainty…and jealously? “Why don’t you tutor me instead?”
“Be good, Romeo. I am sure there’s a teacher watching somewhere.” Melody rolled her eyes. But Eric caught the flash of mischief dancing across her face as she forcefully shoved his shoulder, sending him backwards until his back connected with the nearest locker. Eric stared at her in shock like he was surprised by her strength. She stared at him, eyes wide and startled, as if remembering he was still recovering from the accident.
She wanted to ask if he was alright , but instead all she could choke out was, “Is that handsy enough for you?” Despite her harsh words, her tone was soft, almost concerned. A tense moment hardened the air between them, before Eric broke it.
“No,” Eric deadpanned. “I expected more from you.”
Melody’s heart quivered in relief and she let out at shaky laugh. “Well too bad. Hate to disappoint, Casanova, but that is all you get. I didn’t mean to push you that hard. Sorry.”
Eric shrugged. “I’m fine, Mel. I’m okay, really. But feel free to make it up to me.” He winked.
She laughed and shook her head. “Okay this one time only. Can’t have you spoiled, now can we?”
Eric clucked his tongue. “And you say it like it’s a bad thing-”
Melody did not hesitate to wrap her arms around his waist pulling her close. The words dissolved on Eric’s lips as Melody’s soft, supple lips brushed against his. Like a thief, she made off with the breath from his lungs. Eric’s blood sped through his veins like lava rushing from a volcano, sending a warmth throughout his stomach that spread to his limbs. Instinctively, his hands snaked around Melody’s neck only for one hand to climb up to Melody’s hair, tousling her curls. The kiss ended too soon as Melody abruptly pulled away.
“Damn,” he breathed.
It was Melody’s turn to smirk. “How was that for a lesson?”
“Not bad,” he replied. “You’re a fast teacher, and I am a faster learner. Think you have time for another session?”
Melody laughed her voice tinkling in the almost empty hall. She tried to disentangle herself from Eric’s embrace. “You know we have to get to class. I already have enough detentions so tardiness won’t help either of us.”
Eric refused to relent, pulling his arms around her a little tighter. Melody did not bother resisting Just when they were inches apart, a voice yelled ,“No public displays of affection in the hallway! Get to class!”
Melody wrenched away, roses of blossoming in her cheeks. She whipped around to confront the person who separated them. She found herself staring at a hall monitor, arms folded stoically. Melody waved sardonically, bringing her arm to her forehead in a mock salute. From them corner of her eye, Melody noticed Eric smirking with flash of pride of her impudence. He grinned idiotically and proudly like a father taking credit for his child’s accomplishments.
“I will see you around, Mel.” Eric winked. Bending close to her he gave her quick, chaste hug,whispering in her ear, “I had fun.”
“Me too,” Melody assured. “See you around, Casanova. Try not to break any hearts until tomorrow, unless it’s Kelley’s.”
Before he could reply, she sauntered away, a confidence giving a bounce to her steps Eric had never seen.
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