Chapter 35. Nosebleed

Lila’s POV

I was startled like a live wire by the feel of Ryder’s lips on mine.

It was freaking real.

I couldn’t believe it. It was our very first kiss. No, it wasn’t a bad kiss. It was utterly unexpected, but it was warm and surprisingly tender. This was only a fake date. I believed so. And when he finally pulled away, I stared at him with wide, incredulous eyes, gazing into the smoky depths of his. I froze like a deer in headlights for a heartbeat or two.

I could literally hear my own heart beating faster, it was raining a little now. Then I was struck by the harsh reality of the situation. All eyes, music and the party were suddenly fixed on us. Everyone had actually come to the backyard, standing 30 feet away and some were peeking from the window.

My cheeks flushed hotter than any Blackridge sun. Ryder broke the kiss and looked at me. I suddenly became self-conscious. “Did. I . Sorry...” I stuttered, moving away.

Confusion and a growing