The Hardest Fall

by Ella Maise

“This is the strangest thing, but I think you’re going to be my best friend, Zoe Clarke.”

The grin I gave her was a little filthy, a little lazy. “You’re so fucking fascinating, Zoe Clarke.” What did I get for my compliment? A smack on the arm and an impressive growl.

“Zoe,” I said, my voice lower since we were now closer. “You’re rambling again. It’s too cute, and it’s completely okay if you think of your friend as hot. I think you’re hot, too.”

My hand was still around her wrist, and this time I didn’t hesitate to lean in closer and pull her to me at the same time. I paused when my lips were almost touching the shell of her ear. “Say that again?” I asked in a low, deep voice. Oh, I had heard her perfectly fine the first time, but I still felt the need to hear her say it again.

“You look beautiful,” I said honestly. “You always look beautiful, but tonight you look happier. I like your smile tonight. I always like it when you smile, Flash,” I said sincerely.

I stopped speaking when Dylan’s gloved hand—his huge gloved hand—cupped my cheek and gently tilted my face up. The world around me slowed down, and I stood still. I swear to you, I watched his eyes roam my face in slow motion. “I like having your eyes on me, Zoe.”

“It’ll happen soon you know. I wonder if you’re ready for it, because we’re almost there. I can see it in your eyes, and you’re going to lose, Zoe, just like I knew you would.” “What? Almost where? Lose what?” “The bet,” he explained calmly. “You’re going to kiss me and lose the bet. You won’t be able to help yourself.” Lips tipping up, he grinned at me playfully. “Oh, I won’t, huh? So humble, too.” “Yeah.” He shrugged. “So you should give up, uncomplicate the things you needed to uncomplicate. If there is…more I don’t know about and you can’t do it for some fucked-up reason, tell me. I’ll uncomplicate it for you. I like the anticipation of you,

“Don’t ask me to let go, please. I can’t.”

“Choose me, Zoe.” The words rushed out of me before I could stop myself.

“I need you to let him go, Zoe. Whatever it is that’s going on between you two, I don’t want to know. Just…I need you to choose me now. I’m the one that’s supposed to be with you, not anyone else.”

“My heart beats differently for you. It feels different somehow. I know this probably doesn’t make sense, but…it beats louder, wilder when I see you.”

“How could you not come after me?” I croaked. “I’m an idiot. What’s your excuse?” I smiled and let my forehead drop to her shoulder. “You’ve called me an idiot a few times tonight, so I’m guessing I’m your other half, just as big of an idiot, if not bigger.” “Then we’re perfect for each other, huh?” “We are best buddies, aren’t we?”

Keep me, Flash. I’m a good catch.” I grinned, my heart skipping all over the place. “You know what? I think I will.”

I’ll catch you when you land, Flash. Just don’t take too much time, because I’m already there, impatiently waiting for you.”

“I can do anything I want to you now.” Did he think that was a threat?