Shift

“I’m just kidding. I’m looking forward to prom. Truly. I ca

“One track mind with you, Dustin,” I tease. My thighs tingle at the thought of his hand creeping up my leg in a short mini dress, though, so I decide that I’m definitely buying something short.

“Your parents still going to let you go with me?” he asks.

I bite my bottom lip and suck it in. Dustin shifts in his seat so he’s facing me more.

“Ha

My chest tightens.

“Uh huh?” I mutter. “I mean, yeah. Sure! Of course!” I smile through my bullshit, but it’s useless; Dustin sees right through my sad attempt.

“Ha

“I will tell them. We are going . . . together. And my mom will want pictures, even if my dad shakes your hand with a death grip. Prom is a non-negotiable.”

Dustin lets out a short laugh and shakes his head as I pull into the student parking lot.

“Okay, Banana. Whatever you say,” he jokes, getting out of the car and rounding to my side to wait for me.

I purse my lips at him when I get out. I can’t count the number of times he’s uttered that phrase to me over the years, and he always says it when he doesn’t fully believe me. I forgive him a little, though, when he slings his arm over my shoulders and pulls me in tight. And when his mouth covers mine—a display put on for every girl our age in Camp Verde—I forget his teasing doubt. One more kiss like that and I’ll completely let him off the hook for prom.