Throughout the entire ride, I had the urge to reach over and put my hand on his knee, but of course, I restrained myself.
When we arrived at Bad Boy Burger, the line was out the door and around the corner.
“You weren’t kidding. This place is mobbed.”
“The burgers better be worth it.”
After forty minutes, we finally made it to the part of the line that was inside the restaurant. It was cafeteria style, so once the order was placed, you either found a seat inside, took it to go, or sat on one of the benches outside.
We were just about ten people from the cashier when I glanced out to the seating area. My throat felt like it was closing up, and I felt dizzy.
I blinked.
No.
I blinked again.
It couldn’t be.
He’s in New York.
No, he’s here.
Elec.
My ex was sitting with his mother and the woman he left me for—Greta.
He didn’t see me.
Oh my God.
I had to get out of here.
“Chelsea, what’s wrong? You’re turning white.”
I grabbed his arm for support. “It’s Elec.”
“What about him?”
“He’s here.”
“What?”
“Behind me and a little to the right.”
Damien’s head whipped toward Elec’s direction. “What the fuck is he doing here?”
“His mother lives here in Sunnyvale.” I blew out a nervous breath. “He must be visiting.”
“What are the fucking chances, seriously?”
“With my luck? Pretty good, apparently.”
He glared at them. “That’s her?”
“Yes.”
“She ain’t got nothing on you.”
Too nervous to appreciate those words, I said, “I don’t want him to see me.”
“Then I probably shouldn’t tell you he’s looking over in this direction.”
“Do you think he knows it’s me?”
“I can’t tell. Do you want to just leave?”
“I do. But I also don’t want to turn around.”
“You think he’ll say something?”
“I don’t know. But I guarantee you his mother will. She loves me.”
Damien glanced in their direction again before placing his hands on my shoulders. “Okay. Don’t freak out, but he’s definitely looking over here.”
“Shit.”
Damien looked like he was pondering something. “You trust me?”
“Yes.”
“Just go with it, okay?”
Not having a clue what he meant, I nodded. “Okay.”
Before I could question anything further, Damien’s hands were on my face, bringing me into him. He pressed his lips into mine and began to kiss me harder than I’d ever been kissed in my entire life.
My heart was pounding so fast, and I didn’t know whether it was because I knew Elec was watching or because of the sheer shock of it all or simply because I knew this was going to ruin me.
It’s all for show.
Even though I kept telling myself it wasn’t real, it sure as heck didn’t feel fake as Damien pushed his tongue in and out of my mouth. His hot, wet lips on mine were without a doubt the best I’d ever felt.
Upon the recognition of his taste, all of my senses weakened. My legs felt like they were ready to collapse, like the only thing holding me up were his hands still wrapped around my cheeks.
I opened my mouth wider taking in every one of his breaths as if they were my only oxygen. I kept expecting him to pull away, but instead he only kissed me harder, pressing his entire body into mine. I didn’t care where we were anymore or that we were still in a crowded line.
He moved his hands from my cheeks and began threading his fingers through my hair, slightly pulling it. We were making a scene. Even though putting on a performance for Elec was his initial intent, I wasn’t sure it was just for show anymore.
The low moan that escaped into my mouth was proof that he’d gotten carried away and lost in it, too. The kiss that started out calculated, calm and collected was no longer that as I felt his heart pound against mine. It was the most beautiful feeling because it was proof that I wasn’t crazy, that this chemistry I’d been experiencing wasn’t all in my head.
I was sure the people behind us in line were cutting right in front by now, but I was too immersed in the kiss to notice. I sure as hell wasn’t going to be the first to break it, because I knew once that happened, I would have to face the fact that my life would never be the same. Because I couldn’t erase this. I could never undo knowing how this felt.
He slowed the pace before reluctantly pulling away. I leaned in, trying to continue the kiss, but he turned his cheek and muttered, “Fuck” as if the realization of what he’d done finally hit him. He didn’t have to explain. I knew exactly why he was angry with himself. That was exactly how I felt.