Chapter 55: Chapter 55

My bright eyes lit up. I beamed with satisfaction, knowing that James' response was exactly what I'd hoped for.

What I loved most was that James didn't question my motives. He didn't ask why I kissed him or seek an explanation. He just accepted it for what it was. He wasn't aware of what I was doing.

Despite the thrill of the moment, I couldn't shake the creeping guilt I felt. I'd used James as a pawn in my game. I kissed him to get back at Samantha and my ex boyfriend. I hated that I'd used his feelings for me to further my own agenda, even if it wasn't intentional. I would surely make things right, but at least I'd accomplished what I'd set out to do.

The room fell silent. All eyes were on us, I caught the glances of the students who were familiar with my history with Romeo. They watched with bated breath, eager to see how this would play out. The other students looked around in confusion while some just minded the business. I was sure the other students were from other schools. I felt a knot twisting in my stomach as I realized we were now the main event.

I hated being the center of the attention, but in this moment, it didn't bother me. When did I turn to this?

I felt James' warm breath against my ear as he whispered, "Shall we grab a drink and find somewhere to sit?"

Before I could respond, I caught a glimpse of my ex, Romeo, out of the corner of my eye. His gaze was fixed on me, and he had a blank look on his face. But his forest green eyes told a different story - they were brimming with rage and envy.

I noticed that his hands were clenched into fists. I also noticed that Samantha, the queen bee herself, was staring at me with a wide grin on her face. It was clear that she was enjoying this moment. Why did she find this funny?

I swallowed a gulp down my throat as I turned to face James. "Okay," I murmured.

James and I made our way to the drink station, where he poured me a glass of soda, keeping his promise to my mom. In truth, the last thing I wanted was alcohol - I needed to keep a clear head, given the situation I'd created.

We made our way to a quiet corner of the room, far from the curious stares of the other students. We sat down, each of us nursing our drinks. For a few minutes, we sat in silence.

"Ivy."

James broke the silence, his voice soft but serious. I looked up at him, meeting his gaze. I could tell by the look in his eyes that he had a lot on his mind and I braced myself for what he was about to say.

He was silent for a moment, clearly searching for the right words. Then, he asked. " Why did you kiss me? I don't think it's a strange question - it's not something you'd do without a reason. Can you tell me why?"

I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. I knew this was coming. There was no way I was going to tell him the reason I'd kissed him - that I'd wanted to get back at Samantha and my ex boyfriend. I didn't want to hurt him by saying that. I wanted to be honest with him, but not at the expense of his feelings.

I cleared my throat. "Because I felt like kissing you. Your lips are so attractive. " I told him.

James' eyes lit up, a smile playing at the corners of the mouth. "Wait, are you being serious? I mean, I felt the same way but I didn't want to be too forward. " He rambled.

He had a grin on his face, his cheeks turning slightly pink.

I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks as I mumbled, "I can do it again."

Without waiting for a response, I leaned in, my lips brushing softly against his. The kiss was brief and tender. When I pulled away, his eyes were wide with surprise, but there was a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

I could feel people's stares boring into us. I had no idea where this sudden boldness came from - a few minutes ago, I was nervous and not sure about coming to the party. Now, I'd kissed my date twice all in an attempt to prove a damn point. What had gotten into me?

James broke the silence, "That was really nice," His words startled me, jolting me out of my train of thoughts.

I nodded my head, unable to find the words to express how I was feeling. A part of me felt guilty for using James, for making him think that I'd kissed him because of some attraction I didn't really feel. But the truth was, another part of me enjoyed the kisses. There was something about this moment that was freezing. I just couldn't bring myself to admit it.

Rising to my feet, I turned to face James. "I think I should visit the restroom," I said.

I needed some space. I had to get away to have a moment alone to process what had just happened. I couldn't think straight with him staring at me.

"Do you want me to walk you to the restroom?" James asked.

I shook my head, "No, it's okay,"

My voice came out as a whisper as I walked away.

I made my way through the crowded room, wending my way past couples making out, some of them so drunk that they could barely stand. I had to avoid stepping on spilled drinks and discarded food wrappers.

Finally, I found the door to the restroom and slipped inside, letting out a sigh of relief. I didn't lock the door, not wanting to inconvenience anyone who might need to use the restroom in a hurry.

I leaned over the sink, staring at my reflection in the mirror. I reached for the faucet and turned it on, splashing cold water on my face. As I closed my eyes and let water run over them, all I could see was the image of Samantha's hand in Romeo's hair. The memory made me let out a hiss. I shouldn't be thinking about them. What the heck was wrong with me?

Suddenly, the door to the restroom swung open, causing me to jump in surprise. I turned, my heart pounding in my chest, to see who had entered without bothering to knock first. My eyes widened when I saw the person who barged in - the male character I'd been thinking about, the one who'd been stuck in my head.

I forced myself to take a deep breath, trying to get a grip on myself. I should not act like a dummy.

"Fuck!" Romeo blurted out and turned on his heels to leave the restroom.

Without thinking, I blurted out, 'Wait!' The word echoed through the room, stopping Romeo in his tracks.

He hesitated for a moment, then turned back to face me, an unreadable expression on his face.

"I can leave, you can use the restroom. I'm not doing anything important here." I uttered.

Romeo gave a half shrug and walked in, locking the door, "I don't have anything important to do either," he said, his voice low and husky.

My stomach was full of butterflies. I forced myself not to look at his messy jet black hair or his soft, but full hair. I couldn't keep my mind from wandering. I kept wondering what might happen if we stayed here together for a few minutes.

The scent of his cologne filled my nose deeply, and I found myself drawn to him. I wanted to move closer to him. I wanted to rake my fingers through his hair too. I wish I could feel his touch on my body at least, for the last time.

Damn, would I be able to control myself?