Believe Me, I'm Lying [New & Improved]

Chapter Twenty-Nine

"Why do I have to come along?" Oliver muttered as we made our way through the slushy parking lot to Side Street Café.

"Because, you're my boyfriend, so we can do things together now," I said simply.

"Sounds like a hassle."

"Hey, you asked for it." I turned my head up to grin at Oliver. He returned my gaze with an amused one. After a moment he slowly brought his head closer to mine. My breathing caught and I froze, knowing what was coming. Oliver's breath seemed to always smell like mint. I wondered briefly if he did that on purpose, but all thoughts were cut off when he placed his lips against mine. Unlike a few days before, I didn't stand there like a statue. This time I brought my arms around him, pushing myself up onto my tiptoes in order to kiss him back.

After a moment he pushed me away, once again looking amused. I cocked my head at him, wondering why he pulled away. He laughed through his nose. "You're a really bad kisser, Harley."

It took a minute for his words to sink in. When they did, I stared at him in shock, opening my mouth to defend myself, but nothing came out. He laughed at my expression, turning his head down, and trying to cover it as a cough.

"Sorry," I apologized finally, trying not to sound too embarrassed or bitter. "I haven't kissed anyone since a spin-the-bottle party in eighth grade."

Oliver shook his head, still smirking. "Don't apologize. We'll just have to practice."

"But—"

Oliver cut me off by bringing his head back to mine, kissing me again. This time I focused really hard on trying to match his lips to mine. I had to learn to kiss better fast. I turned my head slightly, causing our noses to smash together. Oliver snorted while I scowled, trying to pull away. He held my head fast.

"Don't move," he ordered. "I'll show you."

I stood stock still, pursing my lips. Once again, Oliver laughed. "What?" I snapped.

"Don't purse your lips. You look stupid."

"What do I do then?" I demanded, feeling a little irritated. "I thought I was doing fine before."

Oliver rolled his eyes. "Okay, we'll do it that way until you get the hang of it."

This time when his lips touched mine, a voice behind me spoke up. "Whoa, too much PDA."

My eyes flew open and I immediately backed away from Oliver. Oliver turned toward the café, hiding his face from me. I quickly twisted on my heel, coming face-to-face with Arden.

"Am I, er, interrupting something?" he asked, looking a little embarrassed.

I stared at him, my heart beating in my chest. "Arden."

He grinned sheepishly. "Hey, Harley."

It took me about five seconds to cross the distance between us and nearly tackle Arden down in a hug. I wrapped my arms around him as tightly as I could, squeezing him with all my strength. He gasped in surprise, staggering back a step, but I just held him harder.

"Arden, I'm so sorry for lying to you," I apologized, pressing my cheek to his chest. "I didn't mean to hurt you. I'm sorry. Trust me, I felt horrible for lying to you. I really wanted to tell you, but I was scared I'd lose my job."

"Harley—"

"I can understand if you won't forgive me, but I still want you to. Please. You can't imagine how sorry I am. I broke our promise and—"