Alley-Oops I Think I'm Falling in Love (With the Wrong Guy)

| ROSCOE |

I didn't get nervous, but I was anxious as hell. I finally manned up and made a move, found the right words to coax that wild jungle beast out of her lair, and I was terrified I was going to mess it up.

It went without saying that this was my last chance, the last dance, I'd ever get with Aria DeLang. Normally, I thrived under pressure, but I'd never played with stakes this high before.

After last night, well... let's just say I really liked this girl, man. The thought of losing her was more unsavory than scrubbing your balls over a cheese grader.

So, with that image blaring through my mind, I swallowed hard and tried not to look over at the girl shuffling through my iPod with a crease at her brow.

Aria dropped it on her lap with an exasperated sigh, letting her head fall back against the headrest of the passenger seat.

"So... let me get this straight... you've been playing absolute garbage for the last six months just to piss me off?" She asked incredulously, beckoning at the lit up screen. "What's wrong with you?"

I was trying my best to play nice, but old habits die hard.

I adjusted the brim of my Lakers cap and peeked over at her, a wry smile curling my lips.

"I couldn't play songs you like, come on now." I said, snickering as Aria's mouth fell open and she punched me in the shoulder.

"You like the same songs, though." She shot back, sucking her teeth. "You're one petty bastard, Tate."

I put a hand to my heart, "And you're my muse. I couldn't do it without you."

She rolled her eyes, but the corners of her mouth quirked into a smile.

"Okay Pop Princess," She drawled, "What song are you actually on right now?"

She curled one of her long legs against her chest, resting her chin on her knee. The sight immediately scattered every coherent thought I ever had. I tripped over my words.

"Uh... um... Hey Lover by L.L. Cool J." I said, straining to haul my eyes away from such shapely thighs.

Aria cocked her head at me, pleasantly surprised. "This might be the first time you've impressed me, Tate." She said as she tapped play and the smooth melody began to play.

She closed her eyes and sank into it. I anxiously adjusted my grip on the steering wheel, wondering belatedly if Aria would see the parallels to our situation in the lyrics.

Her eyes fluttered open as the song got to the part about the guy wanting to steal the girl from her man.

I was already wincing.

Aria pushed herself up, unfurling her leg, when L.L. Cool J started the verse about how "said boyfriend" could not stop him from having day dreams about tonguing her down with vanilla ice cream.

Aria's piercing emerald eyes drilled into me and I coughed, innocently clearing my throat.

"Interesting song choice..." She said, her voice dripping with skepticism. Of course she wouldn't let it be.

I guess I had to own it.

I flicked my gaze over her as I waited for the turn signal. Aria bit her bottom lip, eyes narrowing as she studied me.

"My crush thinks she has a man, but she don't. He ain't it." I explained, thumbing my nose to hide an impish smile.

"Shut up, Tate. We both know I'm not your crush." She groused, eyebrows flat.