Chapter 39

Broderick held his hands out like he had no idea what to do with them. He tried to pry Leslie off by tugging on her arm, but she was clinging to him like a stubborn koala to a tree-no way was she letting go. Eyes shut tight, she kept mumbling, "Not letting go. Never letting go." Broderick could feel the vein on his forehead twitching. "Leslie, I'm giving you ten seconds. Are you letting go or not?" Her ears and cheeks were flushed, pink with heat. Being wrapped around Broderick like this, feeling his warmth, hearing his heartbeat-it was too real, too close. "Nope, not letting go. Not a chance," she muttered with pure stubbornness. She was surprisingly strong. Even with all his strength, Broderick couldn't get her off him. With a snap, he slapped on the room light. The sudden brightness made her squint and wrinkle her nose. It took her a second to adjust. When her eyes focused, she realized just how suggestive their position was. Her shirt-well, his shirt-was completely disheveled, hang