As Mike went to town on my neck, I felt myself sinking deeper and deeper into relaxation mode and let out a contented sigh.

“Hey, I know that sound,” Mike leaned into my ear to whisper. “You’re falling asleep. Don’t forget you’re not the only one in the world who needs a little after-school stress relief.”

My eyes shot open, and I sat up on the waterbed, causing it to jiggle.

“Do you mean you’re worried about Palmetto, too?” I said quickly. “I thought it was just me, but you must have seen all the posters today, too. Do you think we put enough up? Do you think we look better than everyone else?”

“Way to kill the mood,” Mike joked. He rubbed his hand down my side. “I just meant I could use some. . ahem. . general stress relief. . hint hint.”

“Oh,” I said, reaching over the edge of the bed for my bag to pop a piece of Juicy Fruit in my mouth. “That.”

“Yeah,” he said. “That. Don’t sound too excited.”

When I met Mike’s eyes, I realized how stupid I’d sounded. I didn’t even mean it. Being this close to his body always made me want to rip his clothes off. It wasn’t that I’d lost sight of that; I just had the Ball on my brain.

“I’m sorry, baby,” I said, burying my face in his chest. “That’s not what I meant. You know I can’t get enough of you.” I started kissing my way down his stomach, which always left him paralyzed. I hovered right above his boxers to look him in the eye. “It’s only that I want the whole school to want you just as badly. . serving as their Prince.”

He moaned and stroked my head. “I’ll settle for your endorsement.”

I ran my thumbs inside the waist of his boxers and clicked my tongue. “Uh-uh, that’s not enough. You know I want to celebrate our status. . with crowns.”