He shook his head. “Please go. I’m trying to run away.”
“I noticed.”
Jae tested the floor with his foot.
“What are you doing?”
“Wondering why the floor isn’t opening to swallow me whole.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Jae, please turn around and look at me.”
“I can’t.”
“Why not?”
“Because I…I…”
“Kissed me?”
He nodded.
“You don’t need to be embarrassed.”
“I’m not. I’m mortified.”
“Why?”
“Isn’t that obvious?”
“Am I that bad a kisser?”
Slowly, Jae lowered his hands and half turned. He kept his chin dipped and looked at me through his lashes. His cheeks were bright red. “You barely kissed back.”
“You didn’t give me much of a chance. You pecked and ran.”
Jae narrowed his eyes. “What are you saying?”
I threw caution to the wind and cupped his cheek like I’d been longing to do all day. “That I might not have been expecting you to kiss me, but I liked it. Would you mind if I kissed you?” I applied gentle pressure with my hand until he looked up.
“You…want…” His voice was soft and breathy.
“To kiss you.”
His pupils shrank. His lips parted invitingly. I slowly moved closer, giving him plenty of time to step away or say no. He didn’t move or speak. I closed my mouth over his and kissed him. His lips tasted as amazing as I remembered. The spices from dinner mixed with something else. Either his lipstick was flavoured, or he was wearing fruity lip balm. His lips were plump, soft, and malleable.
I straightened and smiled at him. “Am I a bad kisser?”
Jae touched his lips. “No.” The red in his cheeks became more vibrant. “Am I?”
“No.”
“What just happened?”
I chuckled. “You kissed me and then ran away. I kissed you, and you didn’t run away. I’d say we’re making good progress.”
Jae blinked. “Progress…”
“Yes.”
