On impulse, I moved my head closer and indicated with my finger that he should do the same. Liam seemed confused, but he followed my direction and leaned closer. Standing up slightly, I brushed my lips against his. His hand came to my cheek and he kissed me back softly. I sighed and, after a few more seconds, retreated back into my seat.
“Niente.”
He held back a smile.
“Annoying, right?”
I met his gaze.
“Yes! Like… I’m sitting here having a great time with you. Better than I have with anyone, really. So, I think… we have to have something. How can everything feel so natural, and therenotbe something?”
Liam sighed.
“But, niente.”
Then his eyes started to tease, and he shrugged.
“Well, I’m still willing to have fun trying.”
Laughing, I threw a napkin at him. He batted it away and then tilted his head.
“While we are on the subject, we are supposed to exchange first-kiss stories. For our history project.”
“You first.”
He frowned but got a little wistful. Did guys really get wistful?
“Faith Summers. We were twelve. I wasn’t a great guy, but I hadn’t hit the peak of my dickhead days yet. She was way out of my league. I knew that, even at twelve. Actually, you remind me of her a lot.”
That surprised me.
“Really?”
He frowned.
“I mean, not at all like… physically, but she had a good heart. Like you. I’m still convinced that if things had worked out between us, I would never have fallen into my evil ways at all.”
“Seems like you had it bad.”
Liam’s thoughts seemed far off and for a moment he didn’t say anything. Then he whispered softly, “It’s crazy, isn’t it? How some people’s effect still last when they aren’t even a part of your life anymore.”
Things were getting deep in Liam’s heart. I could tell. It made me wonder if Faith thought of Liam with as much sentiment. His eyes blinked away whatever had trapped him, and his attention came back to me.
“Your turn.”
“Mine was Marco. Like I said… he was my world. I never imagined ever kissing someone else.”
His eyes went wide.
“I’m the only other guy you’ve ever kissed?”
I nodded, and he collapsed into his seat.
“I’m so sorry.”
Smiling, I shrugged.
“It’s really fine. He kissed Gina. It’s not like if we get back together, I would be the only girl he ever kissed.”
