No, after another second passed, I realized I was fully present in my body with my lips pressed against Nattie’s.
The intimate moment was far too short-lived. She pulled back, her cheeks a little flushed as she let her hands slip to my chest.
“Uhhh,” I murmured, completely speechless.
Her features turned from sweet to concerned. “Was I not supposed to do that?”
“No!” My eyes widened as I shook my head. “I mean, yes. Wait, ummm, I’m sorry, I am just…screwing this up big time.”
She winced as she started to step back.
“No, wait,” I said, grabbing hold of her. I dipped her backward and planted my lips against hers, wrapping my arms around her.
Girls liked romantic stuff like this, right?
We’d find out in a second. I straightened, pulling her up with me as we parted.
“Oh my,” she said, her eyelashes fluttering.
“I’m sorry,” I said instinctively.
“No.” She shook her head, her hand patting my chest. “No need for an apology. I’m pleased that you weren’t taken aback by my kiss.”
“No, not at all. I just…okay, this just never happens to me.” I heaved out a nervous chuckle. “Like ever. Like never ever.”
She nibbled on her bottom lip, suppressing an amused smile that broke through on her features. “You’re lying.”
I put my hand on my heart, raising the other in the air. “I’m not. I swear. I strike out with all the ladies. But…I’m sort of glad, because I met you.” I poked her gently, a grin on my face.
I hoped the comment would be a sweet moment between us, but it seemed to ruin things. Of course. That was my luck.
After a fleeting smile, she let her gaze sink to the floor, worry seeming to flicker in her eyes. “Well, I should go to bed.”
“I hope you sleep well knowing you’re safe here,” I answered, wishing I could rewind this moment and say something less stupid.
“Thank you.” She twisted away from me, heading toward her bag.
That was my cue. I wanted to pull her back in my arms, to tell her everything would be okay. But I was afraid to scare her more.
I backed from the room. Why had I said what I did? After pulling her door closed, I collapsed against the wall with a sigh. “Because I met you,” I mimicked in a mocking voice. “Idiot.”
I peeled myself from the wall, shuffling down the hall. I wanted to disappear into my bedroom, pull the covers over my head, and hide. But I knew that Ava and Alex would come looking for me.
So, instead, I just headed downstairs to take my licks. I staggered into the living room, past my friends, and collapsed into the chair.
Ava arched an eyebrow at me. “Well?”
I slid my eyes closed, shaking my head as I rubbed my forehead. “We kissed.”
“Whoa,” Alex exclaimed, sitting a little straighter. “Already?”
“Yep,” I murmured.
“So, why the long face, Doc?” Ava asked.
I pressed my lips together, wrinkling my nose. “Well, she kissed me. Then, I kissed her. And I thought things were going really well. But then I said I’d struck out a lot before, but I was glad because I met her. And I think that ruined it. She just kind of looked upset after that.”
“Why would she be upset over that? It’s sweet,” Ava said.
