“They had a fight. Alcohol might have been involved. And there’s not many fifteen-year-olds who would sayno thank youwhen a pretty sexy older woman tells you she wants to kiss you to find out if you’re a better kisser than your brother.”
“She said that? Red flag in the relationship or what!”
“Totally. Anyway, Evan walked in on us and blamed me. Of course. And she let him. It was another six months before they broke up and he finally listened to my side of the story. I still don’t think he believed me.” I shrug. “It wasn’t much, but that was my first kiss.”
“That’s horrible.”
“Actually, as far as kisses go, it wasn’t that bad. Better than some of the first kisses I’ve had.”
“Why? Are you a bad kisser?”
I give her a look. “Really?”
“It has to be asked. If all your first kisses are bad.”
“It really doesn’t. And I don’t know. Maybe… pressure?”
“You or them?”
“Maybe both? I am a catch, and that could intimidate some girls. But living up to expectations all of the time…” I shrug again, frowning at her expression. “What? Don’t pity me.”
“I’m not pitying you. I’m just wondering…”
“I see the wheels turning.”
“Ha.” She sticks her tongue out. And then she moves.
It’s awkward, like so many things with her broken toes, but she heaves herself to her feet, and gives a little hop, like she’s moving closer to me. “Sophie, don’t. What are you—what are you doing…”
My words trail off because Sophie hops over to me, close enough for her to sit/fall onto my lap. “Hello?”
“Hi.” Her smile is infectious.
“What are you doing? Was your seat not comfortable?”
“I want to give you a good first kiss,” she whispers.
Something happens in my chest. There’s a clutch and a twist and then warmth. All over warmth that has nothing to do with the fire or the fact Sophie is sitting on my lap.
“You… okay…?” I whisper.
I didn’t say no to Nicole kissing me at fifteen, and there is no way I’m about to say no to Sophie. If she’s really planning on kissing me?
Because from the look on her face, I’m not really sure.
“Is that okay?” She looks unsure, and kind of like she can’t believe she’s doing this.
That makes two of us.
“Yeah…” Bemused, I stare as Sophie cups my cheek, sliding her thumb over my bottom lip. Is this for real?
“I don’t think it’s fair that you have never had a good first kiss. And that bad girlfriend ruined it for you.”
“And you think you make up for that?”
“No. But I think I can give you a pretty good first kiss.”
My hands slid around her waist of their own accord. “Have at it, then.”
