I stare at Ashton. He stares at me.
We’re no longer kissing because my father is at the door, come to say goodnight like has become his habit.
“Sophie? You okay?” Dad calls.
“I’m—I’m getting ready for bed… and I’ve got on one of those face masks that look like a piece of ham on your face, so maybe don’t…”
He tries the door. Of course he does. But…
“You locked it?” I mouth to Ashton. He nods.
“I can’t get up right now because I’m doing the pedicure thing, and I locked the door because this mask thing is super embarrassing and—”
“It’s okay,” Dad says. “I just wanted to say goodnight.”
“I know.” And I know that my father’s head might explode if he walks in and finds me draped over Ashton. Havinghim walk in on me and any man would be mortifying but Ashton… “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be, sweetheart. Have a good sleep. I love you.”
My eyes close against the sudden burning sensation. I don’t remember the last time my father told me he loved me. And to have him say it now… when I’m still on Ashton’s lap…
“Love you, too,” I manage in an overly loud voice. “Goodnight, Dad. See you in the morning.”
32
Ashton
ME: if a girl kisses you, that confirms she like you, right?
MILO: Who is this?
LAVINIA: How old are you? Because you sound like you’re in Grade 2 and still think teasing a girl is how you tell her you like her. Never a good idea, btw
CORAL: I’ve kissed guys that I don’t like
FENELLA: Me too
ME: I don’t need to know that.
FENELLA: You asked. Why don’t you just tell us what happened with Sophie?
Sophiekissedme.AndI kissed her back. But saying that in a text thread takes away from the…rightnessof it. And the confusion I feel about how muchI liked it.
I wanted to kiss Sophie, but I didn’t think I should. But if she kissed me…
Of course I’m going to kiss her back.
We’re not going to bring up the fact that her father could have easily walked in on us, had I not given the lock a casual flick when I closed the door. I’ve never locked any door in the castle, not mine, and definitely not Sophie’s. I don’t know what made me do it last night.
But I’m so glad I did.
Duncan at the door put a damper on things, and I helped Sophie stand up. I suspected it would take a while for the bright red of her cheeks to return to her normal colour, so I quickly left to spare her any more embarrassment.
I wish I’d stayed.
I’m not one for talking about feelings, but I have a feeling we need a conversation about that.
But then I might have to confess that I’ve wanted to kiss her for a while. Like when I come into her room and see her head bent over her sketchbook, or her ereader, or watching TV, I want to kiss her. I want to take her face in my hands, cup her cheeks, and kiss her until neither of us remembers our names.
