“Leverage,” I decide, and a smile twists on his face.
“Close your eyes,” Jae instructs, and I do so. I’m pushed into a dark world, where all I hear is the rumble of the cars in the city, and Jae’s quiet breathing. “Your date might do this, so be prepared.”
Jae’s soft hands brush the sides of my face ever so slightly, for just a second. He’s hesitating, but I’m bristling. My skin is on fire. I need more of his. He pauses for a second too long.
“I don’t bite,” I whisper, and he firmly places his hands on my face, with his thumbs just before my ears. The contact makes me fucking feral.
“Are you sure about that?” He asks. “Because I do.”
And he swoops in with a nip of my bottom lip.
The contact of his teeth with my skin makes my heart sink through my chest straight to my feet, through to the sidewalk. The sensation of his bite radiates through my body in waves, andI’m taken aback. I thought I was ready for this. A simple kiss. I could handle that. But this wasn’t a kiss. This was something else, something far more carnal and real than just a practice kiss.
“Was that something my date might do?” I ask timidly.
His lips are hovering just over mine, and before I can react further, he presses a tender but wickedly hot kiss to my mouth. I kiss back automatically, my body reacting without another thought. Jae remains reserved, but I press back, my mouth open and our tongues swipe one another briefly.
Oh, god.
What am I doing?
Jae must sense that I’ve grown hesitant, because he pulls back immediately with a step. It was one kiss—okay, maybe two, I guess—but we’re both panting. It was a fucking hot kiss, and neither of us can deny that. But was I ready for it? I don’t know.
“Fuck. I think—I think you remember how to kiss, Riley,” Jae says, awkwardly blurting out a laugh. “Let’s…let’s just keep walking, okay?” He shoves his hands in his pockets.
“Okay,” I take a long exhale.
“Are you okay?” He asks. “Don’t freak out on me now.”
“Yeah, I—I’m fine,” I sigh. He’s right—I remember how to kiss just fine, and he’s ignited something in me that makes me want to kiss him for real. Before I can panic, which I’m sure I’ll do later, I agree. “Let’s walk.”
9
Even days later, I’m feeling antsy for my group therapy even though it’s two days away. I have a lot to report on—my dating app, my unsuccessful date, my friendship with Jae…mykisswith Jae. It’s safe to say I am feeling a lot and handling it questionably. Jae and I have not spoken much while I paint the mural.
I type out a text to Jae.
Are you busy?
Depends. Who’s asking?
I’m asking. It’s Riley. Do you not have my number saved?
I know it’s you. I have your number saved. What do you want?
What do I want? My friend. I don’t know.
Wanna watch a movie?
Where?
My place. I have popcorn. :)
Cringe. What was that? A smiley face?
Just come down and knock on the door. 301.
I’ll be down in 5. Be decent.
