Call him. That was the best advice I could give, since I had no experience in any of this. Wait. Did you guys use protection?
Dee rolled her eyes. Im so not ready for a baby Dee. We totally used protection.
Relief flooded me. She hung around a little longer then left to go call Adam. I was still shocked that Dee had sex. It was such a big step, even foraliens. At least it was great. But to have sex just to find out if you liked someone? Where was the romance in that? Of course, who was I to judge? I asked one guy to go out, I was pretty sure, just to see if another noticed. Yeah, I was totally not the go-to person for relationship advice. Poor Dee.
Mom woke up and we ordered pizza before she had
looking around as I found a vase for the roses. You have books everywhere. Its really cute.
I smiled as I set the roses on the counter. My mom hates it. Shes always trying to pick them up.
And you just put them right back, huh?
I laughed. Yeah, sounds right.
He moved forward, wine cooler in one hand. His gaze dipped and he reached out, picking up the silver chain. His knuckles brushed the swell of my chest. Interesting necklace. What kind of stone is this?
Obsidian, I told him. A friend gave it to me.
Its really different. He let it drop. Its cool.
Thanks. I placed my fingers on it, trying to push away the images of Daemon it brought along with it. I searched for something to say. Thanks for the flowers again. Theyre really pretty.
Im glad you like them. I was worried Id look like a nerd for giving them to you.
No. Theyre perfect. I smiled. Are you ready to go over?
He finished up the wine cooler and rinsed it before tossing it in the trash. Mom wouldve loved him for thatwell, not the underage-drinking-of-her-wine-cooler part. Sure, he said. But I kind of have some bad news. I can only stay for half an hour tops. We have some family coming in last minute. Im really sorry.
No, I said, hoping the disappointment wasnt audible. Its okay. We didnt give you much notice.
Are you sure? I feel like such a tool.
Of course. Youre not a tool. You did bring me roses.
Blake grinned. Well, I want to make it up to you. Can you do dinner with me tomorrow night?
I shook my head. I cant tomorrow. Spending the day with my mom.
How about Monday? he asked. Do your parents let you out on a school night?
Its just my mom, but yes, she does.
Good. Theres this little Indian restaurant I saw in town. He inched closer. There was a slight scent of aftershave that reminded me of the conversation Id had with Lesa about how boys smelled. Blake smelled good. You game?
Sure thing. I glanced around, biting my lip. You ready to head over now?
Yep, if you do one thing.
Which is?
Well, two things. Another step closer and his shoes were touching mine. I had to tip my head back to meet his eyes. Then we can go over.
I felt a little dizzy, staring in his eyes. What are the two things?
Youve got to give me your hand. If this is a speed date, weve got to make it believable. He dipped his head, still holding onto my gaze. And a kiss.
A kiss? I whispered.
His lips spread in a crooked smile. I need you to remember me when I leave. In that dress, youre going to have guys all over you.
I dont know about that.
You will. So? Is it a deal?
My breath slowed in my lungs. Curiosity filled me. Would kissing him be like kissing Daemon? Would the world burn or just simmer? I wanted to find out, needed to discover if I could forget the boy next door in a simple kiss.
Deal, I murmured.
His hand found my cheek, and I closed my eyes. Blake whispered my name. My mouth opened, but there were no words to be spoken. There was just anticipation and the need to lose myself. At first, his lips brushed across mine lightly, testing my response, and the gentle nature of the kiss was disarming. I placed my hands on his shoulders, and they tightened when he swept his lips over mine again.
His kiss deepened, and I felt like I was swimming in raw emotions. It was elating and yet confusing at the same time. I kissed him back, and his hands dropped to my waist, pulling me closer. I waited breathlessly in between kisses for somethinganythingother than the restlessness stirring inside me. Then all at once, I felt frustration, anger, and sadnesswhich were nothing I was searching for.
Blake broke contact, breathing heavily. His lips were ripe, swollen. Well, I will definitely remember you when I leave.
I lowered my chin, blinking. Nothing had been wrong with that kiss, other than it was lacking something. It had to be me. Stress. With everything happening, I was thinking too much into things. And kissing him was just too fast. I felt like one of those girls in the books I read, delving into a guy headfirst without even thinking about it. Practical Katy still lived inside me, and she wasnt happy with what Id done. And it was more than that. A stirring of sour guilt poked at me, telling me that my heart hadnt been in that kiss because of someone else.
Just one more thing, he said, and his hand found mine. Ready?