Page 64 of Only Fate

“Oh my gosh, just ask them.”

I hold up the Skittle as if it were an expensive diamond. “Question number one: will you sneak out with me tonight?”

She goes quiet for a minute.

I play with the Skittle in my hand, noticing red dye bleeding into my skin.

“I’ll sneak out with you tonight,” she says around a long breath before smiling wide.

I almost tell her to pinky promise on it, but she keeps talking.

“Now, tell me question two and give me my Skittle before it melts in your hand and gets all gross,” she teases.

“Question two”—a slow smile builds on my face—“can I kiss you?”

22

The Past

College

“Question two: can I kiss you?”

Adrian’s question sends a flutter through my stomach. His eyes drink me up underneath the streetlight. I shuffle back a few steps and lean against his car to steady myself. I didn’t expect us to have alone time tonight.

For so long, I dreamed of him kissing me, but fear always shatters through that fantasy.

What a joke I am.

I’m nineteen. A kiss shouldn’t feel so serious.

You don’t have to strip to kiss.

Albeit kissing sometimes leads to that.

All these thoughts circle my brain while Adrian waits for my response.

If I say yes, it’s not that simple.

It’ll change everything about our friendship.

You can’t take back kisses.

Can’t take back love.

Now or never, Essie.

My head spins, my surroundings swirling around me—all but the view of Adrian.

And so, as if it were a sign, I blurt out, “Yes! Please kiss me, Adrian,” without a drop of regret.

He immediately steps to me, wraps his arm around my waist, and draws me in closer. As he stares down at me, my body burns for him. He fixates his eyes on my mouth, tracing them with his fingertip, and I inhale a deep breath.

His mouth hovers over mine, slightly brushing it. “You have no idea how long I’ve waited to do this.”

And we finally kiss.

The kiss starts closed-mouthed until Adrian sneaks his tongue inside my lips. I brush my tongue against his, and we start making out. His lips are soft and perfect.

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