Page 47 of Grumpy Darling

“You heard about that?” I groaned.

“It happened in the middle of a party. Are you really surprised I found out?”

“I was kind of hoping no one had noticed and I could take the secret to my grave. It’s so embarrassing.”

“It’s not too bad. If it makes you feel any better, a girl once got so nervous talking to me, she accidentally fell in a pool. She ended up far more wet than you. But I thought it was cute.”

I laughed. “Oddly enough, that does make me feel better. Thanks, Parker.”

I started for Cammie’s bedroom. I was happy to call it a night, but Parker skipped ahead of me and propped himself up against the doorway. “So, is Damien the guy you want to be your first kiss?”

“Uh, that’s none of your business, Parker.”

“Because if you spilled your drink on yourself while talking to him, I’m guessing that means you two are no closer to locking lips.”

I glared at him. “It was just an accident. I’ll do better next time.”

“And what do you plan to do differently?”

“I have it under control.”

“Uh-huh.”

“I do!” I insisted, though it was clear he didn’t believe me.

“Also, say tonight had gone according to plan,” Parker continued. “Is making out with a guy at a party really the way you want your first kiss to go?”

“I guess?”

“Because I always thought you were more romantic than that.”

“Did you?”

“Sure. I figured you’d want the full experience. You know, start with a bit of flirting, then maybe a cute first date. For the lucky guy to whisper sweet nothings to you on a quiet beach at sunset. For there to be sparks and chemistry and anticipation. Not some dance-floor hookup while everyone’s watching.”

I raised an eyebrow. “You’ve really thought about these things?”

“Of course. Evenmyfirst kiss was special.”

That caught me by surprise. “Special? Really?”

“Yep.”

“What happened?”

He smirked. “I was on the ice, taking penalty shots against a girl I liked. I scored an epic goal. She bet I couldn’t score against her. I wagered a kiss.”

“So, you scored the goal?”

“Nope, I missed on purpose and told her I didn’t want to win the kiss. I was going to wait for her to kiss me because she wanted to. And, soon enough, she did.”

It was an incredibly cute story. Too cute for Parker. “Did you just make that up, or are you secretly all mushy and gooey inside?”

“That’s not important,” he said with a wink. “What’s important is the fact I know you’re mushy and gooey all over. Which is why I’m shocked you don’t want more from your first time kissing a guy.”

“It’s just a kiss, Parker.” I was surprised by how unconvincing I sounded. Itwasjust a kiss, right? No big deal. I didn’t need all that extra stuff. Although, Parker had made kissing someone in front of a crowded, rowdy high school party sound very unappealing. It was bad enough people saw my attempt at flirting. I didn’t need anyone witnessing my first kiss, because that would probably end in embarrassment too.

Parker shrugged. “I’m just saying, you only get your first kiss once. I figured you’d want it to be special.”

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