Page 61 of Just My Puck
“Maybe I did it on purpose,” I say with a mischievous grin.
She gives me a pointed look. “No, you didn’t.”
“Fine.” I roll my eyes, securing my arms around her to bring her close. “I didn’t, but I’m not mad at myself for creating that moment. I almost kissed you that day.”
“I wish you had,” she says before placing another sweet kiss on my lips.
“So, we’re really doing this?” I ask, locking my eyes with hers. I know I shouldn’t jump into this with her, but I can’t help it. I want everything with Aria, and I want it right now. Like Miles said, waiting would only lead to regrets.
“I think we are,” she says with a sparkle in her eye.
I lean forward to kiss her, and as our lips meet again, something inside me shifts. It’s not just the softness of her lips or the warmth of her touch—it’s everything. I’ve kissed before, but this . . . this feels different. It’s like the world has fallen away, and there’s nothing left but her. Her breath, her pulse, her skin under my fingertips.
Aria’s hands find their way to my chest, and the contact sends a jolt of electricity through me, grounding me to the moment, to her. I can’t remember the last time I kissed someone with this much feeling, this much meaning. It’s been years since I’ve even let myself get this close to anyone, and with Aria, it feels important. Every movement feels purposeful, like we’re writing something new between us with each touch.
I’m lucky the universe put her on my path, because I know this is only the beginning of something great. It has to be.
25
"I’m pretty sure I never had it this good.”
Aria
It’s like all the pieces of my life have finally fallen into place, and I’ve never been so at ease. When I open my eyes the next morning, I linger on my pillow, remembering last night’s events—the birthday party, the kiss—and realizing how amazing my life is. I breathe in the scent of the lily candle, like I do every morning since the day I bought it, and the comforting scent puts a smile on my face.
I brush my teeth with extra vigor, knowing I’m going to kiss Caleb again very soon. Butterflies take flight in my belly, and I enjoy the feeling for a little while before stepping into the shower.
I close my eyes as the water cascades over my back, but I don’t want to stay here too long. Caleb has practice this morning, and I’d hate to miss him before he leaves. I pump some shower gel into my palm and start by washing my legs. A flash of pain shoots through my mind as I move my hand over the scar on my knee. I’m six years old, at a playground near my house. It’s a beautiful day. I can almost hear the sound of my sneakers hitting the pavement, the laughter of the other kids ringing in my ears. As I’m running, the rush of wind tousling my hair, I trip—scraping my knee on the gravel. My hands reach for the ground as tears start to form.
I clench my eyes shut, pushing the memory away. The playground dissolves, and I’m back in the shower, my safe space.
Turning off the water, I hold on to the wall for support while trying to steady my breathing. What was that all about? This is wrong. So wrong. I should want to remember, but I blocked it out. Why do I feel like I don’t want to know?
Because you don’t,a small voice in my head whispers.Because you have everything you need here.
I swallow hard, trying to clear my mind, then finish my shower before getting dressed and joining Caleb downstairs.
As I anticipated, he’s busy making breakfast, humming one of the songs we danced to last night.
“Hey, beautiful,” he says when I enter the kitchen.
I force a smile and walk up to him. As soon as he brings me into a hug, my anxieties melt away. “Hey, yourself. Thanks for making breakfast.”
He brushes a strand of hair behind my ear and kisses me. It’s a soft, lingering kiss, the kind that feels like it’s over too soon, but in the best way. There’s a sweetness to it—like he’s savoring the moment just as much as I am. The touch of his lips is gentle, but it holds all the unspoken things I’m feeling, things that make my heart flutter as his mouth moves with mine.
He pulls away, just far enough to look into my eyes. “I meant what I said yesterday. I don’t mind cooking for you.”
A smile stretches across my face. What did I do to deserve such a sweet man?
Once Caleb is out the door, I grab my digital notebook and start writing. I’ve already received three messages from the girls in our group chat, urging me to send them what I have so far, but I want to add a little something to the story. I spend most of the morning writing, then reread the draft a few times before finally gathering the courage to send them the file. Hopefully, it’s not so bad that they won’t have anything to say about it.
I’m running late for my session with Dr. Stuart, so I hurry out the door and jog to his office. Thankfully, his previous patient is just leaving as I enter.
“Good afternoon, Aria,” he says with his usual tranquility. “How are you today?”
“Hi, Dr. Stuart. I’m good.”
I take my seat and wait for him to grab his pen and notebook.
