Page 19 of Stolen Kisses
He sat on the metal lawn chair on the deck of his boat, appropriately namedSolo, and stared up at the stars. The black oil sky was full of them tonight. They could be seen more clearly here, which was one benefit to having a house on the water. He sucked in a deep breath and let it out. It was Friday night. Usually he’d be out on a date or with Krista. Tonight he’d decided to stay in, though, mainly to avoid the latter, the same way he’d been doing since Wednesday night when he’d taken her home. He wasn’t quite sure what to say when he saw her. And he didn’t want to face the fact that things would be different between them now. Because they’d kissed.
Crap.
A shooting star lit across the sky. Noah’s heart jolted for a moment. He’d never tire of seeing one of those. And he’d never stop wishing on them, either. Tonight’s wish: that he could reverse time and leave Krista in her bed Wednesday night, turn around, and walk away before she said or did anything.
“Noah?”
Noah turned to the voice on the other side of the boat. Krista. He could hide, but his Jeep was parked outside and Beauty was now on alert and barking wildly at his side. He could jump in the shower and pretend like he hadn’t heard her.
“Noah?” she called again.
His mind raced as he contemplated how to avoid reality. He couldn’t, though. He needed to face it, face her, and see what happened. Maybe they could avoid talking about the kiss altogether. That was his vote.
“Yeah,” he said when she called his name a third time. “I’m on the deck.” His gaze fell on the other metal chair beside him. He pushed it a couple inches away to keep distance between them. A moment later, Krista stepped out on the deck. Beauty ran up to her and propped her feet on Krista’s thighs, giving a quick “hello” bark.
Krista patted Beauty’s head as she laughed. Then she returned her attention to Noah. “Hey. I called your cell and you didn’t answer.” She looked down at the cellphone on his lap.
He couldn’t say he’d somehow missed her calls. “I don’t feel like talking tonight,” he said honestly.
Her smile faded and she sat down and Beauty took the floor at her feet. “Joey said it was a decent day on the water. What’s wrong?”
“I’m just tired, I guess.” He looked at her, searching her face. Maybe she’d decided to ignore what had happened between them, too. Maybe…
“Oh.” She nodded. “Well, I came by because I want to talk to you. About the other night.”
Noah, I love that little dimple in your cheek.
And then she’d kissed him. And he’d kissed her back.
He swallowed, his mouth suddenly dry. He desperately wanted to avoid the conversation they were about to have. But, other than taking a fall off the deck of his boat, there was no escape. They had to talk. He wasn’t afraid of a lot of things, but fear iced through him. He couldn’t lose Krista. He wouldn’t.
