Page 7 of Take This Heart
Her breath catches and then her jaw tightens like she’s angry with herself for not moving.
And then we’re not talking anymore. Her mouth is on mine. I’m not sure if I started it or she did.
The kiss is sharp-edged and heady, a rush to all my senses. Her hands fist in the lapels of my jacket, and mine slide to her waist, pulling her against me like I’ve wanted to since the moment she insulted me in the gallery.
She tastes like champagne and defiance, and I’m half drunk on the combination.
She pulls back slightly, breath ragged. “This is such a bad idea.”
“Probably the worst,” I whisper, and kiss her again.
It’s reckless. Irresponsible. A dare to wreck my world. Yet I keep going. I’d do just about anything she asked right now.
She pulls away long enough to mutter, “I don’t know what to do with you.”
I brush a strand of hair from her cheek. “You don’t have to do anything. Just stop hating me for five seconds.”
She stares at me for a beat and then her lips are on mine again, soft and urgent. Nothing else exists. Her body melts against mine, her fingers fisting my hair.
When she pulls away again, I want to chase her mouth, but instead, I grin. “You kiss like you have something to prove.”
She freezes. “Excuse me?”
I frown. “I meant—intense. Fiery.”
“Something toprove?” she echoes, voice rising. “That’s what you got out of that?”
I close my eyes, sighing. “That came out wrong.”
She laughs, but it’s hollow. “Let’s just go back to admitting this was abadidea.”
“It didn’tfeellike a bad idea.”
She moves past me.
“Come on. Don’t walk away. Stay, please?—”
But she doesn’t stop.
I stay rooted to the rooftop, watching long after she’s out of sight.
CHAPTER THREE
THE LAKE IS CALLING
GOLDIE
Tully
Dad, you don’t have to send me an Uber Eats gift card for texting you a picture. Thank you though. I’ll use it.
Dylan
Dang. I could’ve used that.
Dad
Early bird gets the worm.
