Page 39 of Tell Me Everything
“Damn it!”
He removed the pan from the heat before rubbing his jaw. A red spot was already forming on his skin. I took an ice cube out of the freezer and wrapped it in a paper towel. I got back on my perch and pulled Alex towards me. It wouldn’t be a big burn, but it still looked painful. He tried to take the ice cube out of my hand as I placed it against his chin.
“It's okay, I can do it.”
“You don't have the patience to take care of yourself,” I said, pushing his hand away. “Let me do it.”
I expected him to retaliate. Alex wasn’t one to like being taken care of, yet he stayed. When I lifted my eyes to his, they were fixed on my lips. Although we were always together, being this close physically was different. His breath caressed my cheek. I had to admit it, his closeness made me feel all kinds of things. His lips were pure temptation, and I often wonderedwhat they tasted like. Something I wouldn't admit out loud. We were friends. Was it normal to be that attracted to your friend?Oh, God. Who was I trying to fool? I had the biggest crush on Alex, and if he was attracted to me even a little, that would be amazing. This wasn't how I'd planned things to go when I'd let him into my life. Now it was too late. Alex was everything I loved. Sweet, charming, and, if I did say so myself, just my type. Despite his flaws, Alex was everything I wanted in one single person. Deep down, I was afraid this crush could become something more, because I wasn't ready for that. But falling for him was easy, I knew that. I cleared my throat, which snapped Alex out of his daze. I removed the ice cube from his chin to find the redness already fading.
“If we apply a little ointment, the redness will be gone in a few hours.”
His irises weighed on me. Without warning, Alex placed his lips on mine. My body reacted on instinct, and I kissed him back. His lips were soft, and I couldn't tear myself away from the kiss, even if I'd wanted to (which I didn't). Alex placed a hand on the small of my back to pull me closer. I spread my legs slightly, and he pressed himself against me. The tip of his tongue caressed mine. It was intoxicating. Our bubble burst when Alex stepped back in one swift movement. It took me a few seconds to realize what had just happened, my mind too clouded.
“I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me.” Alex took another step back, trying to put as much distance between us as possible. If his breathing hadn't been so rapid, I would have taken his reaction as an insult.
“I'm not sorry.”
It was a kiss. So, how had he managed to take my breath away like that? It was a good thing I was already sitting because I wouldn't have been able to stand on my own. Alex seemed nervous. Was he as affected by our kiss as I was, or was heregretting it? I had to try and lighten the mood.
“Wow, you really are a good kisser, huh?”
It worked. Alex finally looked back at me, and he was smiling. I'd never kissed anyone like that, and sharing this experience with Alex had never crossed my mind before. Wasn't it ironic that my first kiss, and by that I mean the passionate sort where you don't feel butterflies in your stomach but a flock of thunderbirds, was with the guy who absolutely wanted me to be his friend?
“Thanks, you're pretty good yourself.”
I got down from the worktop and patted his arm. I couldn't show him how much I’d loved it. It would only freak him out.
“I'll get the ointment. Try not to set my kitchen on fire in the meantime.”
***
Coming out of a slumber, I realized that I must have fallen asleep for a few hours. The sun was shining outside, whereas earlier it had been grey. On my bedside table stood a thermos and a bottle of water. Had I dozed off so long that my mother was back from her flower shop already? I turned my head and saw Alex sitting on the couch, reading a science textbook. How long had he been there? Unable to stop myself from yawning, I stretched. God, everything hurt. Alex looked up.
“Ah, you're finally awake.”
I rubbed my eyes. Despite the nap, I would have gladly slept a bit longer. “What time is it?”
“About half past three.”
Alex abandoned his book and sat down next to me on the bed. The last time I'd seen him, we'd kissed. Was this going to influence the way we behaved towards each other? For several days, I'd been racking my brain. I'd thought about it way toomuch, wondering if I was going to lose the only friend I had left, all because of a stupid kiss. A kiss I'd enjoyed far more than I should have, and a kiss I'd dreamed of for the last few nights, but still... Why did the only kiss that made me feel anything have to be with him? Sure, Alex was my friend and someone I'd come to care about immensely. But that kiss... I couldn't get it out of my head. Never, ever had anyone been able to make my head spin the way Alex had. And never had I felt so desired and cherished at the same time. My cheeks turned red. Of course, it wasn't lost on him. Alex placed his hand, which felt oddly cool, on my forehead, and his gaze was worried.
“What’s wrong? When I saw you weren't in class today and didn't answer my messages, I knew something was up.”
My cheeks heated up even more. This kind of conversation was pretty awkward to have. Just as I was about to answer, my cramps started up again, and I rolled into a ball. Sometimes it sucks to be a woman.
“Elena, are you okay?”
His voice was tense. I gave a thumbs-up to show I was fine. It may hurt like hell, but I wasn't sick. No need to worry him any further. Alex bent down to my level. His green eyes were full of concern, as I'd expected. I sighed.
“I'm just on my period. I'm used to it.”
His eyes widened slightly, but he remained silent. Alex lay down beside me and patted his chest. Without hesitating, I lay my head on him and listened to his heartbeat. It was calm and steady, just like him. He ran his hand through my hair, and I winced. In other circumstances, it would have been cute.
“Sorry if my hair is a bit greasy. I didn't have the courage to wash it today.”
“It’s fine. I don't mind.” Alex continued to run his fingers through my hair.
I felt like a cat about to purr. I looked up at him. “I never knewyou were such a tactile person,” I teased.
