Page 46 of Broken Ties (Rixon High 4)

“Okay…”

“But I should, right? I should just get it over with.”

“I don’t know. Do you want to do that?”

It didn’t sound very romantic. I’d always imagined my first kiss would be some great rite of passage. Heart fluttering, toe curling, fireworks exploding all over the place romantic.

I guess it wasn’t the same for boys.

“It’s just a kiss, Poppy.” His eyes bore into mine, the air turning thick around us. Sometimes, when he looked at me like this, with such intensity, I couldn’t breathe.

“A first kiss isn’t just a kiss, Aaron. It should be all of the things. It should be… epic.”

“Epic, huh?” Soft laughter rumbled in his chest.

“Fine, go kiss any old girl and get it over with.” I tipped my chin in defiance. “But you can’t ever get it back.”

“It’s not your virginity, Pops. That’s—”

“Aaron!” I blushed.

“Sorry, I forgot. You can’t talk about sex, it’s gets you all—”

“Oh my God, stop.” The pool looked like a viable option to dive into and hide my embarrassment. But Aaron was blocking my path.

Damn him.

“You’re so freaking cute when you blush.” His eyes twinkled, making my heart flutter.

“Cute?” My heart flipped. “You think I’m—”

“What are you two doing out here still?” Sofia appeared with Cole in tow.

“We were just talking,” I said, hoping they didn’t notice my flaming cheeks.

“Whatever,” Cole grumbled. “Darla is hounding me, are we going to meet them or not?”

“I…” Aaron glanced at me but I couldn’t decipher the emotion swirling in his eyes. “Yeah,” he swallowed. “Let’s head out.”

“Oooh, you’re meeting girls? Wait until I tell Dad.”

“Butt out, Sofe.” Aaron glared at her. “See you tomorrow?” he asked me, and I nodded, dejection coiling around my heart.

“Until tomorrow.”

“Laters.” Cole gave us a two fingered salute and headed back inside, Aaron trailing after him.

“At least we can— Poppy?” Sofia studied me. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I’m fine.” I smiled but I knew it didn’t reach my eyes.

“Did Aaron say something?”

“What? No. It’s nothing, I promise.”

“I know you two are friends, Pops, but we’re starting junior high soon…”

“So?”

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