Page 68 of Broken Ties (Rixon High 4)

Oh.

Oh.

“It’s fine, we can respin,” Staci said.

“What, why?” The words were out before I could stop them.

“Because you’re practically family, it’s weird.”

“We’re not…”

“She’s right, Poppy,” Aaron said. “I can take another turn.”

“It’s okay,” I blurted, certain my cheeks were on fire. But this was perfect.

If we kissed, maybe Aaron would feel it too.

Maybe he’d finally realize how I felt.

“Poppy, it’s fine. You don’t have—”

“It’s the rules, right?” I lifted my chin in defiance, smirking a little at Staci. “Besides, it’s just a kiss.” Lifting my shoulders in a shrug, I stood up and moved to the end of the table.

Aaron stood too, running a hand through his hair as he moved toward me. “You’re sure about this?”

“It’s just a game,” I said, smiling.

I couldn’t stop. Because I was about to kiss Aaron.

Aaron.

“Well, don’t make us wait all afternoon.” Staci huffed.

“Uh, hi.”

“Hi.”

God, my heart was a runaway train in my chest.

I wet my lips, inhaling a sharp breath. This was it. The moment I’d dreamed of over and over.

“We don’t have to do this,” he whispered. “It’s just a silly game.”

“I want to.”

“You do?” Something flashed in his eyes.

“Yeah, I mean, I don’t want to give Staci the satisfaction of us not doing it.”

“Oh, yeah. Okay.”

The air crackled, and I wondered if anyone else noticed the tension between us. The tether stretching as taut as a bowstring.

“Here goes nothing,” Aaron murmured, dipping his head, his eyes locked on mine. I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t move an inch as he closed the distance.

My eyes fluttered closed as I leaned in a touch, waiting for the first touch of his lips. But it never came and I opened my eyes right as his lips brushed my cheek, lingering for a second.

Then they were gone.

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