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“What’s wrong?” I ask.

“If we do this, if we kiss, that means the contract is null. It means Ben is null. And it means…” He exhales and runs a hand through his hair. “If you’re not ready, I’ll wait.” He steps up to me so his eyes are level with mine. “I don’t want to start something we can’t finish, because the truth is”—he looks down for a moment before his eyes meet mine again—“I don’t know if I could handle losing you.”

My body feels as if it’s been hit with an electrical charge so strong I could probably power an entire city. “Hey, Axel,” I say,deadpan. “Will you help me check another item off the bucket list, and kiss me under the Rainbow Tunnel?”

The corners of his mouth curl, but they stop before forming a full-blown smile. “What about the original plan?”

I lift my shoulders slightly, cheeks burning. “Plans change.”

He releases my hand and snakes his arm around my waist, pulling me closer to him. Our foreheads bump and we laugh. Our eyes meet again and we stare at one another, long past what is comfortable for most people, but with him, it’s my safe space. Axel is nothing like I expected. He’s brilliant. Funny. Sweet. Confident. And he likes me. The real me.

Our lips inch closer and, just like that, we’re kissing. It starts off slow, like we’re feeling each other out, which, to be honest, I am. I’ve never kissed anyone besides Ben, and this kiss is different from all my kisses with Ben. For one, my entire body feels it. I want to kiss him harder, faster. I basically want to absorb him within me. My hands move around his back, bringing him closer. He smells so good. His lips are so soft. This is complete sensory overload, in the best way possible. Under the moonlight with a cool autumn breeze. His warm body against mine. I never want this feeling to end. This is greater than the adrenaline of the roller coaster. More intense than dancing in the rain at the Blue Rodeo concert. More liberating than doing the dabke together at his cousin’s wedding. This isn’t for show. This is for us.

Axel pulls away slightly, and there’s a twinkle in his eye.

“Hey, Jamie?” he asks.

“Yeah?” I answer, studying his lips, wanting to kiss them again.

“I think we should burn that contract.”

“I think we should go back to my car and kiss some more,” I say.

“That too.” He leads me through the path back to my car, where we kiss in the backseat for a really long time.

And there’s nothing fake about the way Axel makes me feel.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

I’m over Ben Cameron.

I really think I am.

I mean, how else would I have been able to make out with Axel in the back of my car for forty-three minutes? And then another thirteen by his front door when we were saying goodbye (over and over). How would I be able to fully let myself get absorbed in Axel’s presence if I were still in love with Ben?

Other signs I’m over Ben:

I haven’t scrolled through his socials in over a week. Or Olivia’s. I continue to ignore him in the halls and barely ever think about him anymore. Except to tell myself I’m over him. Because I am.

And it’s all because of Axel.

Axel, who I can’t stop thinking about.

Axel, whose mere touch sends pulses of electricity to all my lady parts.

Axel, who makes me laugh and smile and spreads happiness and calm through me.

Axel, whose six(plus)-pack looks even more incredible up close. And feels even better pressed up against my not-quite-one-pack.

It’s been one week since the wedding and Axel has taken over my thoughts and my life. When we’re not together, we text nonstop. Or FaceTime. There is nothing sweeter than watching his smile grow at something dorky I said through my phone screen,while trying not to get distracted by the small chain around his neck that only serves to accentuate his broad, often bare shoulders. We also seem to have entered the can’t-keep-our-hands-off-each-other stage of our relationship.

And it’s so much fun.

My phone buzzes on my nightstand. I reach for it from bed and flip it over to see a text from Axel.

Axel:Ready for tonight?

Me:NO! I have no idea where you’re taking me. What am I supposed to wear?