Page 36 of Kiss Collector

“Just a kiss?” He sounds skeptical.

“Yes, just one single meaningless kiss. Girlscankiss for fun and not want anything else.”

He laughs. “No offense, but chicks always want something else. Tell the truth. Were you trying to get back at your ex?”

“No.” I clench my teeth, annoyed, even though I know he’s not trying to offend me. “I just felt like kissing someone.”

“Okay.” His voice lowers. “Well, what if I just felt likekissing someone right now?”

“I’d say do it.”

His eyes get wider as I remain right where I am, relaxed in the swing, a smile creeping onto my face as a sense of power fills me and my blood pounds.

“For real?” he breathes.

“You’re taking too long.”

When he leans toward me, I meet him halfway. Our lips sort of collide, and he kisses me so hard I have to grab his shoulders to keep from being pushed backward. To say his tongue is dominating my mouth is an understatement. I feel the nervous eagerness rolling off him, and I need to rein him in.

I pull my head back and look at him, giving us both a second. His eye search mine, questioning. So, I give him a soft peck. Then a longer one. I slowly slip my tongue back in his mouth and stroke his, showing him a better pace. He learns quickly and takes my lead, moaning into my mouth as we find a good rhythm.

Ah, kissing. It’s truly a weakness for me. Everything else goes bye-bye when I let myself get wrapped up in the scent and feel of a guy. Letting go feels amazing.

Until the front door opens and we yank apart. I wipe the corner of my mouth inconspicuously as one of the guys and his girlfriend walk out. Brent lifts his chin and says, “Later, bro.”

The guy nods, then both he and the girl look back and forth between us. I swing my legs innocently and smile until they get to their car.

When Brent turns back to me, I stand before he can try tokiss me again. Maybe it’s mean of me, but I’d gotten what I came for and now I’m done.

“I gotta go round up the girls.”

“You’re leaving already?” Aw, he sounds disappointed. Sweet guy.

“Yep.”

“Can I, like, call you or something?”

I bite my lip. “Remember, Brent, this was just for fun. No expectations?”

“Yeah, I know. I just meant... yeah.”

Again, I should feel bad, but I don’t. I squeeze his arm and pass him.

“See you around,” I say.

“Okay. See ya.”

I leave him sitting there in a near trance and go straight to the kitchen, where Lin is still lip-locked with Kyle, only now she’s sitting on the countertop with her legs around him.

“All right, Lin-lin,” I say. “Time to go.”

She groans. I walk up and Kyle moves aside for her to hop down. He catches her by the waist.

“Bye, Kyle,” she says, smiling shyly.

“Bye.” He runs a hand through his hair and walks off. Lin and I make evil genius faces, like coconspirators.

We go to the back door and I holler out into the darkness. “Hey, Kenz! Time to go!” A shuffle sound comes from around the corner and I hope she’s used her time wisely. One look at her tinged cheeks as she comes into view tells me she has. Vincent is nowhere to be seen. Kenzie is in a daze when she takes my hand.