Page 68 of Kissing is the Easy Part

“Not as much as you did.” His eyes flick away. I’m basically in lingerie.

“Me? I wear this to bed every night. But it’s a pain sleeping on my back with the wings.”

He laughs. “What exactly are you supposed to be? I thought you said fairies in a winter wonderland. Fairies don’t have that kind of wardrobe.”

“This is a Victoria’s Secret angel-style fairy. Do you like it?”

He swallows. “I can’t talk to you when you’re wearing something like that.”

I chuckle, stepping closer. “Why? Do I make you uncomfortable?”

“You make it so I can’t think.”

He doesn’t glance away anymore. Instead, he gives me a slow once-over, and my skin burns. Maybe it’s his gaze, or maybe it’s his smile, but something stirs in me and makes me weak in the knees. “I’m ready to collect my first wish,” I say, as a spur-of-the-moment idea hits me. “Let’s go make out in your bedroom.”

His lashes flutter. “What?”

“I said, let’s go make out in your bedroom.”

He turns to do a quick look around, making sure no one overheard. “I have to supervise the party. In case things get out of control.”

Isn’t that Dylan and Jake’s job? Jake is currently bedazzled in edible glitter, and Dylan’s trying to start a conga line with a group of freshmen—business as usual, basically. The only things getting out of control are Sean’s hormones.

“Fine.” I put my hands on my waist. “Then let’s make out in the living room. You can still keep an eye on the party.”

He exhales as if I asked him to donate his liver. “Why are you doing this?”

“You owe me.”

Madison swings by and I call, “Mads, would you mind covering for us? Sean and I have urgent business to attend to.”

“Sure.” She smiles like the evil fairy-tale stepmother she is. “You kids have fun.”

* * *

Inside his room, Sean sighs. “What’s this about?”

“What do you mean?” I straighten my back. The wings are heavy.

His bedroom is pretty much the same as I remember. The duvet is a wrinkled mess on the bed, textbooks are stacked on his bookshelf, and trophies from basketball games and science tournaments clutter the top of the dresser. In one corner, sagging against the wall, are the Einstein balloons I got him.

He still has them.

“You know what. Feels like something’s going on here.”

“I just want some fun.”

His eyelids droop, and he says quietly, “I thought you’d had your fun with me.”

“The fun isn’t over until I say it is. Please hold up your end of the deal.” My gaze unfaltering, I raise my eyebrows. “What are you afraid of?”

He stares back, taking the challenge. One wish, one more step in my plan. That’s it. My heart pounds despite my resolve to conduct this in a professional manner. After about an eternity, Sean steps closer and stops before me. “Close your eyes.”

I do as I’m told. He moves in closer, but he’s in no hurry, making me wait until my mouth goes dry. He brushes my hair aside and tilts my chin up. My breath hitches.

Then his lips land on mine.

He tastesexactlyas I remember. He’s warm and gentle, and applies the ideal amount of pressure. He takes his time, neither rushing nor stalling, and it brings me back to before.