CHAPTER 99

  Fuelled by panic and bravado. Finding courage I didn’t know I possessed, I lean on tiptoe and do what he did to me only moments ago. Taking a deep breath and having a little faith in his confessions these past days about what I mean to him. I press my lips to his, soft on soft and almost perfectly matched, grabbing his arms to keep me steady and close my eyes in hopes he responds even a little.

  My breathing is labored, and fear grips my heart as he does not move for the first few seconds. Straining to be as tall as he is because he is no longer stooping to accommodate me. My legs start trembling with the strain of standing this way. Making me feel stupid for being pressed this way to him, like some virgin novice who does not know how to seduce a man. Finally, he relaxes his lips and slightly opens his mouth, leaning into me so I can lower my heels and return to my normal height as he bridges the gap.