Echoes of a Different Kiss

The shrill ring of my phone cut through the morning air as I made my way up the winding driveway to the Valois villa. I fumbled in my bag, nearly dropping my coffee as Chloe's name flashed across the screen.

"Hey," I answered, balancing my books under one arm. "I'm just getting to work."

"So?" Chloe's excited voice practically vibrated through the speaker. "You can't just text me 'Tristan kissed me' and then go radio silent! I need details!"

I winced, glancing around to make sure no one was within earshot. The massive oak doors of the villa loomed ahead, still several yards away.

"It was... nice," I said lamely, knowing the description fell short.

"Nice? That's all? Was there tongue? Did he use his hands? Did you—"

"Chloe!" I hissed, feeling heat rise to my cheeks. "It was just a kiss. A gentle one. At the gallery."