Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk by Melissa Johns

Out on the meadow, Allison and Joshua kissed for what felt like forever.

It had been ages since they'd been this close. Day after day, they'd kept their feelings bottled up, both of them trying so hard not to cross that invisible line. But all that restraint just made the longing build up until, once they finally let go, neither of them wanted to stop.

When they finally pulled apart, her lips were swollen, tingling from the heat of it.

They were both breathless, hearts pounding.

The rest of the day, Allison felt like she was floating-everything around her seemed unreal, like she was walking through a dream.

Even after they got back to the hotel that night, she was still in a daze.

Later, they sat together on a wooden bench in the hotel's garden, the night air warm and soft around them.

Joshua slipped his arm around her, holding her close. His voice was low and a little rough. "Allie, can we try again? Please?"

The summer night still clung to the air, the streetlights casting a gentle, dim glow. He looked at her, dark eyes deep and careful, nerves and hope all tangled up in his expression. He didn't even seem to breathe as he waited for her answer.

Allison leaned into him and murmured, "Okay."

Joshua's whole body relaxed, the tension finally melting away.

A slow smile spread across his face as he opened his hand to show her a piece of fruit candy.

Allison rested her head on his shoulder and glanced at his palm, eyebrows quirked. "Why do you still have candy on you?"

Joshua chuckled, sounding lighter than he had all day. "The hotel owner's daughter gave it to me just now. Thought I'd save it for you."

She picked up the candy and turned it over. "Peach flavor. My favorite."

popped it into

sweetness spread over

that, side by side, letting the night breeze wash over them. For a little while,

sweet?" Joshua asked out

melted yet, so Allison answered with

edge that always

quiet, she could hear the

heat in the air, but Allison's cheeks felt

warm.

change the subject, but Joshua spoke again. "Can I kiss you?" She hesitated

tone was lazy, almost playful. "I want to know if that candy's as

was

felt like the whole

warmer

was soft,

breathless. "Didn't we just kiss

Joshua turned

gently tipping her chin

locked on hers, and it was he only saw

Allie?" .

was barely more than

But he caught it.

eyes melting

head just so, and pressed his

was so close, she forgot to close

time, Joshua