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

spread over

them. For a little while, it felt

it sweet?" Joshua

Allison answered with slow, careful words.

edge that always made her heart stutter. "Sweeter

she could

was just the leftover heat in the air, but Allison's

warm.

subject, but Joshua spoke again. "Can I kiss you?"

was lazy, almost playful. "I want to know if that

really was too

the whole world

warmer

was soft,

"Didn't we just kiss earlier?

Joshua

gently tipping her

it was he only

Allie?" .

answer was barely more than

But he caught it.

smiled, eyes melting with

Joshua leaned in, angling his head just so, and

nerves going haywire. His face was so close, she forgot to close her

Joshua closed his