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 her

sweetness spread over her

letting the night breeze wash over them. For a little while, it felt like time had slowed to a

sweet?" Joshua

Allison answered with slow, careful

dropped, low and teasing, with that edge that always made her heart stutter.

so quiet, she could hear the wind in the

just the leftover heat in the air, but Allison's cheeks felt flushed

warm.

to change the subject, but Joshua spoke again. "Can I kiss you?" She hesitated for a second. "Why are you asking

to know if that candy's as sweet

really was too

felt like the

warmer

was soft,

just kiss earlier? For

Joshua

gently tipping

locked on hers, and it was he only saw

Allie?" .

answer was barely

But he caught it.

smiled, eyes

his head just so, and pressed

caught, nerves going haywire. His face was so

time, Joshua