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."

and popped it into her

sweetness spread over her

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

sweet?" Joshua asked out of

so Allison answered with slow, careful words.

edge that always made her heart

so quiet, she could hear

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

warm.

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

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

really was too

felt like the whole world

warmer

reply was soft,

"Didn't we just kiss earlier? For

enough." Joshua

gently tipping her

it was

Allie?" .

barely more than

But he caught it.

eyes

next moment, Joshua leaned in, angling his head just so, and pressed his warm

was so close, she forgot

Joshua closed