The Words

by Ashley Jade

His lips curve. “My first kiss was great, actually…until I fucked it up.” Safe to say he’s piqued my curiosity. “What happened?” Those blue eyes hold me captive. “Well, she was my tutor, but we had a strong connection and ended up forming a friendship.” My stomach coils because this story sounds awfully familiar. “She helped me pass an English final so I could graduate high school. I met her in the band room to tell her the good news, but the moment I saw her sitting at the piano…it felt like someone hit me over the head with a steel pipe.” I can’t speak. Can’t breathe. Can’t move. He takes the breath I’m unable to and his fingers find my hair, drawing me closer. “I thought about all the hours she spent helping me, the reading pen she bought me…her unwavering belief in me.” His gaze drops to my mouth, and he leans in. “When I told her I passed, she ran over and hugged me, but it wasn’t enough. I wanted more.” Oh god. His lips ghost mine. “With her…I wanted more.” An array of emotions tangle in my chest as his mouth slides over mine. I was his first kiss.