All the Pretty Poses (28 page)

“Sorry, Tori. I didn’t mean anything by it.
I’m just aggravated.”

“I can see that. But why? What did he ever do
to you?”

“I don’t know. Nothing, I suppose. I just
hate it when people assume the worst about me.”

“Assuming you’re a good girl is not a bad
thing.”

“He sure made it seem like it was.” I start
walking again and look back at Tori until she catches up. “Besides,
weren’t you just fussing at me for not living a little?”

“Yes, but this is not really what I had in
mind.”

I smile and loop my arm through hers, hoping
for a quick reconciliation so we can leave the topic of Jake
behind. “Be careful what you ask for then, right?”

She sighs. “I guess.”

“Now then, let’s go.”

********

Twenty minutes later, I’m regretting my rash
decision. I’ve kissed the cheek of every pimple-faced boy in town.
Tori has jumped in front of me to take all the cute guys that have
come. Not that I have a problem with that. I guess I owe her since
I messed up her meet with Jake. Besides, I’m not interested in any
of the boys from Greenfield. The only reason I’m working the booth
at all is to raise funds for the church.

I smile politely as I take two dollars from
the next boy in line. He looks like he can’t be a day over twelve.
I bend forward to give his cheek a peck. I press my lips to it and
then offer mine. He kisses it sweetly then looks shyly away. “Thank
you for the kiss,” I say for the hundredth time. I look down as I
put the money in my till. When I glance up, prepared to ask for the
next person in line, my heart stops and the words die on my
tongue.

Standing in front of me, smiling like he
knows I can’t breathe, is Jake Theopolis. He’s wearing a t-shirt
now, a blue one that fits snugly over his wide shoulders. His pecs
shift beneath the material as he digs in the front pocket of his
jeans. I see him toss a ten dollar bill onto the counter in front
of me. Confused, my eyes flicker back up to his. The bright, liquid
orbs are intent on mine.

“I came for the peaches,” he says quietly. He
reaches up to take the toothpick from between his lips. I watch,
spellbound, as his face gets closer and closer. “I need a taste
before I go,” he whispers, his sweet cinnamon breath fanning my
lips.

And then his mouth is brushing mine. I don’t
even think to resist. In fact, I don’t think at all. I only
feel.

His lips are soft against mine and he smells
like soap and clean sweat. His touch is feather light until he
tilts his head to the side and deepens the kiss. I feel his tongue
trace the crease of my lips until I part them to let him in. In
long, leisurely strokes, his tongue licks at mine, like he’s
savoring the flavor of it. I savor him right back, drinking in the
hint of cinnamon in his mouth. I lean toward him, bracing myself on
the counter, afraid my legs won’t hold me up much longer.

Finally, he leans back and looks down into my
stunned face. “Mmm, that’s the sweetest peach I’ve had in a long
time,” he purrs. When he winks at me, I feel a gush of heat pour
into my stomach like hot lava.

Without another word, he turns and walks
away.

COMING MARCH 4, 2014