Page 3 of Pieces of Us

My tummy already felt like acid was burning my insides, but when I see the sultry glint in her eyes as her lips move closer to his, bile threatens to hurl its way from my throat. Sickness slices through me at the thought of her being his first kiss.

Not wanting to know the outcome, I leave the bathroom with Lily in tow, heading for the front door.

Chapter 3

Lost in the Echo

Lincoln, 15

Without a doubt, the best thing Dad ever did was introduce Uncle Mark and Amity into my life, I think as Hart and I sit side by side on the edge of the pool, overlooking Mermaid Beach.

Dad and Uncle Mark have done it again. They’ve created the latest luxurious multi-million-dollar mansion, named ‘The Orlando’. Dad’s the architect of Two Dads Just Want to Draw and Build, while Uncle Mark is the builder who brings the brilliant designs to life, one brick at a time. It’s downright inspirational what two single dads managed to accomplish while raising kids. Their business is one of the most elite, sought after by the richest of the rich. It is definitely a dream of mine to follow in their footsteps. I mean, who wouldn’t want to build houses like the ones you see on MTV Cribs?

Tonight is the launch party of their newest property before handing over the keys to the owners. It’s a celebration for those who tirelessly worked on its construction, as well as an opportunity for those in the industry and media to tour the one-of-a-kind creation.

While the adults mingle inside, Hart and I manage to escape the boredom, finding our own little slice of heaven outside. Living on the Gold Coast almost always guarantees heat and humidity, and tonight is no different. Hart has never looked so gorgeous. A sheen of light sweat sparkles on her skin, illuminating further under the glow of this evening’s moon. Her pitch-black hair is slicked back in a high ponytail, and she has a natural flush blooming across her cheeks.

I don’t know when it happened, but I’m crushing hard on her lately. I’m definitely having feelings that are more than a best friend should. As long as I can remember, she’s been one of the biggest pieces of my heart, the sweetest and cutest person I’ve ever met.

‘Do you think we’ll ever be rich enough to afford a place like this?’ she muses, staring out at the waves crashing against the shore.

‘We’ll have bigger and better. I’ll draw it and your dad can build it.’ I nudge her shoulder, solidifying my promise to her.

‘Oh yeah? You living with me or something?’ she asks cheekily.

‘You bet your ass I am, babes,’ I say, causing her to giggle.

This is how it always is with us—easy banter and endless fun. After the bloody incident at Jacob’s party all those years ago, Hart retreated into herself a little. She was still friends with Lily, Billie and the rest of the group, but she often told me she felt awkward and didn’t quite fit in because of her looks, which kept her away from most outings. I thought she was crazy. Hart was the epitome of gorgeous, with cat-like jade eyes that seemed to have every shade of tropical rainforest in them, and a heart-shaped mouth that captivated me daily. Sure, she wasn’t a rake, but her curves were killer. She often complained of extra padding and pimples, but didn’t she understand that guys liked something to grab onto, and we were all in the same boat with our bumpy skin, thanks to puberty?

‘We’re going to have an amazing life together,’ she murmurs, turning her stunning face towards mine. Unlike so many of the girls in our grade who are going through a major Kim-Kardashian-orange-tan-and-cake-make-up phase, Hart remains effortless in her natural beauty, accentuating only some of her features a little here and there.

I stupidly made a mistake and gave my first kiss away in a game of spin the bottle years ago, but I know for a fact that Hart’s never been kissed. Now is my chance. It’s all I’ve been able to think about for months. I’ve imagined kissing her a thousand times.

As her striking eyes clash with my ordinary brown ones, I read every emotion she’s feeling.

She wants this. Wants me.

There’s rolling waves, boisterous laughter in the background and the symphony of cicadas that surround us, but it all fades away the longer Hart stares at me.

‘Are you sure?’ I ask, without specifying if she’s okay with me kissing her.

She shifts on the spot, but not in hesitation, more like anticipation. All I can think about is why the hell I waited this long.

‘Is this what you want?’ she asks quietly.

I flick my eyes down to her plush, parted lips before meeting her gaze again dead on. ‘Yes. I need to kiss you. I’ve needed your lips on mine for a long time,’ I confess, hearing her sharp inhale, before she lets out a relieved rush of air.

‘Me too.’

Elation floods my body, knowing she’s just as thrilled to hear my feelings.

Without another word, I cup the back of her neck in my hands before bending down to place my lips on her warm, soft ones.

Immediately, an eruption of goosebumps skitter along my skin as I come in contact, even though we are both clammy from the weather. I don’t want to miss a moment of her reaction, so my eyes remain open. I see hers close in concentration as she tries to figure out the mechanics of how to kiss me.

She moves her mouth slowly against mine, experimenting with licks and flicks of her tongue. I don’t want to make her feel uncomfortable, so I let her explore and take control. She tastes unbelievable, and whatever sweet, strawberry lip gloss she’s wearing, I want to secretly buy some for myself, if it makes my lips as soft as hers.

‘Is this okay? Do you want to stop?’ I draw back, wanting to check that she’s alright.

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