Page 41 of Krash & Bern

“You’ve always been so giving, one of the many aspects of your personality that made me love you,” I stated.

He smirked. “I won’t say too much, but if you’re ready, we can take a brief intermission to eat. I had them whip us up some buffalo wings and nachos. I know you don’t like all the extra shit on your nachos, so I made sure they only gave us cheese and jalapenos on it.”

“It’s crazy how much you remember about me,” I stated in awe as the servers came out with two trays of wings and nachos. They also replaced our waters and set down two mixed drinks of tequila and a fruity juice.

As we ate, we welcomed a comfortable silence and listened to the music. The pop, rap, and R&B mix kept us both in a nice vibe. I assumed he’d sent one of his playlists for them to play.

“Bern,” Krash said my name in a gentle tone.

“Hmm?”

“Be my girl.”

“Krash, it’ll take way more than one date to get back together. I’m having a lot of fun with you, but I don’t want to rush anything. I want to make sure our feelings are real and not just latched on to nostalgia and heartbreak.”

“Baby, I’ll give you the moon on a gold platter if I have to. I know what I feel is real. I know my connection to you isn’t solely based on the past chemistry we had. I know what I feel will never dissipate.”

“You’ve become so poetic.”

“I try.”

We finished eating and went back to the game we’d paused. Krash had a nice lead on me, but I kept up with spares. In the last three rounds, I’d knocked down three strikes in a row that gave me a slight lead on Krash. However, he finished with the higher score. After he knocked all the pins down, he turned to me with a triumphant grin.

“Congratulations,” I cheered.

“Thanks,” he replied as he bowed with grace.

“I guess this means I need to go pack my spend the night bag?” I asked.

He shook his head. “Nah. I don’t want to add any awkward tension between us. We don’t have to have the sleepover. We can set that up for another time when we’ve had more time to rekindle our flame. I want to do things organically with you. I don’t want to rush what’s going to be amazing no matter what.”

I smiled. “I appreciate that.”

“Fa sho. I do have one request, though.”

“What’s that?”

“Can I get a kiss as a replacement award?”

I laughed. “Come here.”

In two long strides, he closed the distance between us and placed his hands on the small of my back. Goosebumps rose on my skin as my heart thumped rapidly inside my chest. I placed my hands on his arms and bit down on my bottom lip as his eyes watched every move of my lips.

“I’ve imagined what this moment would feel like,” he confessed.

“Let’s see if it lives up to the anticipation…”

My eyes drifted closed as he leaned down. Our lips met for the first time in eight years. His lips… Oh, his lips were soft and warm and irresistible. Naturally, my lips parted, and he slid his tongue in the opening.

The kiss ignited a spark I hadn’t felt since I was a teenager. Krash’s hand, his lips, and his body felt like the missing piece to a puzzle I hadn’t even realized I put together. His lips were as desirable as the first sip of water after a deep sleep. I missed this feeling: contentment, solace, and comfort.

Krash was my peace, my passion, and my partner.

I missed him.

I needed him.

I craved him.

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