Page 42 of Substitute for Love

Where should she start? “You said you wanted to kiss me three times today.”

His eyes opened wide. “Oh.”

“Yeah.”

“Well, that’s not exactly true.”

“Oh,” Avery responded. So she had completely misread him. He was only flirting when he said that. Being his silly self. Not seriously considering—

“It’s more than that.” He turned toward her. “Ever since I met you.”

Her heart beat faster and faster. Her body tingled.

“I can’t stop thinking about you,” he said, speaking more clearly than before. He turned towards her, his eyes searching her face, finally resting in her eyes. “No matter how hard I try. But I…”

“You said you were scared.” She smiled. “A little.”

“I did. Oh crap.” He laughed awkwardly. “I did, didn’t I?”

She nodded. His laugh eased her nerves a bit. “Which is funny, because I didn’t think anything scared you. You can teach any class, you can move to any new place, and you run into the middle of fighting teenagers because you’re fearless. Except for this.”

Avery reached over and took his hand in hers. Gabe looked down and squeezed hers and held on tight. He took a deep breath. “Wanting something and having something are two different things.”

“What do you mean?” she asked.

With his other hand, Gabe started stroking Avery’s hand. His gentle touch made her feel safe. Loved. She had never experienced anything so tender.

“Relationships have never worked out for me.” He cleared his throat as he peered out the window. “My parents. Girls. Honestly, my best relationship is with my dog.” He turned back towards her, his eyes sad.

Avery’s heart broke for him. Gabe deserved all the love in the world. He gave love freely. Who wouldn’t love that? “But you’re so likable. Fun. Easy to be around.” Was there a tear on his face? “Gabe, I think people take you for granted. You’re happy all the time. And you make life look easy and fun.” She paused. How to put into words how she really felt about him? “Gabe, can I be honest?”

He nodded. “Of course.”

“I was jealous of you when I first came to the school.”

He stopped stroking her hand and stared at her, his mouth slightly open.

“It’s true,” she added. “The way you calmed down the classroom. The way you knew everyone. The way you sang! I don’t think you realize how talented you are, and anybody who doesn’t appreciate—”

One second she was talking, and the next second Gabe’s lips were on hers. She closed her eyes, and for this moment in time, they were the only two people on earth. His soft lips lingered, and she kissed him back.

He gently touched her face, sending a ripple of bliss through her body. Though Avery had been kissed many times by her ex, there had never been a kiss like this. There was no truck, no soda shop. Just Gabe and Avery floating, every sense in her body excited and calm at the same time.

When they finally parted, she couldn’t remember where she was for a second. She opened her eyes to see him looking back at her.

“I like you. A lot,” he said. “I hope my burps aren’t too gross.”

Avery laughed.

“Your kiss makes up for your burps,” she said.

She leaned in to kiss him, at first Gabe jerking back slightly in surprise, but then leaning forward and meeting her lips. Avery couldn’t believe she had been so bold. But it felt natural. The second kiss was as tender and heart-racing as the first. Only when she needed a breath did she back away. The passion was unlike anything she had experienced.

“For the record,” she said, “your soda burp isn’t nearly as gross as when you shove a full sandwich into your mouth in one bite.”

Gabe smiled, embarrassed. “I like food, okay? I have no brakes, metaphorically speaking. Oh, my gosh, I gotta pee. Right now.”

Avery’s eyes opened wide. “How romantic.” He seriously had no filter. “I’m not surprised, after how fast you downed that huge soda.”

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