Page 15 of The Kiss List

"It didn't last for more than a couple seconds. But obviously, he was shocked." My cheeks burn at remembering what followed after that.

Her eyes narrow. "Maise, why are you blushing right now?"

"Give me a break, Iris. I just had my first kiss last night." But I'm avoiding her gaze, knowing she can easily see through me.

"Then why aren't you looking at me?"

"Because prolonged eye contact is sooo awkward."

"No, that's not it." Iris goes quiet. And for a second, I assume she's dropped it. But nooo. "Oh, my God! He went back for seconds, didn't he? You had your first kissandsecond kiss in one night!"

Of course, she figured it out. She knows me too well.

I cover my face with both hands and nod. "I did. I really did."

"Told you he'd be the best choice for your first kiss," she says in a smug voice.

I sigh. "Yeah, you did."

"Bestie, I'm so happy for you. You've wanted this for like, what, a week? And now you got it. We should celebrate."

I groan, covering my face once again.

"What are we celebrating?"

I remove my hands from my face to see Mom staring at us from behind the couch, with two grocery bags in her arms.

"Need help?" I offer.

She shakes her head and smiles. "It's okay, hon. I can manage. So what are you two planning to celebrate?"

"Maise had her first and second kisses last night," Iris answers before I can stop her.

"Iris!"

She winces. "Sorry. I couldn't help it. I'm just so happy for you."

"Ugh."

"Second kiss?" Mom narrows her dark brown eyes on me.

"It was the same boy," Iris quickly responds.

"And when do I get to meet this boy?"

I open my mouth to tell her that I'm not even dating Denton, but I'm not so sure she'll take it nicely. So I settle on a simple answer. "I don't know, Mom. Maybe never."

"Well, if you want to date this boy, then I want to meet him."

"Fine," I finally say.

Not that it's ever going to happen. I have no plans of dating Denton Chase. And I'm sure he's on the same page on that matter.

But why does the thought upset me?

This is all Iris's fault!I turn to glare at the culprit.See what you did?

"Sorry," she mouths sheepishly.

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