Page 11 of The Kissing Challenge

"Yeah." Captain rolled his eyes. "A lot are from girls asking for my number. One even wanted me to send her a shirtless pic, if you can believe that."

My heart sank. I could believe it. I so could.

"That's…nice," I said.

"Eh, it's whatever. But who knows? Maybe it will bring more people out to our gig this week. You're still coming, right?"

I nodded as Captain pulled me in for a hug.

"Awesome," he said. "I always play better when I know you're there, Anne."

I melted against him, wishing I never had to let him go.

But I knew that was one wish I couldn't make come true.

"I'm sorry for ignoring your messages," I said with my face pressed against his shoulder.

"That's okay. I figured my amazing lips had put you into a kiss coma or something. Wanted to make sure you were okay."

I pinched his side for that. "Jerk."

"But one who can kiss," he said.

"Yeah okay, I admit. It was good."

"Just good?" he said.

"Wonderful, stupendous, I'm so grateful to have had such a soul-searing first kiss. There," I said. "Are you happy?"

"Very," he said, sounding smug.

"Also, thanks for not freaking out," I added. "About the kiss thing."

Captain gave a quiet laugh then pulled back.

"No problem." He met my eyes and tossed me a wink. "If you ever want to do it again, just let me know."

My jaw literally dropped. I could not believe he'd said that. Even if it was a joke—which it had to be—I thought about his last words and that wink in all of my classes. In fact, I was still thinking about it as I got into my car to drive home from school…and as I ate dinner…and when I was getting ready for bed…and when my head hit the pillow.

My phone pinged with a text, and I checked the screen.

Gemma:Saw that Captain liked the video! Yay!!! I guess it all worked out!

She followed that up with a whole bunch of smiling emojis, a thumbs-up, and a heart.

Me:I'm still mad at you for posting.

Her reply came a second later.

Gemma:Ah Anne, I love you. You know I was just doing it for the greater good.

Me:And you couldn't have asked first???

Gemma:But then you would've said no :(

When I didn't respond, she sent another.

Gemma:Plus, I'm impulsive. There's no cure for that. I checked.

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