Page 5 of The Kissing Challenge

Captain gave a slight shrug. "No. Anne wants to be an artist. I'm her muse. What's weird about that?"

Muse. Best friend. Unrequited love of my life.

Same, same, I guess.

Liam still wore his usual frown. "Well, have fun with that, I guess. I'll see you guys later."

We waved goodbye, and after he and the others left, it was just Captain and me.

"Hey," I said, giving him—and myself—one last out, "you can go with them. I don't mind. We could do this some other time."

My best friend met my gaze. "No way. Thanks for the save. You know I hate parties."

I forced a laugh and stood. "Yeah, I do."

"And the makeup thing sounds fun."

"Why do you sound so excited?" I said.

"I'm honestly curious," Captain said. "What exactly does a hot alien look like? I have no idea."

My laugh turned real then, and I went to push his chest with my hand. I regretted the move almost instantly. My palm connected with solid muscle, and it was like a jolt of electricity went through me. I retracted my hand, shoving it into my pocket.

"You ready?" he asked.

Was I? If just the feel of his warm skin through his shirt was enough to shock me, what would the feel of his lips against mine do?

There was only one way to find out.

I nodded. "Yeah, let's go."

We drove separately to my house, and once we went up to my room, Captain walked right in and plopped on my bed.

Spreading his arms wide, he said, "Okay, so where do you want me?"

Heat spread over my cheeks. Man, there must've really been something wrong with me. His words had sounded suggestive, but I knew he was just asking where I wanted to do his makeup. Shaking myself out of it, I gestured to my desk.

"In the chair as always, silly," I said. "That's where we have the best light."

"Whatever you say, Anne."

Captain knew the deal. It wasn't like this was our first video. He stood and settled himself into the chair. I'd already set out all of my supplies. I really was going to do the alien makeup. It would be a great opportunity to try the look out on someone I knew it would look good on. Plus, this way I'd have more time to work up the courage to complete the challenge.

"Is it okay if I film?" I asked.

He gave me a look. "You know the answer to that."

I did, but I just wanted to be sure. "Cap, I know we're best friends and all. But if you ever don't want to do something, you can always say no."

Captain just crossed his arms.

"I'll take that as a yes then?"

"Just start already, Anne," he said. "Whether you make look like E.T. or a little green guy, I don't care. You have my permission to do whatever you want."

I gulped as my gaze dipped to his lips.

"Good to know," I breathed.

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