Page 36 of The Kissing Challenge

"Sure," I said.

Unlike Lady, I didn't hesitate. I took Cap's arm, and we stayed that way all the way up to my room. We broke apart when we were inside. But Captain didn't do what he usually did and sit on my bed. Nope, he stayed right where he was, staring down at me. I was scared I might be reading something into that look, so I walked over to my desk and started messing around with the brushes there.

"So Captain," I said, "what'll it be today?"

"Anne…"

"We could go for steampunk. That's always a favorite. I know I have some goggles and a top hat around here somewhere."

"Anne."

"Or maybe Ziggy Stardust? If you're feeling more of the rocker vibe."

Captain placed a hand on my arm to stop my fidgeting. "I think I want to be myself for what I'm about to say. Does that work for you?"

I swallowed hard. "Yeah, of course."

"You know our friendship means everything to me," he said.

"Me, too," I said with a nod.

"You've been my best friend for most of my life. That's what makes this so hard."

I blinked but forced myself to stay quiet and listen to what he had to say.

"When you kissed me that day for the challenge?" Captain's eyes met mine in the mirror. "It was the biggest surprise of my life."

That could've been either a good or a bad thing. I stayed quiet, but mentally crossed my fingers, hoping for a good outcome.

"I'm not into social media," he went on. "For the most part, it seems shallow, and everyone pretends to be happy when they're really not. Heck, people even go on hiatus—which makes no sense. I just don't get it."

I smiled. "I know, Cap."

"But I'd love to say thank you to whoever came up with the kissing challenge."

My eyes widened.

"Does that surprise you?" he asked.

"Yeah, a little," I breathed.

"The only thing I could think was"—he gently touched my waist to turn me around—"it had to be someone who knew exactly what I was feeling."

He didn't speak again until I was fully facing him, and oh those eyes. I could dive into them and stay forever.

"It had to be a person who wanted their best friend…the same way I want you," he finished.

My breathing stopped altogether. Captain's words stole all of the air out of the room. Paradoxically, my heart had started beating faster which forced me to finally draw a breath.

"Did you hear me, Anne?"

"I think so," I said because I was still having trouble believing it. "But could you say it again so I can be sure?"

"I said I want you," he repeated. A small smile played about his lips, but I made myself look away from those and into his eyes. "The girl I was talking about today, who distracted me in practice?"

"The only one you see?" I said, recalling his words from earlier.

"Yeah," he said and ran a hand down my cheek. "That's you."

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