Page 28 of Pinky Promises

Chapter 12

Brynn

Aheavyknockonthe door snaps me back to reality. I know who it is. There’s only one person it can be. Or maybe someone saw me running through the path and wanted to make sure I was okay. But of course, when I look through the peephole on the door, I see my best friend standing on the other side, looking distraught as he runs his fingers through his hair. I could pretend that I’m not here, and maybe he’ll go away, but then a second knock sounds.

I run my sweaty palms down the front of my dress and square my shoulders back. I can do this.It’s just Callum.

I slowly open the door to find him leaning forward, palms perched on the doorframe, making his white button-up dress shirt tight over the expanse of his chest and shoulders.

“What are you doing here?”

Without asking for permission to come in, not that I would ever be able to come up with a plausible excuse not to let him in, he pushes past me and enters my room. I close the door and take a moment to gather myself before spinning to face him. He runs his palm back and forth over his chin in deep thought before lifting his gaze to meet mine.

“Why did you run from me?”

“What?”Good job, Brynn, play dumb. Pretend that you didn’t just run away from him like a child playing tag.

“I asked why did you run from me?” His voice is sterner this time.

“I, uh… uh…”

He stalks toward me, and I walk backward till my back hits the door with a thump, and I have nowhere to run, similar to how we were at the tree. Heat radiates off his body, and the woodsy citrus notes of his cologne mess with my mind.

“You want to know what I think?”

I nod.

“You ran because you’re scared.”

“I’m not scared,” I interrupt. My brain finally catches up and decides to play defense. I’m not sure even I believe my words because he’s right. I am downright terrified of taking this step with him. There are so many what-ifs going through my brain right now.

What if he thinks I’m a terrible kisser.

What if this changes everything for us.

What if I do this and lose him forever?

Callum steps even closer so that there is not even an inch of space between us. I’m no longer able to tell where I end and he begins. He cups my cheek, running his thumb back and forth in a reassuring manner. “You are, but that’s okay because it means you feel it, too.”

“Feel what?” I ask just above a whisper. If we weren’t standing as close as we are, I’m not sure he would have heard me. It’s a silly question to ask, and I’m not sure why I ask it. Maybe I need him to take the lead and spell it out for me.

“This,” he says as he closes the distance between us and seals his lips to mine. The world as we know it ceases to exist as our tongues dance together in unison. When he pulls my bottom lip between his teeth, I involuntarily let out a whimper. I am so lost in this kiss that it’s moments later that my brain catches up and realizes what I’m doing. My hands go to Callum’s chest and push him away.

I bring my hand to my lips, running my fingers over the skin that I’m sure is red and swollen. My breath is erratic as my eyes finally meet his. “What are we doing.” I scurry further in the room to put much-needed distance between us. “We were just—” Why is it that I can’t even force myself to say the words when just seconds ago, I had no problem accepting his tongue in his mouth. Why did we cross that line?

“Kissing.” Cal follows me, not letting up. When I turn, I find him running his tongue over his bottom lip as if he can still taste me. Is he in shock, too?

“Yes, that.”

“Tell me, Brynn, what so wrong about that?” He places his hands on my hips, keeping me from running again.

“You’re you, and I’m me.” My voice squeaks a little.

“So? Does the thought of kissing me bother you that much?” I want to smooth the crease that appears between his forehead.

“No, what? Not at all.” This is all coming out so wrong. I want him. I just don’t know if our attraction is leading this moment or the alcohol.

“So, what’s the problem? Help me understand what is so wrong about this because from where I’m standing, this feels so right.” That’s precisely the problem. Kissing him erases every kiss I’ve ever had before him—it feels perfectly right.His lips find my neck, trailing kisses over my skin. I arch my neck, giving him more access—my body fully betraying my mind. My head falls back, and I close my eyes, relishing in this feeling.

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