Page 62 of Emerald Moon
Cass nodded and Jo led them outside, keeping their hands locked together until they were outside and Jo turned to face her.
She was tall and gorgeous in a rough around the edges sort of way that Jo liked.She looked at Jo like she couldn’t wait to hear what they had to say.Jo had a hundred questions running through their mind as they asked themselves again how they felt about Cass.They had to find out and that started with figuring out what happened that night in the tent.
“Was that a kiss?”It wasn’t what they meant to say first, but it was what came out.
“What?”
“Did you try to kiss me in the tent that night after the hike?”
Cass didn’t hesitate.“Yes.”
“But you’re into women.”
“And also you.”
Jo’s entire world tilted, and they felt unsteady on their feet, so they reached for the only thing that had made them feel comfortable and safe the past few days.Their hand twisted in the front of Cass’ crisp, pressed shirt and they pulled her down to their level.Cass looked confused, but she went willingly.Their eyes locked and Jo searched hers for reasons why she’d tried to kiss them, but, coming up short, they did the only thing that felt right in the moment — Jo kissed her.
It was quick, barely a brushing of their lips, but when Jo pulled back, Cass kept her eyes shut and leaned forward like she was waiting for more.When it didn’t come, her eyes fluttered open.
“I love you.”The words rushed out of Cass on a whispered breath.
“What?”Jo sputtered.
Cass stood upright, fixed her suit, looked Jo straight in the eyes, and said it again.“I love you.”
“You love me?”Jo asked slowly, processing the words and how they wanted to feel about them.
“Yes.”
“Why?”
Cass paused, brows knitted in confusion.“What do you mean ‘why?’”
“I mean, it’s too soon, isn’t it?How can you know you love me?”Jo was still working out everything in their own head and heart, and yet Cass was ready for love?Didn’t that take time?Jo had said those words out loud to the people they dated before, but they’d never felt compelled to say them.They figured people had to work up to that, that love took time to grow.It didn’t just happen.
“Can I take that to mean you don’t love me the same way?”
“Cass, I don’t — I don’t know.I think I might feel something but I —“
“I’m sorry.I misread the situation.Again.I thought this time — never mind.I’m just sorry.I promised myself I’d never push past what you were willing to do, but I did it again.I’m going to go sit in the car for a bit.I’ll find you later.”Cass dipped her head and walked down the balcony stairs towards the parking lot.
Jo stood for a while without moving, staring at the place where Cass disappeared around a corner.What was wrong with them?Cass said she loves them and their response is to ask why?But, it was too soon, wasn’t it?They weren’t even dating.Could a person love that quickly?
Could a person like Cass love Jo like that?
Cass could be intense.It came with her sincerity.These were things Jo liked, but maybe it was too much.Or maybe Jo was being stupid.Maybe they were supposed to hear Cass say “I love you” and then kiss her again.If this were a manga or a fanfic, that’s what would have happened.They could have been making out against a wall right now.
Jo sighed and walked back into the venue.
June was right inside when they opened the door.Jo tried to slink away, but she excused herself from the conversation she was having and caught hold of them.
”Where’s your hot date?”
”She’s getting some air,” Jo replied, looking for their conversational exit so they could sit and mope somewhere.
”Well, I like her and I’m glad you brought her.”June smiled.“I just hope you’re happy and she treats you well.”
”She does.”It was easy to say because it was the truth.“She’s great.”
