Page 68 of The Second Kiss
“We’ll just start playing and you’ll all get the idea,” Gage says. “Questions before we begin?”
A dark-haired sophomore raises her hand. “Yes?” Gage asks.
“Are we supposed to kiss on the lips or on the cheek or what?”
“Lips or cheeks will work, but it has to be on the face—legs, arms and butt-kisses don’t count. And it has to be a quick kiss, no make-out sessions in this game.”
“We’ll play that game later,” a guy yells. Everyone laughs. Ryder glances toward the stairs nervously.
Jasmine raises her hand. “What about those of us who are wearing heels and skirts, spent a couple of hours on hair and make-up, and don’t want to crawl around on the floor?” She's the only one who dressed up for the party. I’m glad I decided not to wear the skirt she bought for me.
“You’re welcome to sit out, darling,” Gage drawls.
“I could lend you a pair of sweats,” Ryder offers.
Jasmine crosses her arms. “Not thanks. If I can jump around the sidelines at a football game in a mini-skirt, I guess I can play Gage’s stupid game in one.”
“Great,” Gage says. “Let’s play.”
We all sit in a big circle. It becomes clear that people are remembering who has what letters and numbers. The same people get called over and over. The first time I end up in the middle I make sure to call Taryn and Nate. Unfortunately, Nate gets to me before Taryn even makes it out of her seat. Despite the last few days, the kiss he gives me doesn’t scream friendship. I glance back at Taryn, but can’t tell if she’s annoyed about it.
Only Gage and Jasmine choose a different combination every time. I’ve lost track of which of them has kissed the most people.
Nathan ends up in the middle. He closes his eyes, “H and eight.” My letter and Gage’s number. I can’t tell if he did it that way on purpose or if he forgot.
“Don’t let him kiss you!” Jasmine screams and I realize that I’m the only girl in the room Gage hasn’t kissed yet.
My competitive side comes out. I dash to the center, grab Nathan by the shoulders, and lean in. Gage grabs one of my legs.He drags me backwards. Nathan grabs my hands and holds on. I’m being torn between the two of them. Gage tickles my foot. Big mistake. I kick backwards and smack him in the face.
“My eye!” Gage lets go and covers his face.
I release Nathan’s shirt and turn back to Gage. “Gage, are you okay?”
He takes his hand away from his eye, pins me down and kisses me long enough that when he finally lets me up, I'm out of breath. Long enough that both Jasmine and Nate look ready to murder him. “You owed me that one,” he whispers.
He turns to Jasmine in triumph. “You owe me too.”
“Forget it!” She hisses back at him. “I’m never, ever kissing you again.”
“Good job, Gage,” Nate says. “You’ve managed to piss off everyone in the room.”
“I don’t hear Jess complaining,” Gage points out.
Nate steps toward him. “You tricked her.”
“No trick. You’ve got to be willing to take the pain to get the reward.” Gage moves his hand away to show a red mark under one eye. It looks like it’s already turning into a respectable shiner. He winks at Nate. “You’re in the middle again, bro.”
“I’m done.” Nate stands up.
“Lighten up,” Gage says.
Nate moves so they’re chest to chest. “Don’t tell me to lighten up.” The air in the room thickens with tension.
I put my hands on Nate’s shoulders, gently pulling him away from Gage. “It’s just a game.”
He turns on me. “It’s all just a game with you. Isn’t it?” The venom in Nate’s voice shocks me.
I pull my hands back. “Nate, not now.”
