Page 57 of Checkmate

“Aunt Carol, this is my girl, Jolie.” I open my mouth to correct him but decide to keep the remarks to myself. “It’s our first date.”

“Oh, how wonderful. It’s nice to meet you, Jolie.”

After we finish exchanging greetings, she leads us to a set of seats where there are easels set up. She lets Kai know that if he needs anything she will be upstairs.

“Um, Kai?” he turns to look at me. “I can’t draw.”

“It’s okay, we’ll only be drawing that fruit bowl.” He points to a pedestal in the centre of the room with a bowl perched on top. “And I can help you.”

Kai tries to explain how to sketch out the picture first. I nod along with him and pretend that I understand what he’s saying.

I line up my pencil with the paper and look up at the bowl of fruit. Who knew it would be so hard to draw a damn orange, it’s a circle for fuck sake. Who can’t draw a circle? Me apparently.

Kai looks over at me and snorts. “Princess, I’m not sure what's happening, but here, let me help.”

He picks up an eraser and brings his chair in closer to mine, abandoning his own picture.

“Start with the fruit bowl first, and then add the fruit.”

He sketches out the bowl, even adding the intricate swirls and patterns. I watch as it takes him a few minutes to complete. I hadn’t even managed to draw an orange in triple the amount of time.

“Thanks,” I murmur quietly.

“No need to thank me,” he says, shuffling his chair back to his easel. Picking up a paint brush he starts to finish the banana that’s already half painted.

I watch as he swipes the brush with a steady hand; the concentration on his face eases when he notices me staring. He leans across and pats my nose with the paint brush leaving behind a glob of yellow paint.

“This means war,” I declare in a whisper. Dipping my finger in some orange paint, I swipe my hand across his cheek.

He smiles mischievously and flicks his paint brush in my direction, small droplets splatter over my face and clothes. I stand, grabbing the tub of paint and turn as a wicked smirk tugs at my lips. He shakes his head and puts his hands up, trying to placate me.

“Jolie, think about this for a moment.”

“I have thought about it.” My smirk turns into a full blown grin as I take a few steps towards him. “And.” another step. “I've decided that.” another step. We’re now nose to nose or as close to it since Kai isn’t much taller than me. I lift my hand and giggle as I tip the paint on his head. His hand flies up into his hair and he scoops up as much of the paint as he can, while using his other arm to pin my body to his. I try to break free from his arm, but I’m not quick enough as he swipes his paint covered hand across my face and down my neck. I smirk up at him and jump into his arms. He catches me easily–both of his hands firmly grasping my butt–and my legs wrap around his waist as my orange streaked lips press against his.

Kai’s kiss is gentle and sweet, before he pulls away slightly and rests his forehead against mine.

“I've been imagining what it would be like to kiss you.”

“Yeah and how was it?”

“I think I need another one to double check if my hypothesis is right.”

“And what hypothesis is that?”

“Kissing you would make me cream in my pants.”

I snort and lean in repeating the kiss, except this time his tongue sweeps between my lips and brushes against mine. As our kiss continues, I feel his fingers dig into my ass, causing me to moan into the kiss, and I start rubbing myself against him, needing the friction from my jeans to ease the throbbing between my legs.

“Jolie, we need to stop,” Kai says abruptly. I unwrap my legs from his waist and slide down his body.

“Is everything okay?” He looks at me and runs a hand through his hair, the bottom of his shirt lifting up enough to see his happy trail.

“Our first time shouldn’t be here.”

“Car?” I ask because I need relief.

He coughs. “This is more awkward than I expected. I've never…you know.”

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