Page 39 of About Time You Noticed

He heard her take in a sharp breath, but she melted into his hold. She fit perfectly in his arms.

He brushed her auburn hair from her neck and placed a gentle kiss on her skin. Sarah let out a wistful sigh and threaded her arms over his shoulders, snuggling into him.

He nudged her chin to face him, but her eyes remained closed. She looked peaceful, like in a dream. Here she was, in his arms, waiting for him to kiss her. The dream was real.

His gaze zoned to plump lips slightly parted, and the caress of her breath on his neck filled him with longing. The irresistible pull—tangible. He had to kiss her. Now or never.

He closed his eyes and lowered his head, finding the taste of her mouth to be the sweetest dessert he'd ever tried.

Sarah’s lips explored his as her fingers threaded his hair.

His large palms roamed the curve of her back, hugging her fiercely, whatever it took to keep the kiss going. How was this happening? His Sarah, his precious girl. Why hadn't he noticed her in this way before now? He’d loved her all along.

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SARAH'S LEGS NEARLY buckled beneath her. Wow. Amazing kiss. She didn't realize a science teacher could bottle so much passion. Edward seemed like a serious guy, but he was pouring all this built-up tension into an earth-shattering kiss. Every atom of her body ignited into flames.

He cradled her head and deepened the kiss, exploring, though he held her like a treasure that needed to be handled carefully.

Warm waves of pleasure washed over her. Even her toes tingled. Her very first kiss. It came so naturally. She didn't have to think about what to do, only let him lead the way.

A flash of Tommy entered her mind. Edward was wearing the same Rexona Sport deodorant. She’d dreamed of her first kiss being with Tom. A fairy tale not meant to be. She needed to focus on the man who wanted her—the man in her arms.

His fingers entwined in her hair, and she let out a muffled groan. Oh, boy. He was good.

Her response encouraged him because he'd picked up speed, and the kiss became desperate and passionate. Her strength faded, and she parted her mouth, letting him lavish her with kisses. She tugged on his collar, holding on for dear life.

"What's going on?" An angry voice echoed across the balcony. Edward? How could that be? Must be a little devil interrupting her dream.

But Edward froze in her arms, and Sarah’s eyes flashed open.

What?

It wasn't Edward holding her. "Tommy?" she whispered.

"Is that you, Sarah?" Edward's voice boomed from the glass doors.

She pushed back from Tommy and wiped her mouth. "Oh, my gosh. What are you doing, Tom?"

He frowned, looking confused.

Edward stepped forward, holding two lemon-lime bitters. He went bug-eyed. "It is you." He gasped. "And Tommy?" The drinks slipped from his hold, and glass shattered across the wooden planks.

All three of them froze, staring at the mess. Edward shook his head slowly, his mouth ajar. "I can't believe this." He turned and stormed away.

Tommy raked a hand through his hair. "Oh, man. Did you come with him tonight?"

Her breaths were sharp and furious. "Why were you kissing me like that?" She dug her fake nails into her scalp. "You kissed me."

Tommy massaged the side of his face. "If I recall, you kissed me first. Once on the cheek, but that's all the encouragement I needed."

Sarah covered her mouth. "Tommy. I’m on a date with Edward. This is terrible. I need to find him and apologize." Before he could say another word, she dashed from the balcony, through the crowd, and out into the parking lot.

Too late. Edward's car was nowhere in sight.

Gone.

What was she going to do? She couldn't face Tommy right now. She didn't know what to say or how to handle the situation. No way would she go back inside. Stuck in Georgetown with no ride home. She couldn't call Dad or Mom as they’d ask a mountain of questions.

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