Out on the meadow, Allison and Joshua kissed for what felt like forever.

    It had been ages since they''d been this close. Day after day, they''d kept their feelings bottled up, both of them trying so hard not to cross that invisible line. But all that restraint just made the longing build up until, once they finally let go, neither of them wanted to stop.

    When they finally pulled apart, her lips were swollen, tingling from the heat of it.

    They were both breathless, hearts pounding.

    The rest of the day, Allison felt like she was floating-everything around her seemed unreal, like she was walking through a dream.

    Even after they got back to the hotel that night, she was still in a daze.

    Later, they sat together on a wooden bench in the hotel''s garden, the night air warm and soft around them.

    Joshua slipped his arm around her, holding her close. His voice was low and a little rough. "Allie, can we try again? Please?"

    The summer night still clung to the air, the streetlights casting a gentle, dim glow. He looked at her, dark eyes deep and careful, nerves and hope all tangled up in his expression. He didn''t even seem to breathe as he waited for her answer.

    Allison leaned into him and murmured, "Okay."

    Joshua''s whole body rxed, the tension finally melting away.

    A slow smile spread across his face as he opened his hand to show her a piece of fruit candy.

    Allison rested her head on his shoulder and nced at his palm, eyebrows quirked. "Why do you still have candy on you?"

    Joshua chuckled, sounding lighter than he had all day. "The hotel owner''s daughter gave it to me just now. Thought I''d save it for you."

    She picked up the candy and turned it over. "Peach vor. My favorite."

    She unwrapped it and popped it into her mouth.

    The sweetness spread over her tongue.

    They sat like that, side by side, letting the night breeze wash over them. For a little while, it felt like time had slowed to a crawl.

    "Is it sweet?" Joshua asked out of nowhere.

    The candy hadn''t melted yet, so Allison answered with slow, careful words. "Mm. Very sweet."

    His voice dropped, low and teasing, with that edge that always made her heart stutter. "Sweeter than you?"

    The night was so quiet, she could hear the wind in the trees.

    Maybe it was just the leftover heat in the air, but Allison''s cheeks felt flushed and

    warm.

    She was about to change the subject, but Joshua spoke again. "Can I kiss you?" She hesitated for a second. "Why are you asking all of a sudden?"

    Joshua''s tone waszy, almost yful. "I want to know if that candy''s as sweet as you."

    He really was too much sometimes.

    It felt like the whole world had gotten

    warmer

    Allison''s reply was soft, a

    little breathless. "Didn''t we just kiss earlier? For a long time?"

    "Not enough." Joshua turned toward

    her, gently tipping her chin up.

    eyes locked on hers, and it was he only saw her. "Can I,

    Allie?" .

    Her answer was barely more than a whisper.

    But he caught it.

    He smiled, eyes melting with affection.

    The next moment, Joshua leaned in, angling his head just so, and pressed his warm lips to hers.

    Allison''s breath caught, nerves going haywire. His face was so close, she forgot to close her eyes.

    This time, Joshua closed his first.

    His kiss was soft, gentle-feather-light, like he was afraid she might dissolve if he pressed too hard.

    Allison found her breathing slowing without even realizing.

    At first, the kiss was light, almost

    gentle she thought it y

    t as quickly as it beg

    would

    Then Joshua deepened the kiss, his tongue slipping past her lips, making her

    shiver.

    Suddenly, it was a real kiss, deep and sweet, stealing her breath.

    Their lips moved together, unhurried, tangled and close.

    Allison''s heart skipped all over the ce. The taste of peach candy flooded her mouth.

    Her pulse raced, breathsing faster.

    Joshua''s hand cupped her chin, holding her steady, not letting her pull away.

    His fingers brushed along her jaw, rough but careful.

    He kissed her like he knew exactly what he was doing, and Allison had no intention of resisting.

    She lost track of everything else-time, ce, the world around them.

    And when the kiss finally broke, she was left dizzy and breathless.

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    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!