Chapter 122

• He strides toward me, his eye on his target; he’s homed in, and his look is stern with intent. He marches toward me without breaking eye contact, not stopping to look at the people beside him, trying to get his attention. Just me. He’s moving fast; he doesn’t hesitate. Two more strides, and he’s with me, his hands on my face, cupping my jaw, pulling me forward hard as his mouth molds to mine.
• The power of his kiss makes me melt, and I grab onto his arms for support, so my legs don’t give out. The emotion behind the kiss opens me up to him, and I surrender, letting him capture me and drag me into him as I lose myself. His lips mold to mine, and our tongues caress in perfect unison. I’m free-falling, and time ceases to exist. Everyone disappears, and it’s only him, pulling me under into an untouchable wave of euphoria. It doesn’t matter that people surround us; it doesn’t matter how many see this. All there is in time and space is us. Locked this way, my heart soars, my stomach flutters with a million butterflies, and the noises fade away.
• He pulls away from me after what seems like forever, yet not long enough, breathing hard, matching my breathlessness. His hands are on my face, gently holding me still like I’m precious glass, holding me close, his forehead against mine. My hands on his upper arms are gripping tightly to his jacket. We don’t speak, just breathe each other in, our eyes locked, pupils large and focused, passing a million messages.