“Yeah. Ten bucks for ten minutes alone with you,” he admitted. He grinned sheepishly as he smoothly wrapped his arm over my shoulder once again. “It was worth every penny.”
“I can’t believe you did that,” I said, laughing so hard I nearly fell off the bench. It was one of the funniest things I had ever heard, and also a pretty darn good way of getting Tommy to get out of our hair. “But I like the technique. It’s also another reason why I need a job so I can make some money. Maybe I can start getting Tommy to listen to me with a little bit of cash...”
He didn't wait for me to stop talking, he just leaned in and brought his lips to mine. He took what he wanted, what he knew I wanted, without waiting another second.
I gasped, as the air was practically pulled out of my lungs in shock. Our lips were electric, sparking with energy as they touched. I closed my eyes and brought a hand to Jacob’s cheek. For a moment, he and I were the only ones in the entire park. The entire world, for that matter.
The passion between us was so apparent. It felt like we had known each other for decades, not days. This was more than just a basic first kiss. It was a first kiss that promised more kisses. It promised going beyond kissing. It was the kind of thing that made me feel more alive than I had in a long time.
After what seemed like a beautiful eternity, we slowly broke the kiss. But we only stayed apart long enough to grab a breath of air and glance into each other’s eyes. Our lips collided once more. A moan crept up into my throat, so soft that it didn’t make it to my mouth. My senses exploded as we opened our lips just enough to let the tip of our tongues touch, dancing passionately.
Our phones vibrated. I would have kissed him like that all day if I had had the chance. We slowly opened our eyes and pulled apart. The interruption was annoying, but since it had affected our moment anyway, we decided to see what the notification was all about.
“There’s a Monster nearby,” Jacob laughed. He casually glanced down at his phone before slipping it back into his pocket. “But who cares about that?”
He kissed me again. Our phones continued to vibrate, attempting to notify us of the Monster that was close. I didn’t care, though. It was just a game, and what mattered in that moment was what was right in front of me.
My hands drifted from Jacob’s cheeks, to his shoulders and around to his chest. My fingers landed on the top button of his shirt. I paused there, wishing I could undo just the top button and let myself in to feel some skin. I wanted to. I wanted nothing more than that. But I couldn’t. We were in a public park, and I knew that Tommy was likely somewhere nearby, spying on us.
Thinking of my little brother reminded me that I had responsibilities. I couldn't just sit and make out in the park like some teenager. Even though it was fun. The morning was ending, and I needed to get home.
“Can I see you again?” I asked, pulling back slightly and watching his reaction. “This was fun.”
“Absolutely,” Jacob replied. His smile was warm and genuine. “I’ll bring us some replacement creamsicles next time we hang out.”
My eyes widened and I looked beside me to where I had dropped my frozen treat. During that passionate kiss, the orange Popsicle had become the last thing on my mind. It laid on the bench, melting in the hot sun. Jacob had dropped his as well, and it was now on the grass being enjoyed by Athena.
“Whoops.” I bit my lip, feeling a little bit silly that I had let myself get so drawn into the kiss that I had forgotten about the outside world entirely.
“Totally worth it,” Jacob said, with a grin. “Want to do it again tomorrow?”
My heart fluttered and I knew I had a dopey grin plastered all over my face. “Yes.”
Jacob's face lit up. He had the most amazing smile I had ever seen.
“Tomorrow? Same time?” Jacob asked, hope filling his voice.
I did the mental math as quickly as possible. I could still apply for my jobs and do this. In fact, I would do just about anything to do this again. “Yes, that would be perfect.”
Jacob grinned and he offered me his hand to stand up from the bench. I didn't want him to let go, but I knew I would need to go home eventually.
“Your ten minutes are up,” Tommy announced, walking up boldly. “I can give you another ten if you want...”
Jacob chuckled. “I like your business sense, kid, but I should probably attempt to get some work done today.”
“Your loss,” Tommy informed him.
“Most definitely my loss.” Jacob met my eyes. “I'll see you later, Alicia.”
I grinned. “See you later, Jacob.”
I couldn't wait.
Chapter 4
“Now you’re doing it, too, Alicia?”
My mom’s voice caused me to look up from my phone. She set a plate in front of me. We were having T-bone steak, with corn and mashed potatoes for dinner.