Chapter 33: Chapter 32. Amazing What One Kiss Can Do, Right?

CLAIRE

I’m taken aback at first, but gradually, I find myself easing into his kiss, my lips moving in rhythm with his.

As our lips dance together, I loop my arms around his neck, pressing our mouths closer.

I know I should bolt; I should pull away and slap him; I should do anything but continue kissing him, but I just can’t muster the strength to pull away.

His lips are warm, soft, and gentle against mine—captivating. I know I should push him away, especially after what happened with James, but I just can’t.

Blake’s kiss grows more urgent, and I feel him gently press my body against the small shed wall. My fingers weave through his soft hair, and I find myself smiling into the kiss.

I’ve always wanted to run my fingers through his hair, to feel the soft strands against my fingertips.

It’s been a desire since the day I first laid eyes on him. And now that it’s actually happening, I find myself wanting to stay like this forever.

Eventually, the need for air becomes too great, and we pull apart. Our breathing is ragged, and I glance at the ground, my cheeks flushing as I realize what just happened.

I lick my lips, still feeling the lingering sensation from the kiss. I can hear his heavy breathing too.

I clear my throat awkwardly and finally look up. He’s close, really close, as my body is still pressed against the wall.

“Um…” I start, swallowing hard as I see the desire in his eyes. I feel the sudden urge to kiss him again, but I resist.

Blake doesn’t move, though. I feel like I need to push him away before he finally speaks.

“Who was he?” he asks softly.

Confused, I look up at him. “Who?” I ask, my eyebrows knitting together.

“The other man who was there. Who was he?” he asks, his voice taking on a more demanding tone.

I’m even more confused now. Why does he need to know? I mean, I could lie, say he was another former fighter that I beat who wanted revenge. But somehow, I don’t think he’d believe me.

“An old friend,” I finally mumble, looking down at the dusty ground.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see him nod, though he doesn’t seem convinced.

I let out a sigh and look at him again. My eyes are guarded now. I can see understanding in his eyes, and also an emotion I still can’t identify.

“So,” I say softly. “Are we done now?” I ask, forcing a smile.

A small grin tugs at his lips as he chuckles. The sound alone makes my knees weak. He leans in close to my ear, his breath tickling my skin.

Suddenly, I feel vulnerable. Blake is stirring up all the emotions I usually keep buried deep down. And he’s only really known me for two or three months.

I hold my breath, watching as he places his hands on the wall next to my head, trapping me between him and the wall. I swallow hard.

“Not quite yet,” he murmurs, before pressing his lips to mine again. My eyes widen, but I don’t hesitate to kiss him back.

He presses his body harder against mine, and I can feel his excitement, which makes me grin through the kiss.

My chest is against his as he tilts his head to the side, deepening the kiss. When I feel his tongue trace my bottom lip, asking for entrance, I pull back.

But that doesn’t stop Blake. His lips trail hot, small kisses down my neck. I close my eyes to suppress a moan as he kisses my sweet spot.

“B-Blake…” I whisper, struggling not to moan at the sensation he’s creating. “What—what are we doing?” I ask, trying to keep my legs from giving out.

His lips pause their trail of kisses as his warm breath tickles my skin. “I don’t know.” He starts kissing my sweet spot again. “But I don’t care,” he mumbles.

Swallowing hard, I gently push him back and look into his dark, lust-filled eyes. “Blake,” I say softly. “We can’t,” I tell him, trying to steady my breathing.

He closes his eyes and groans, burying his head in the crook of my neck. “Is it bad that I’m totally over the whole White Wolf thing?” he asks.

I nod. “Uh, yeah,” I pull back and look at him. “It kind of is. How are you okay with it?” I ask, bewildered.

He sighs and buries his head back in the crook of my neck.

“I realized when I saw you beating up that guy that I really liked you, Claire,” he begins.

My eyes widen in shock. I was ~not~ expecting that.

“I think that’s the only reason. I’ve grown attached to you, Claire. You ignored me for a week and I couldn’t understand why.

“I thought I did something wrong. So, I went to the only person I thought knew what was wrong with you: Ashley.” He pauses.

“She told me the story of how and why you two split. Then told me all my questions about you would be answered today. I guess she was right. At least, most of them were,” he says.

I raise an eyebrow. “What other questions do you have?” I ask gently.

“If you knew the danger you were in, why’d you continue it?” he asks softly.

I shrug. “It was an urge. I was addicted to it, wasn’t like I was going to stop just because of some sore losers wanting revenge on me,” I say nonchalantly.

He nods. “Why’d you ignore me?” he asks, his voice pained.

I sigh and close my eyes. “I was protecting you, Blake. Nancy was already attacked and I couldn’t bear getting close to someone again, just to have them ripped away from me.

“I’ve been through too much heartache to want to be close to someone else other than the few people I have now,” I reply, my voice devoid of emotion.

He nods against my neck. “Claire?” he says my name gently.

“Hmm,” I reply, closing my eyes.

“I get it, this might be moving too fast... but would you consider being my girlfriend? I want to explore this thing between us. I want to hold your hand in public, take you out, kiss you whenever the mood strikes. I want you,” he confesses.

I’m left standing there, completely taken aback.

He’s not wrong, it is moving too fast. It’s only been two months, and even though I’m drawn to him, we need more time. ~I~ need more time.

“Blake,” I let out a sigh. “How about we pump the brakes a little? You could be in danger right now. And as much as I’d love to say yes, there’s a lot you don’t know, and don’t need to know.

“Let’s just put the whole ‘dating’ thing on hold until all this blows over, okay?” I suggest, my voice softening as I speak.

It’s crazy what one kiss can do, isn’t it? Just one kiss was all it took for me to realize that I’ve been into Blake this whole time.

That’s why my heart hurt that day he was with Ashley, that’s why I tried so hard to keep my distance for his own safety, that’s why my heart skips a beat whenever he’s within a ten-mile radius.

Blake managed to break down my walls so quickly, I’m scared he’ll break my heart just as fast.

I mean, I’m not in love with him. But I can’t deny that he’s found a place in my heart. A sudden wave of fear washes over me. ~What if he turns out to be like James and hurts me, breaks me, betrays me, just like everyone else?~

Then what? I can’t handle that kind of heartbreak again. I barely survived it the first time!

“You’re overthinking this,” Blake murmurs.

I blink, suddenly remembering that I’m still standing here with Blake. “Sorry,” I mumble.

He shakes his head, leaning down to brush his lips against mine once more.

“It’s okay. And I can wait. But I will say this: I won’t be able to stop myself from kissing you. Now that I’ve had a taste, I’m going to want more.”