We had a connection now that wasn't there before. He closed the distance and kissed me, his lips soft on mine. He pulled back too soon. "Come inside with me," he said. "What about your dad?" I asked. "He's not going to be home until late. He's out drinking with his buddies. These days, it's all he does." His voice was brittle when he said it, but he shook off whatever dark thoughts were in his mind, and he put his thumb and forefinger on my chin, tilting my head up before he kissed me again. "Come inside with me," he murmured against my lips. I couldn't say no to him. I didn't want to.
