Page 42 of Melody

I lean against the brick wall of the bar, steady myself.

The kiss…

It was better than I’ve ever imagined—and I’ve imagined a lot. So many times in dreams and in waking hours.

I always wondered what those full Jesse Pike lips would feel like against my own.

It was so much more than a kiss. It was a moment filled with possibility and vulnerability, where the outside world dissolved away and gave rise to pure sensation.

Absently, I bring my fingers to my bottom lip, touch it lightly.

God, the prickles, the tingles, the sizzles.

This from a kiss.

I’ve been kissed before. Many times, in fact.

And I’ve done…a lot.

But never the actual deed.

Not because I didn’t have the chance. Not because I didn’t want to.

But something always held me back.

It was a gift I could only give once, and I’ve dreamed so long about giving it to Jesse.

Could my dream actually come true?

I inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale, and when I finally think I can walk, I make my way back into the bar.

Maddie and Angie are still sitting at our small table, and Sage is still flirting relentlessly with Cage and Dragon.

I sit back down.

“Are you okay?” Maddie asks. “You were gone quite a while.”

I put on my best smile. “I’m fine. Just needed some air.”

Angie raises an eyebrow at me. “You look…”

“I look what?” I ask as innocently as I can muster.

She cocks her head. “Nothing. Just a little frazzled.”

I pause a moment to gather my thoughts into something coherent. “Well, who wouldn’t be? I’m about to embark on an amazing adventure. With this girl here.” I squeeze Maddie’s arm.

“I have to say, now that you’ve talked me into the whole thing, I’m really looking forward to it.” Maddie beams. “I mean, seriously, when else would I be able to see Europe? Both my brother and sister will be there. And Callie, for part of it. It’ll be like a Pike sibling adventure.”

“Yeah. It’ll be great.” I grin, my lips still reeling from Jesse’s kiss.

“I suppose a Steel cousin adventure for you,” Angie says. “With Donny and Brock there.”

“Yeah, Brock has offered tohang outwith us.” I roll my eyes.

“I know,” Maddie says, “but maybe it’s a good idea. Is he familiar with Europe?”

“Not really, but he feels a sense of duty. I’m sure my mom and dad have already told him to keep an eye on me.”