But this kiss? It’s everything I’ve ever wanted and then some.
He’s kissing me like he’s parched and I’m the only drop of water for miles. I arch against him as his tongue thrusts deeper and his hand cups the side of my neck, keeping me there…as though he’s afraid I might escape.
But the building could explode—hell, the earth could explode—and I still wouldn’t put an end to this kiss.
However, he does.
His eyes are wide as he backs away from me slowly…like we’re in an apocalypse and he just discovered I’m a zombie.
I can’t differentiate if the expression on his face is because of shock or horror.
Perhaps my kissing skills are worse than I thought, and I messed something up?
I’m not sure what went wrong. The only thing I am sure of right now is that he regrets it.
“Phoenix—”
As if the sound of my voice was some kind of alarm warning him of imminent danger, he turns and bolts out the door.
While I’m left standing there, wondering what the hell just happened…
And what I did wrong.
Later that night—after debating for hours—I finally give in and text him.
Lennon: I’m proud of you.
Yes, we kissed. But it doesn’t have to ruin our friendship.
He can chalk it up to a mistake he made due to his excitement over passing the final…and I can chalk it up to the best moment of my life.
Then we can go back to normal.
Only we can’t…
Because he never responds.
CHAPTER 12
LENNON
It’s been three days since Phoenix kissed me and took off. I knew he needed some space, but I figured he’d get over it the next day and we’d be cool again.
That didn’t happen, though. Not only did he avoid me like the plague in school and after, he still didn’t return my text.
I don’t want to come off clingy, but I really miss my friend.
Which is why I end up sending him another text.
Lennon: Congrats.
We’ll be graduating in less than an hour, so I’m sure he’s going to put an end to this silent treatment and tell me the same.
No such luck. Just like my last one, I get no response.
“Lennon, we’re gonna be late,” my dad hollers from downstairs.
Glancing in the mirror, I finish bobby-pinning the stupid blue cap to my head. “I’ll be right there.”
I check my phone one last time before chucking it into my purse. He can’t avoid me forever. Not only will I see him at graduation, he’ll be at the party tonight.
I look over at the outfit hanging on the door of my closet. Usually, I wear T-shirts and jeans, but I decided to step out of my comfort zone and purchase a new dress for tonight. It’s short, A-line, and black. I love it because the bottom flares out, giving my figure a flattering shape. Plus, the dark color is slimming.
I ended up confiding in Mrs. Palma about Phoenix because I really needed to vent. After telling me boys were stupid and that he’d come to his senses, she offered to help me do my hair and makeup for the party.
I’m under no illusion that wearing a dress and makeup will make Phoenix fall at my feet, but if he doesn’t pull his head out of his ass, then tonight’s the last night we’ll ever see each other.
Therefore, I might as well look my best.
“Lennon,” my dad yells again. “Let’s go.”
I went temporarily blind from the flash of my dad’s camera thanks to him snapping no less than a thousand pictures of me walking across the stage.
Fortunately, my vision is back to normal by the time it’s Phoenix’s turn. Somehow, he even manages to make the ugly cap and gown look sexy. My fellow classmates and I erupt in loud cheers as he accepts his diploma. When I glance back at the audience, I see Storm’s grandmother standing and yelling her heart out while she takes a few photos.
As far as I can tell, she’s the only parent here for him.
Shortly after he walks off, the announcer tells us to move our tassels to the other side and declares us official high school graduates.
I’m thrilled when we get to toss the caps in the air because those damn pins were starting to give me a headache.
It feels like an eternity by the time everyone exits the oversized tent the ceremony took place under.
I spot my dad instantly once I make it out…because he’s holding the biggest bouquet of flowers I’ve ever seen in my life.
Running over, he hugs me so tight it hurts. “I’m so proud of you, monkey face!”
I laugh into his shirt because he’s making a bigger deal out of this than necessary. “Thanks.”