Page 13 of My Downfall

She taps my stomach three times, the signal I gave her if she needed me to pull over.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, but you should probably let me off here. We don’t want anyone seeing us together.”

“I wanted to drive you home.”

“And we both know that’s not a good idea.”

“Fuck,” I bark as I pull my helmet off and rest it against my thigh.

I hate this.

“Thank you for this morning.” She slides off my bike and holds the helmet I will now always think of as hers out to me. I regretfully take it.

She leans in and places a soft kiss to my cheek. “Goodbye, Hudson.”

I can’t let her go like this, not when I want so much more.

“If this is all we get, then let’s do it right.” My hands thread through her hair and pull her back to me, my lips stamping over hers.

She gasps and I take my chance to claim her mouth, to possess her, even if it’s only for a short amount of time. She tastes so fucking good, like the sweetest of apples. I don’t know if it’s the juice she had with her breakfast or if it’s just her, but whatever it is, I want more of it. I realize I’ve just made the biggest mistake of my life because this isn’t just a kiss; this is coming home.

She meets every thrust of my tongue with her own, as desperate for this as I am. We’re both groaning, our lips sliding against each other as we kiss with a passion I’ve not felt before. I don’t know how much time passes, but I’m a panting mess when we finally break apart.

“Oh, God,” she gasps as her hands come up to cover her mouth. “I have to go.”

“I won’t apologize for that,” I growl.

“I wouldn’t want you to.” She turns on her heel and jogs away from me. If anyone saw her now, they’d think she was just heading out for her morning exercise. They wouldn’t have a clue that she’s just turned my world upside down with one fucking kiss.

Mia

Mia: I kissed him

Harper: Please tell me you’re talking about some random man

Mia: You know I’m not

Ava: Shit. How?

Mia: Should I worry about what you and River get up to if you’re asking how to kiss?

Ava: MIA

Bella: Stop! This needs a facetime. I can’t do this over messages

My cell rings in my hand and I swipe to accept, the screen quickly filling with all their faces.

“Explain,” Bella demands. She’s become a lot bossier since she’s met Reed.

“I wasout jogging and he drove past me.”

“And?” Harper prompts. “You out jogging does not lead to sucking face with your professor.”

“And he drove past and stopped. I don’t think he realized it was me to start with. Next thing we’re on his bike and th—”

“Woah, hold on a minute. He was on a bike?” Ava interrupts.