Page 172 of Never Not Friends

“Yeah, it’s just a little dark.” I brush it off because, really, I’m preparing.

Mentally.

Emotionally.

Possibly spiritually.

For the kiss I’ve imagined millions of times over the years.

Awake. Asleep. Completely against my better judgment. You name the scenario, and I’ve thought about kissing Vinny during that time. Moments with dramatic love declarations, scenes that are simple and sweet, so many imagined kisses during the rain.

There’s been a lot of dreaming of this kiss.

And it’s finally happening.

Tonight.

Most likely.

He just sat across from me at dinner and told me he’s tired of being friends. He wants more. And I want more. And a kiss is definitely more.

We reach the top of the stairs and the landing by my door. I turn around, and Vinny stops in front of me.

He’s close, sending my heart into absolute chaos.

“Well.” I smile.

“Well.” He smiles too. “Are you up for breakfast tomorrow? My house? My cooking?”

My grin pushes wider. “That sounds like the perfect second date.”

“Okay.”

“Okay.”

Neither of us moves.

This is it.

I wait.

His eyes stay on mine, and you better believe that my eyes don’t move from his. Eye contact that’s basically the international symbol for I want you to kiss me. But just in case he doesn’t know that signal, my gaze drops briefly to his mouth and then back up.

There.

Vinny’s eyes flicker like he noticed.

He steps closer.

Here we go.

“I had fun tonight.” His fingers slide down my arm.

“Me too.”

His eyes drop to my mouth.

My breath stalls.