Ava’s POV
Steve’s lips brush against mine softly at first, like he’s testing the waters, and my heart skips a beat. I don’t know how it happens, but before I can think straight, I’m kissing him back. His hand cups my cheek gently, and for a few seconds, I let myself melt into the moment.
It feels… strange. New. His lips are warm, and there’s a softness to the kiss that makes my chest tighten. I’ve never felt anything like this before.
But then, like a slap of cold air, reality comes crashing down on me. I pull away, gasping, my face flushed, my heart racing so fast it feels like it might burst out of my chest.
Steve stares at me, his green eyes wide with surprise and something else I can’t quite place. But I can’t stay there and figure it out. I need to get out of here.
Without saying
