He flashed me a bright smile and hopped out of the car, grabbing his bag before walking toward his building.
I followed close behind.
As we walked up the stairs to his apartment, a sense of nervousness settled in the pit of my stomach.
This felt different, almost odd. Being here with Eden outside of our usual baking lessons was… strange.
But as we entered his apartment, I couldn’t help but feel a slight sense of familiarity wash over me.
His place was cozy, slightly colder than usual but the slight scent of vanilla was still in the air.
While Eden set his hockey stick down by the door and dropped his bag, I made my way deeper inside the apartment, aiming for his living room.
I loved his living room. It was cozy and inviting, very modern though. It was also strangely clean for a twenty-one-year-old college guy. His couch was comfy, the throw pillows neatly arranged, and a soft blanket draped over the back.
The large window let in a sliver of moonlight, casting a gentle glow across the room.
I settled onto the couch, feeling a little out of place. Eden joined me a moment later, sitting close enough that our arms almost brushed against each other.
Eden glanced at me with a smile playing on his lips, as if he knew the effect he was having on me tonight.
It was really strange. Not once had I looked at Eden this way, allowed his charm to sweep me off my feet, or even slightly mess with my composure. But tonight it was different, and I didn’t know why or how.
It must’ve been that stupid kiss. Definitely threw me off tonight. But I was going to be the same old me tomorrow, right?
He was staring at me, his eyes lingering on my body as if they were analyzing every piece of me.
I cleared my throat, suddenly feeling self-conscious under his gaze. “So, what did you want to talk about?” I asked, hoping to avoid whatever feelings were building inside me.
“How about we don’t?” he said softly, his voice dropping an octave.
My heart skipped a beat as I tried to decipher the meaning behind his words.
Eden’s gaze held mine, his green eyes searching for something in me that I couldn’t quite place.
He reached out and I found myself holding my breath as I waited for him to touch me. Before gently cupping my cheek as he leaned closer, he tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear.
Our breaths mingled, and my mind raced with questions and doubts, but in that moment, all I could focus on was the warmth of his touch and the intensity of his eyes.
“We can’t just stare at each other without saying a word,” I whispered as the urge to say something, anything, was too much to hold back.
Eden’s thumb brushed against my cheek as he leaned in closer, his gaze unwavering.
His lips hovered just inches from mine, teasing and tempting.
I closed my eyes, the anticipation building. As Eden’s warm breath fanned over my lips, shivers ran down my spine.
And then, his lips met mine in a soft, tender kiss. It was almost like a spark igniting between us, setting off whatever was simmering beneath the surface.
His tongue traced the outline of my lips before slipping into my mouth, exploring and tasting every inch.
I could feel his hands roaming over my body, pulling me closer to him as the kiss deepened. My hands found their way to his hair, tangling in the soft, curly strands as I responded with a soft gasp.
As we broke apart, his forehead still pressed against mine, our breaths ragged and hearts pounding, Eden whispered, “Ah, fuck.”
Was this a good or bad thing? I wasn’t sure.
Either way, I pulled back immediately. “I’m sorry,” I blurted out, feeling a surge of panic rising within me. “I’ve never kissed anyone before, so… yeah. I’m the worst kisser ever.”
