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His gaze drops to my mouth. Just for a second. But I see it. I definitely see it.

“April.”

“Gabriel.”

“You’re suggesting we kiss.”

“I am.”

“To break the curse.”

“Yep. I know we’ll be missing the whole true love or whatever since obviously we just met. But still, worth the try.”

His jaw works. I can practically see the internal debate happening behind those slate-gray eyes. Finally, he says, “Very well.”

I blink. “Very well?”

“If you believe it’s worth attempting.”

“It doesn’t require sacrificing anyone, blood, or summoning demons, so I’m game.”

His eyes narrow.

I stand from his lap.

He stands, too.

Suddenly I realize something—Gabriel is enormous. I mean, I knew that. Obviously. But standing this close, looking up at him, I’m reminded just how big he is. How broad his shoulders are. How his perfectly sculpted chest rises and falls with each breath. How distractingly handsome he is. And how very, very long it’s been since I’ve kissed anyone who wasn’t a lying, cheating asshole.

My stomach flutters. I mentally scold myself. This is science or magic. Magic science. Whatever.

“Okay,” I say.

“Okay,” he repeats.

We stand there. Neither of us moves.

I clear my throat. “So, do you want to...?”

He raises an eyebrow. “Would you prefer I initiate?”

Oh, boy. “Sure.”

He steps closer. My heart gives a strange little kick.

His hand comes up. Slowly. He brushes a curl away from my cheek. His fingers are warm and gentle.

Nothing like the hard stone claws I’ve spent the last week talking to.

Then he tips my chin up, and brushes his lips against mine. It’s brief and oh, so soft.

But—oh, wow. My toes curl. Actually curl into the threadbare rug beneath my feet. Which is deeply embarrassing. Because this is supposed to be a scientific experiment. Not an audition for my next terrible romantic decision.

Seriously, though, how was that the most chaste and hottest kiss of my entire life at the same time?

Gabriel draws back. His eyes are darker; his expression unreadable.

For a moment, neither of us speaks. Then I clear my throat. “Well.”