Read First Kiss (Heavy Influence) for Free Online Page A

her a play by play of every moment, with the exception of my feelings for Jake. I painted a vivid picture of how hot he looked dripping wet. I hedged a bit, not knowing if I should continue.
                  “Ok and…spit it out already,” she said impatiently, unable to stand the buildup.
                  “Ok, ok.” I giggled louder, covering my mouth. “Basically I used it to dry off my face and I kept it.”
                  “And, tell me, how did Nadine act? You know, she kills me sometimes how she throws herself at guys.” She shook her head. Boom, there it was, another snide remark. Nicole had been tossing out subtle digs about Nadine more often these days. I refused to bite. I didn’t want to choose sides.
                  “No, she didn’t hang on Jake. She didn’t have a chance. Her mom came looking for her. She said she would be here after her doc appointment.”
                  I finally laid down on the lounge. I was sweating from the heat. The sun burned at my skin. It kinda felt good, like a massage. Even knowing that I would pay for the sun damage later in life, I didn’t care. I didn’t use sunscreen. I loved having that sun kissed look.
                  All of sudden water came our way. Greg and Grant started shooting us with water from over-sized water guns.
                  “Stop it you a-hole!” Nicole roared. She didn’t like to get her hair or face wet. In fact, when she swam she only went in the water up to her chin.
                  “Calm down, sorry,” Grant said trying not to laugh. “What’s up with you guys today, all secretive n’shit.”
    ”Let’s go, they’re talking about Jake Masters,” Greg said, spilling the beans.
                  “What? Jake? That fucking wannabe, he sucks and so does his band.” Grant spewed as he climbed out of the pool. My blood boiled at the insult.
                  “Shut the eff up,” I snapped. “You’re just jealous because you can’t play your stupid guitar as good as he can.”
    I was shocked as the harsh words rolled out of my mouth. I instantly regretted it. Nicole’s mouth gaped open. Greg, with his usual timid self, backed away from our confrontation. I felt bad, but it was true. Grant had tried out for Jake’s band six months prior and I never gave it much thought, until now. Grant didn’t get picked, and I knew how badly he wanted it.
                  “You’re a bitch, Alyssa.” He picked up his towel and wiped his face. “I was only joking.”
                  I realized at that moment he had to be kidding, because he would have never tried out to be in the band if he thought it sucked.
                  “Dude, I’m sorry.” My stomach was in my ass.
                  Grant hung his towel around his neck as he slipped on his flip-flops.
                  “Ok, you guys, just calm down. Grant please don’t leave,” Nicole, begged, as she struggled to retie her bathing suit top, instead opting to gather the towel to her chest as she reached out toward Grant. She liked him. In fact, I think they had a secret thing going on. They were always together.
                  “I’ll be back,” he said to Nicole. “I’m gonna go find Greg.”
                  Grant went after Greg down the side of the house. We heard him shouting Greg’s name.
                  “What the hell, dude. What was that?” Nicole glared at me. “You didn’t have to say that shit.”
                  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it…”
                  “Uh, yes you did. I’ve never heard one mean word ever cross your lips, Alyssa. So don’t tell me you didn’t mean it. You shoulda seen your face. You know how bad he wanted to be in Jake’s band. I can’t believe you.”
                  She got