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because she’s going to be spending a lot of time with me. Right before I get to her house, I see she’s already walking down the sidewalk. Anger flashes through me as I see her out in the cold. I stop, pull over, and jump out.
    “Hey,” I say, stepping in front of her. She looks up at me startled, as if she’s surprised to see me. “Were you trying to ditch me?”
    “No, I just thought maybe you might forget.” She glances towards the ground, and I step in front of her, putting my hand under her chin.
    “I’d never forget you, Lily. Ever.” I see something close to tears pool in her eyes, and I pull her into my arms. “You okay, babe?” She nods against me, but I can’t help but think something is wrong. “Hey, let’s get you in the Jeep and warm you up. I bet you didn’t have breakfast, did you?”
    I take her hand and open her door, lifting her up inside. I reach down to the floorboard and put a bag in her lap. It’s still warm.
    “My mom makes the best chocolate chip muffins and I thought you might want one. Or three.”
    I wink at her and she lights up, looking down at the bag. I close the door and walk around to my side, and by the time I get in, the smell of warm chocolate fills the cab.
    “This has made my day,” Lily says and takes a bite.
    I watch her, and seeing the light come back in her eyes as she smiles at me makes my whole year. She has a smudge of chocolate on the side of her mouth, and I can’t stand it anymore.
    Leaning forward, I place my hand on the side of her face and cup her cheek. She looks a little startled, but not scared. “I’m gonna kiss you, Lily Parker. Because you’re the sweetest and most beautiful girl I’ve ever met, and if I don’t I might die. But once I do, you’re gonna belong to me.”
    She licks her lips and looks down at mine. When her bright blue doe eyes flicker, there’s only desire burning in them.
    Placing my mouth softly on hers, I feel the silk of lips against mine. They’re full and sweet, and when she parts her mouth, I slip my tongue inside. She tastes of mint and chocolate, and I want to consume her. But this is only our first kiss, the first of many, and I aim to go slow with her.
    It’s not nearly long enough, but I pull back a little, resting my forehead against hers, and breathe in her scent. She smells like Christmas and home all rolled into one. Excitement, comfort, and an overwhelming sense of right settle in my chest.
    I’ve waited my whole life for her.

11
Lily
    I ’m the one who starts the kiss this time, wanting to feel his lips on me again. The whole world melted away when he kissed me, and I want to do it over and over again. Like yesterday in the cafeteria, he shields us with this little bubble, and I never want to leave it. I didn’t have a care in the world in that moment, and I don’t have one now. I’m just a normal teenage girl having her first kiss with a boy. Though I’m not sure you could call Ren a boy.
    I wanted him to show up so bad this morning, but I was scared about what would happen if he didn’t. Not wanting to have to face it, I decided to walk. It was silly and stupid and made no sense, but I was scared. For no reason. He came, and I have a feeling he will always come for me.
    This time I push forward, deepening the kiss. His lips part, and I try to replicate the same soft touch of tongue he gave me. A sound leaves his throat, or maybe it’s me who makes the sound. I try to move in closer, wanting no space between us. He wraps his arms around me, his hands going to my back.
    I jerk from the pain that shoots through my body, but I’m unable to move with Ren’s arms wrapped around me. My eyes meet his and his face fills with concern.
    “Sorry,” I mumble, hoping he doesn’t ask. But the hope is short-lived.
    “Turn around,” he commands.
    “It’s nothing. I just fell and hit a table.” I didn’t look at the bruise this morning, so I have no idea how bad it is. I could feel it, but I couldn’t