Page 77 of The Golden Scoop

It’s fast. More instinct than decision. I don’t think he expected this, because he doesn’t make a single move, his lips soft against mine. Matt exhales like something unknots in him, followed by a low groan.

The sound’s enough to make me pull back, and bring me right back to reality, where I kissed him. My fingers come up to my lips, finding it hard to believe what just happened.

“I’m sorry,” Matt says.

“What?” I ask, confused. “Why? You’re not the one that kissed me.”

His hand comes up to my face, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

“No,” he whispers. “When I kiss you, you’ll know it.”

Great.

Now I want to do it again.

EIGHTEEN

Emma

The flight back to L.A. is extremely different from the one out here. We’re not bickering or snapping at each other. There’s still teasing, of course, but it’s loaded with something… something I don’t have a name for yet.

We woke up today a tangle of limbs. Matt’s arm under me, holding me close. Mine resting on his chest like it already had a designated resting spot. When I opened my eyes, he was already looking at me, rubbing lazy circles on my shoulder.

It was strange because it wasn’t strange.

There was no uncomfortable silence, no awkward shuffling to avoid touching. It was nice. We lay there, the rhythm of our breathing filling the space until his alarm went off.

He tidied the room, packed the dress in my bag, and left me to change in peace.

By the time I made it out, he was making breakfast for everyone. If I didn’t believe before that Matt could cook, after the fluffiest homemade pancakes I’ve ever had, I certainly do now.

Only after saying our goodbyes to Eleanor and realizing he had no intention of bringing up the kiss, I pulled him to a stop before getting in the car.

“I’m going crazy,” I said, exasperated. “I did kiss you last night, didn’t I?”

“You sure did,” he answered, a teasing grin on his face.

“Okay… Is it going to be awkward between us?” I asked, slightly uncomfortable. “Was it that bad that you want to forget about it altogether?”

He scoffed, dropping our bags and grabbing my face with both hands.

“I’m not talking about it because the second I do, all I’ll be able to do today is replay those three seconds your lips were on mine.” His eyes dropped, thumb brushing over my bottom lip. “No, it’s not awkward for me. I’m just getting started.”

Our faces were close enough for action. For sure, I thought he was going to kiss me.

I was ready.

But he leaned down, changed trajectories at the last moment possible, and kissed my cheek instead. My cheek!

So now I’m sitting in front of him, waiting for the plane to take off, frustrated. I’m not angry, I’ve been tempted. He’s dangled it, and now I want it. Another unlocked mystery in my head needing to be solved. How well does Matt Hunt kiss?

“All you have to do is ask for it,” he says, while staring at his phone.

“Right, because that’s the ultimate aphrodisiac. To ask.”

Matt doesn’t even try to hide his amusement, laughing for everyone to hear. That should annoy me, but seeing him so carefree is softening up my heart in ways I’m scared to even address right now.

“There’s a bed in the back,” he says.