Page 57 of Molt

“I kissed you back.”

“And now you’re...”

“I’m fine.”

“Stop saying that.” Her voice breaks. “I’m hurting you.”

“No.”

“You’re bleeding.”

I touch my nose.

Red.

Fuck.

She steps backward. This time, she’s the one putting distance between us.

Good.

This is what I wanted but why does it feel so unbearable?

“We can’t do that again.”

I nod.

Her eyes drop to my mouth.

Mine betray me and do the same.

“Ever?”

I should say yes. Instead…“Until we understand what’s different.”

Hope flickers across her face.

Fuck me. I am weak.

“Okay.”

“Okay.”

Neither of us moves.

Then she smiles. Small and sad. “That was a really good kiss.”

A laugh escapes me.

“Go to hell.”

“You first.”

“Been trying.”

She laughs.

God, I’ve missed that sound.