Page 107 of Torin

“Rose petals?”

“I’m trying to make up for the world’s worst meet cute.”

“You don’t need to.” I slide my arms around his neck. “I don’t want rose petals, Torin. I want this.”

I glance around at the towering pines, sunlight breaking through the branches.

“I want you here. I want my first time with you to be something I’ll remember every time I walk through these woods.”

He’s quiet.

“And I’m not asking because I don’t care where it happens.” I draw him closer. “I’m asking because I do.”

“Fuck, Hannah.”

He kisses me again, and this time there’s no holding back.

A second later, my T-shirt is on the ground. I grab the hem of his and pull it over his head.

For a moment I forget what I was doing.

I’ve seen plenty of Torin over the last few days, but not like this. Not knowing he’s mine to touch.

I run my hands over his chest and pull him back to me.

He backs me against a tree, and I kiss him harder, wanting him closer⁠—

He freezes.

“What is it?”

“Listen.”

I hold still.

At first, I hear only the wind moving through the pines. Then, somewhere down the trail⁠—

“Someone’s coming.” Torin swears and grabs my T-shirt from the ground. “Here.”

I yank it back over my head as he turns toward the trail.

“This better be good!” he bellows, his voice echoing through the trees.

“It is!” comes a distant shout.

I groan.

Orson.

“What is it?” Torin calls.

“Hannah’s dad’s on TV again!”

He sighs. “And you interrupted us to tell me that?”

“No! That’s not all!”

A pause. “They arrested some guy. Her teacher or something.”