Josh pushed his algebra II book away from him. “I’m sick of algebra, Ellie. I don’t know how you understand it.” He ran his large hands through his curls and clasped them behind his head.
I shrugged. “I don’t know. I just do. Eventually, you will, too.” It was our third tutoring session. The first one had gone pretty well. He’d understood the concepts for the most part and all it had taken was a few minor clarifications for everything to click.
“I’d better. I can’t afford to not to play basketball, and to go to the payoffs, and state if we make it. Recruiters will be scouting.”
I nodded. I knew how important getting a basketball scholarship was to him. There were six kids in his family, and his parents needed all the help they could get sending anyone who wanted to go to college.
I moved around the corner of the dining room table and pulled the book back. I rested on one elbow, leaning against his shoulder and tried to keep my heart from beating out of my chest. With my other hand I pointed to the page. “Now look, first thing to understand is...”
He turned to look at me, our faces separated by mere inches. My breath stuck in my throat as his gaze held mine, his eyes the color of melted Chocolate Kisses. We just looked at each other. And neither of us moved. I didn’t dare breathe for breaking the spell.
And then he did it. His gaze flicked to my mouth and back again. His tongue slid across his lip, and I knew. Josh was going to kiss me. Oh my gosh, oh my gosh. My first kiss... and from Josh, no less.
He moved forward, his eyes sweeping shut, his long eyelashes fanning across his cheeks.
I closed my eyes, too, waiting for the touch of his lips on mine.