First Kiss

Traces POV
Hell no! She waved her arms as she stumbled back a few
steps when her eyes landed on the sign about karaoke. I stepped
around her so that I was behind her and she walked right into my
chest. She started to fall, but I grabbed her arms to steady her. My
hands practically wrapped all the way around her slender arms. She
was so small and I felt like I had to protect her.
Dont even think about running away, Olivia, I bent my head
and brushed my lips against her ear as I spoke. God, I loved touching
her way more than I should. A guy like me didnt deserve a girl as
sweet and innocent as Olivia. But that knowledge didnt stop me from
wanting her. I will chase your ass down and drag you back in here, I
warned when I felt her start to pull away from my touch.
But-but She stuttered, looking up at me with wide brown
eyes.
Youre getting up there, and youre singing, my tone of voice
brooked no argument.
She took a deep breath and her eyes closed. Her lashes were so
long that I wasnt sure they were real.

I watched her carefully, waiting for any sign that she was about
to run. After a moment, she pulled her shirt down, wringing it in her
hands, and said, Ive got this.
Without a backward glance at me, she turned and strode around
the bar.
She could be a little spitfire when she wanted, and that side of
her turned me on as much as her sweet side. She was fucking
amazing.
She found an empty table and slid her cute ass onto the shiny
rubber leather. I sat down across from her and I couldnt stop my grin.
She glanced over her shoulder at the karaoke setup and I
couldnt miss her hard swallow. I hated that she was so scared, but
this was on her list, and I was obligated to make her do iteven if I
had to drag her up there kicking and screaming.
Itll be fine, I assured her.
Her head whipped back to face me and if I was a weaker man
her glare wouldve cut me to the bone.
Youre not the one thats going to have to sing in front of a
bunch of strangers! She cried as her hackles rose, reminding me of a
hissing kitten. I found her outburst highly entertainingly. Clearly I had
a warped sense of humor.
Thats true, I fought a laugh as I leaned back in the booth.

The waitress chose that moment to appear and I hoped the

momentary distraction would help calm Olivia. I could tell that she
was seconds away from jumping over the table and trying to strangle
me. Shed thank me later thoughunless she sucked and couldnt sing
which was probably truethen shed be cursing my name.
Can I get you anything to eat or drink? Do you need some more
time to look at the menu? The waitress asked, her pen at the ready.
I sat back and waited for Olivia to order. Ladies always came
first.
Sweet tea, Im not very hungry, she frowned as she handed
the menu over. I really hoped she didnt get sick.
A chocolate milkshake, I smiled, thats all.
Ill be back with that, and if either of you change your mind,
and want something to eat, let me know, she turned and headed
behind us.
I watched as Olivia nervously fiddled with a piece of hair. Her
skin was tinged green and I knew she was about to jump ship.
Ready? I challenged, hoping my tone would make her want to
get up there and prove herself.
No! She exclaimed, her eyes so wide I thought they might pop
out of her skull. Give me a few minutes to talk myself into this! She
reached up and wiped her damp brow with the back of her hand. I

wondered how she managed to make even sweating seem so damn

sexy. The girl didnt even have to try.
I leaned forward, narrowing my eyes. Are you talking yourself
into it, or out of it?
In! Im talking myself into it!
Oh fuck, it was so hard for me not to comment on the fact that
Id like to bury myself deep inside her. But I knew shed run if I said
something like that, even if I said it in a joking mannerbut I
wouldnt mean it as a joke. I wanted her bad. I had never in all my
twenty-two years wanted a girl as bad as I did Olivia.
Sure you are, I finally said, hoping she didnt notice my
momentary pause.
It surprised me when she slapped her hand down on the table
and stood up. There was the spitfire side Id been waiting to come out
and play.
Challenge accepted? I asked, unable to hide my grin.
You betcha, she pointed a finger at me and narrowed her
pretty brown eyes at me. She turned promptly and swayed up to the
karaoke setup. I was a fucking animal and watched the way her ass
moved in her jeans.
The waitress brought our order and I started sipping on my
chocolate shake.

My eyes never left her as she spoke to the man running the
machine. He questioned her about something and she replied back,
her shoulders were squared and she looked like she was ready to take
on the world.
The song started up and her eyes closed as people turned to
watch her.
Open your eyes, Olivia. I said silently. Open those pretty eyes
and look at me. No one else matters.
Her eyes opened and connected with mine. I felt like Id just
been kicked in the gut. I never knew that one look would have the
capability of wanting to bring me to my knees. Olivia had a hold over
me like no one else.
I smiled encouragingly, knowing she needed me to support her
tonight.
She started singing and holy shit, I hadnt expected that voice to
come out of her tiny body. She was amazing. I was beginning to think
there was nothing she couldnt do.
Her eyes never left mine as she sang and the words of the song
she sang started to get to me. Fuck. When had I turned into such a
pussy?
I need you like water, like breath, like rain. I need you like
mercy from Heavens gate. Theres a freedom in your arms that
carries me through. I need you.

I knew she probably hadnt chosen the song for any other
reason except that she liked it, but the words I need you got to me
nonetheless. I was a selfish bastard and I wanted her to need me. I
wanted to keep her close to me and never let go. I wanted to hold her
at night and comfort her with sweet words. I didnt deserve her, but I
wasnt sure I was strong enough to stay away.
And thats why, when her song ended, I pushed away from the
table and strode up to her.
Sing with me, I pleaded, oblivious to the watching crowd.
Her eyes widened momentarily, like she wanted to argue, but
she must have seen something in my face because she nodded.
I told the guy the song I wanted, knowing that by choosing it I
was going to be confessing stuff to Olivia that I could never say aloud.
Her eyes widened when the lyrics flickered onto the screen. She
looked up at me briefly and the shock on her face was unmistakable.
She started singing and I couldnt take my eyes off her. How
could she be so unaware of what she did to me?
Ive never opened up to anyone. So hard to hold back when
Im holding you in my arms, I sang, tilting my head to look at her.
The chorus came onto the screen and we began to sing together.
We dont need to rush this, lets just take it slow. Just a kiss on
your lips in the moonlight. Just a touch of the fire burning too bright.
No, I dont want to mess this thing up. I dont want to push too far.

Just a shot in the dark that you just might be the one Ive been
waiting for my whole life. So baby Im alright, with just a kiss
goodnight.
I knew these lyrics revealed way more than I was willing to say.
God, I wanted to kiss her so fucking bad, but I didnt want to ruin our
relationship. It might kill me, but Id rather be her friend than mess
up what we had. I couldnt help believing though, that we were
inevitable.
I found myself getting as close to her as possible as we sang. My
free hand fisted at my side as I resisted the urge to touch her soft pink
cheeks. I wasnt sure how much longer I could be a good boy and
resist her. I was only so strong.
The song ended and we both stood there, staring into each
others eyes. It was the most powerful moment in my life and my gut
told me that things were never going to be the same for me after
tonight.
My hand refused to stay at my side a second longer and I
reached up to cup her cheek. Her mouth parted as a shaky breath
escaped her. For some reason, I thought it was the sexiest thing Id
ever seen.
I knew you could do it, Olivia, my thumb flicked over her full
bottom lip. I wanted to kiss her so bad, but I held myself back. Kissing

her would be selfish. I didnt see how I could promise her anything
and Olivia was the kind of girl that deserved the world.
You did? Her breath was labored and I wasnt sure if she was
just winded from singing, or if I affected her that muchgod, I really
hoped it was me.
Okay, maybe not, I laughed, pressing my forehead against
hers. My eyes closed and I reveled in her warmth.
Her laughter joined mine and it made my stomach do funny
things. Id never felt sogiddy before. That was the power Olivia had
over me. She made me feel things I never thought were possible. You
mean you thought I might suck?
Well, yeah, I shrugged, fighting a grin. I dont expect you to
be perfect at everything, I chuckled, refusing to move my hand from
her cheek. I needed to touch her a little longer. I mean, you were
definitely horrible at painting.
She poked my side with more strength than I knew she had.
Ow! I rubbed my side, pretending to be injured. You were amazing,
honestly, I added. My words were true and she deserved to hear
them.
So were you, a small smile turned her lips, I didnt know you
could sing.

I started to explain that I was good at everything when someone

rudely cleared their throat to get our attention. I wanted to kick them
for disturbing the moment.
Uhif you two are done, there are other people that would like
to sing, a man said.
Sorry, sir, I took Olivias hand and led her off the small stage
and back to the table.
I hated to release her hand so we could sit down at the table,
but I had no choice. I wrapped my hand around the cold milkshake
glass to resist the urge to touch her.
I didnt know you could sing, she repeated.
Oh, I dont, I dismissed her comment with a flick of my hand.
Singing was something was good at and liked to do.
I beg to differ, she glared, your voice is amazing.
I rolled my eyes, taking a sip of my shake. Its average, theres
a big difference, I shrugged.
She snorted, flicking her hair over her shoulder. If you think
your

voice

is

average,

Id

like

to

know

what

you

think

is

extraordinary.
I snapped my fingers together, lighting up. Steven Tyler has an
extraordinary voice. Aerosmith is one of the greatest bands ever.
She laughed, shaking her head. Says the man who was dancing
to a song about blowing the roof off the place.

Hey, variety is the spice of life, I reasoned. I cant help it that

I enjoy different styles of music. Old rock and techno happen to be my
favorites, I sucked down more of my milkshake.
Youre nuts.
Sanity is overrated, I quipped, winking at her. So, I leaned
forward, think I can convince you to sing another song?
No, her head flicked back and forth. Im done for now. She
looked a bit green and I felt like a dick for picking on her.
As long as I get to hear your voice again. Its beautiful, I said,
meaning it. Her voice was soft and sweetexactly what I imagined
shed sound like.
Uhmm, she muttered in agreement, drinking her sweet tea.
Her eyes were far away and I wondered what she was thinking about.
I finished my milkshake and slapped some money down on the
table.
Ready to get out of here? I asked, already sliding out of the
booth.
Yeah, she smiled in relief now that she knew I wasnt going to
make her get up there again.
As we walked out of the restaurant, I had to resist the urge to
put my hand on her waist and mark her as mine. It was pissing me off
the way guys were staring at her and complimenting her. She. Was.
Mine.

An old guy approached us and his words stopped me. Shes a

keeper lad. A forever girl, that one, he pointed a shaky finger at
Olivia to further drive home his point. Dont let her get away like I
did, he slapped me on the shoulder and shuffled away.
A forever girl.
He was right. Thats exactly what she was.
Olivia started laughing when we exited the busy restaurant. A
forever girl? She giggled, biting on her luscious bottom lip. Her
cheeks were flushed and her curly hair breezed around her with the
wind. I want to grab her, fist her hair between my fingers, and kiss her
senseless.
But I didnt.
I shoved my hands into the pockets of my jeans and she
stiffened, her smile falling when she noted my serious expression.
But you are a forever girl, I ceased my steps, standing in the middle
of the parking lot.
What does that even mean? She stopped too, looking up at
me. She was such a little thing. I had the insane urge to reach out and
wrap my arms around her.
I tilted my head, contemplating my words carefully before I
spoke. Youre not the kind of girl that guys fool around with, Olivia.
Youre the kind of girl, that when a guy finds her, hell do everything
he can to keep her.

Her mouth dropped open and I heard her small gasp.

I strode around her and to my car. I didnt want to look at her
right now. I had just admitted way too much and I was pissed at
myself. I wasnt strong enough to stay away.
I grasped the steering wheel tightly in my hands, refusing to
look at her when she got in the car. I felt her confusion, but I couldnt
explain what I was thinking to her. She wouldnt understand. I was
used to getting what I wantedand I wanted OliviaI knew all I had
to do was express interest and shed be mine. But that seemed wrong.
She was soinnocentdespite what her list might stateand I
wasnt.
I didnt deserve her.
But I wanted her.
Bad.
I had to kiss her. I had to taste those lips one time, even if it
killed me.
I didnt bother going back to my place, even though her car was
parked there. I knew if I did, I wouldnt be able to resist taking her
back up to my room and licking her entire body.
My car She started when she realized we were parked in
front of her dorm.
Dont worry, Ill make sure its here in the morning.

She eyed me for a moment, wondering what was going on with

me. But she didnt say anything.
With a shake of her head, she put her hand on the door to get
out.
Panic seized me and I grabbed her arm. Wait.
She stopped, turning her head to look at me. I didnt say
anything, all words seemed to have left me along with my breath.
Take a walk with me. It wasnt a question. I needed her to do
this. I was about to break all my promises to myself and kiss herI
had to. And Id make sure it was a kiss she never forgot.
Its cold, she complained.
I had a solution for that. I unbuckled my seatbelt and grabbed a
sweatshirt from the back of my car. Wear this, I handed it to her,
hoping it didnt smell.
She slipped my sweatshirt on and it nearly swallowed her whole.
I slipped out of the car and she stepped into place beside me. I
wasnt very familiar with the campus layout, but I knew the pavilion
was close.
I stopped walking when we came to it and leaned against the
metal fence separating the land from the water. It was a pretty
campus and I was surprised that this shitty town could make
something so nice.

Olivia stepped up beside me, staring at the water too. She

shivered as a gust of wind blew by and I inhaled the scent of her
shampoo. God, how did she smell so good without even trying? She
didnt have to drench herself in perfume to smell nice. She didnt even
wear a lot of makeup and she was still the most beautiful woman Id
ever seen.
I entwined my hands together and clenched my teeth, fighting a
war with myself. I brought her here because I wanted to kiss her. But
Id also thought the walk would give me time to cool down and talk
myself out of it. I didnt want to ruin what we had.
I glanced at her and she was studying my face. There was
sadness in her eyes and her brow was furrowed in worry. I wondered
why she looked like that.
I straightened and said, I enjoyed singing with you tonight. My
words were merely a stall tactic. I needed to turn and leave. But I
couldnt get my feet to move.
I enjoyed singing with you too, her words were shaky and her
gaze flicked to the ground.
I stepped forward, so my boots bumped into her sneakers.
Olivia, I said her name softly, like I was speaking to a frightened
animal.
Slowly, her head rose and her eyes met mine.

Theres something Ive wanted to do ever since I met you, I

admitted, lowering my head.
When my lips were just a breath away from hers, she gasped,
What?
A small chuckled escaped me and then I was kissing her. I had
waited what felt like forever for this moment. Her lips were as soft as
Id imagined and I could spend the rest of my life kissing her. I
pressed closer and her arms wrapped around my neck. My fingers
found the silky strands of her hair and I groaned. Nothing had ever
felt like this before and I wanted moreso much more.
My other hand settled at her waist, pressing her into me. My
tongue flicked against her bottom lip and her mouth opened,
welcoming me. Her body curled against mine and nipped at her
bottom lip with my teeth. She let out a small cry and it was like a slap
in the face.
What the fuck was I doing?
This was wrong. So very wrong. I couldnt take advantage of
Olivia like this.
My hands clenched at my side. I was angry at myself, but I still
wanted her. There was a battle raging inside me and I wasnt sure
which side would ultimately win.

Im sorry, I shouldnt have done that, I gasped, shaking my

head. Tears filled her eyes at my words. Im sorry, I repeated as I
turned and all but ran away from her.
I knew Id really just messed things up, but I couldnt make
myself turn around and face hernot yet at least.