I’m playing with danger, and trepidation is beginning to rise within me, fear at my reaction to him. He smells familiar, his mouth too alluring. I peck him on the lips again, only slightly firmer this time, urged on by something inside me. But this time, he responds, his mouth parting slightly, and he kisses me back, pushing his mouth to mine.

I freeze. My heart rate escalates into a frenzy, and I hold still, very, very still. He doesn’t open his eyes or move. He inhales heavily, ...