His lips were warm against mine. He tasted faintly like peppermint and something sweeter I couldn’t place. His hand found the curve of my waist, holding me gently, like I might pull away any second. I didn’t. Not right away.

The kiss was good. Soft. Controlled. The kind that didn’t rush. It felt like it should’ve meant something.

But it didn’t feel like Ryder.

Nate kissed me like he was trying not to break anything. Ryder kissed like he didn’t care if we both shattered.

I eased back ...