Ready to Fall by Daisy Prescott Page B

neck.
    “Did you sniff me?” My voice broke into laughter.
    “I did. Hold still while I decide what you smell like.” Placing a palm on my jacket, she leaned closer. Her own fragrance filled my nose. The scent of something citrus and floral mixed with warm wool when I leaned down to inhale more of her.
    Her hand clenched at my jacket and our faces were inches apart. The sounds of the shop faded away and electricity crackled between us. A small turn of my head would bring my lips to hers. I froze in place, waiting for her to move. Another moment passed and she released her grip, never turning her head the minuscule, yet monumental inch.
    Her breath trembled when she exhaled and stepped away from me.
    “Yep, wet pine needles and earth. You do smell like a tree.” She chuckled nervously and a new pink colored her cheeks as she avoided my eyes. Grabbing her bag with my gift, she turned to leave the store. I trailed behind, my head cloudy with thoughts of what happened.
    Outside, we strolled in silence along the sidewalk toward the dock. I could smell pizza on the breeze and suggested we grab lunch before heading back home.
    We entered the little pizzeria, more of a hole-in-the-wall, and ordered their signature sourdough crust.
    The awkward silence continued after we sat at a small table in the back.
    “Pizza is kind of our thing,” I said, breaking the silence.
    She smiled and her shoulders relaxed. “It is our thing. We have a thing.”
    “We do. It’s nice.”
    “John …”
    I waited for her to continue while she fiddled with her silverware and napkin.
    “I have to ask you something.”
    “Shoot.”
    “Okay, you have to promise to be honest.”
    “Sure. Although, now you’re making me nervous.”
    “Sorry, but back in the store… were you thinking about kissing me?” She peered up at me, but her eyes settled below my eyes, barely meeting my gaze.
    I debated whether or not to tell her the truth. Honesty won out once I decided we were friends and friends don’t lie.
    “It crossed my mind. I’m not going to lie. From the electricity between us, I’m guessing it crossed your mind too.” I tilted my head down to meet her eyes. “Yes?”
    She nodded and aligned her knife with her fork.
    “What would you have done if I kissed you?” she asked, not meeting my eyes this time.
    “Kissed you back.” There’s no doubt in my voice.
    Her eyes snapped to mine. I know she saw complete honesty in them. Hell yeah I would kiss her back.
    Her full lips turned up in a smile and her eyes narrowed as she sought deception or mischief in my eyes.
    “I’m not lying. I know we have the whole friend pact and we’re both members of the ‘Please Lord, no more shitty relationships club’, but I’m still a man. A beautiful woman is a beautiful woman and I’m going to want to kiss her, especially if she’s an inch away from my face.”
    “You think I’m beautiful?”
    “You are. There’s no thinking about it. It’s a fact.”
    “You’re just being nice.”
    “I’m not and I’ll prove it.” I flagged over our dreadlocked and Patchouli bathed waiter. “Hey, what’s your name?”
    “Gabriel.”
    “Nice to meet you, Gabriel. I’m John and this is Diane.”
    Gabriel gaped at me like I was crazy, but said hi.
    “Do you think Diane is beautiful?” I asked, ignoring Diane’s embarrassed groans.
    Gabriel scrutinized, his eyes lingering on her face before sliding down her curvy frame highlighted by her sweater.
    “Yeah, sure,” he said, not sounding exactly enthused.
    “See? A neutral and unbiased opinion. Thanks, Gabriel.”
    “Sure, man,” he said before wandering back toward the kitchen.
    I smiled at Diane, who looked as if she wished the floor would open up and swallow her.
    “Do you really think he was going to say no to my face? That completely doesn’t count!”
    “Fine. We can do a wider survey and ask everyone on the ferry too.”
    “Please don’t. I get it.” Her crossed arms and defensive