STAIN (My Soul To Wake Book 1) by Tara Oakes

testing the waters. A first kiss is something magical. Something I’ve read about, fantasized about. Before last night’s dream, I’d never felt the things I’ve heard people claim from a terrific first kiss, as the only ones I’ve had were mediocre at best.
    The dream I had last night, though… it gave me new hope. It somehow reassured me that there are things in this world that can bring true joy. I could actually feel every part of that imagined kiss and it did things to my body that I’m ashamed to admit.
    But this kiss… the bonafide, real flesh and bone kiss, blows it away.
    He’s strong and sweet at the same time. It’s as if we’re dancing, with him taking the lead, guiding me around and around in circles as I deftly keep pace. As long as I concentrate on him and the subtle hints he uses to steer me, I keep up with the dance. The swirling and twirling around me is kept at bay as long as I fix myself to his lips.
    For whatever lack of practice I must have, I hope I hide it well compared to the skill he tempts me with. It’s as if our mouths are melting into one another’s, joining. His tongue is more than adept at finding the tiny places that weaken me. There’s a mixture of sweetness and lemon and coffee inundating my senses as I struggle to take this all in.
    His touch, his kiss, his scent, his taste… they all compete for my attention.
    I arch my neck to deepen what we have and I hear him gasp from within the kiss. His arms tighten around me, one snaking up to support the base of my hairline as he answers my movement with one of his own.
    I have no choice but to latch my arms around his neck, clinging for dear life as we twist around the curves of each other, instinct taking hold and joining every available inch of me to his. Our tongues pet each others suggestively, reuniting almost, as if they’ve been acquainted before. Like when strangers who have something in common figure out their similarity and draw on it, our bodies have linked to something that the other seems to foresee.
    A passerby whistles at our display, breaking our moment and I shyly withdraw, rattled by my uncharacteristic behavior.
    His mouth is still close, his breath still warm. “I’ve waited so long to do that.”
    I lighten the moment. “All twenty four hours?”
    “Since the second I saw you.”
     
    ~*~
     
    Nina lets me into their room where the news is playing softly in the background on the TV. I lean myself up against the flat door and sigh, clicking it closed. Both girls eye me, and I slide down till I’m sitting firmly, with my butt planted on the carpet.
    Nina and Court eye each other. They’ve never seen me like this before.
    “Dish!” they demand in unison.
    I sigh, knowing full well I look like a dweeb right now. “I think I finally found someone who’s worth it.”
    They can barely contain their excitement. I’m usually just a spectator at their guy talk, not having much to contribute myself other than the failed first dates they insist on hearing about.
    Now that the shoe is on the other foot, they’re like sharks circling around waiting for the bait.
     
    ~*~
     
    “Please tell me he has a clone somewhere?” Courtney begs sarcastically as the tour guide takes our tickets from Nina.
    It’s a quarter to midnight, having been one of the first to arrive at the scheduled meeting place although every moment brings others into the fold. I’ve changed into a Coffee Bean hoodie and black leggings with my gym sneakers. My hair is thrown high into a ponytail and all traces of makeup scrubbed off.
    If they’re going to make me walk the streets at this hour of night, then I’m damn well going to be comfortable doing it.
    “Sorry. Only one of him,” I gloat.
    There’s a nearby carnival-styled concession stand boasting painted pictures of apple fritters, popcorn, and apple cider. I step over to join the end of the line before it grows longer. I lick my lips hungrily at the images and inhale deeply, letting