Chapter 7: Faith

Sparks feel like they’re flying from the tips of my toes as Mark kisses me, but just as soon as I’ve fallen into his seduction, I pull away, wanting to slap myself. I raise my fingers to my lips, feeling where his lips were against mine. Mark is staring at me, and I can practically see the wheels turning in his head. For a moment, I think he might try to kiss me again, but after a second he shakes his head and shuts the door before walking around the car to get into the driver’s seat. For a few seconds, neither of us says anything. We don’t know what to say. The car becomes a stifling cocoon, filled with an uncomfortable silence. My heart pounds in my chest, and I struggle to catch my breath. The intensity of Mark's kiss still lingers on my lips, sending a jolt of confusion and desire through my veins. But as the haze of the moment begins to clear, a wave of guilt washes over me.

I turn my gaze towards the window, trying to compose myself. Thoughts race through my mind, my emotions co