SIXTEEN

What was supposed to be our final embrace of the night turns into a half-hour of deep kissing and heavy petting. I'm back in high school, making out on my mother's couch. Only this time, she isn't there to catch us.

"I'd swear you're trying to trick me into staying over if I didn't know any better," I say.

Jordan slides his tongue down the side of my neck. "Damn right," he says, his deep voice sounding seductive. "Does it work? ”

I'd like to respond, but I'm out of breath. We're both exhaling heavily, as if we've just finished a marathon. That's what passion does to you. My breath catches in my throat every time Jordan kisses me or runs his tongue over a new spot, and I find myself gasping for air.

The lights are turned down low, and soft music is playing in the background. It's like something out of a movie, and I'm starting to second-guess my decision to stay at home tonight. My hormones are interfering with my ability to function, scattering my thoughts