I Think This is Love

32: A Deal

GABBY

Time seems to slow down as we stay like that, though it's probably just a few seconds. I'm not sure what to do next. I've never kissed anyone before—what am I supposed to do now? Just keep my lips glued here?

I can't resist taking a peek, so I crack one eye open. Kevin looks really tense, like he's afraid to move. But then I feel him shift, and I slam my eye shut again. His lips press more firmly against mine, and there's a faint pressure of his teeth on my bottom lip. It's not painful, but I'm not sure this is how kissing should be.

I make a split-second decision and recoil, my cheeks burning.

He stiffens, flushed. "W-Was that bad?"

"Shouldn't I be asking you that? Was I bad?"

He rubs the back of his neck. "I don't think so?"

I jerk my head back, narrowing my eyes in surprise. No way... I mean, I don't keep tabs on the Salvador cousins outside of school, but I assumed...

"Kevin, was that your first kiss, too?"

Kevin's face is fully red now as he breaks eye contact, nodding shyly. "Yeah..."

How adorable! My lips curve into a big grin, and I can't hold back my laughter.

"Hey! Why are you laughing? Wasn't it your first, too?"

I stifle my laughter and nod. "Sorry, I'm the same. I just think you're really cute. And to be honest, I always thought you'd kissed other girls before... you're always surrounded by them after all."

"I haven't dated," he clarifies, crossing his arms defensively. "They're just people I know. Acquaintances."

"Yeah, I see that now."

The crease in his forehead deepens. "Wait, what does that mean?! Was it that... awful?"

I cup his cheeks with my palms. "I don't know what's considered good or bad, okay? It's not like I've kissed anyone else!"

Kevin's shoulders relax, and he mimics my move, his palms warm against my skin as he chuckles. "Then we'll have some work to do. Guess we'll just have to practice and get better together, right?"

I redden, gaze dropping to the bed sheet. "You're going fast. We literally just decided to date a minute ago."

"We're dating?"

It's my turn to frown. "Aren't we?"

"We are."

"Good... So, how are we telling people?" I ask, releasing him. He stays close, draping his arm comfortably on my shoulder.

"I'll leave that up to you."

"I'll tell my friends first. Then Kuya. He already likes you because of the whole 'sports guy' thing, but I think he'd like you less now."

Kevin scoffs, smirking. "I'll just let him win all the time."

"He'll hate that."

"Then I'll beat him."

"In your dreams."

"Hey, whose team are you on?"

I giggle. "Not fair. He's my brother. My blood!"

"And I'm the love of your life, yeah?" he quips. I pull back, jabbing my finger into his sides. He flinches, almost bouncing off the bed.

"As I said, you're going too fast, buddy!"

Kevin seizes my hand, laughing heartily. "I'm kidding! Come on. Don't kill me with that tickling again. You know I'm very ticklish."

He gently pulls me closer, letting me rest my head against his shoulder. "Just tell whoever you want."