The Final Piece by Maggi Myers

promise of his mouth against mine but he hesitates. I open my eyes and when they meet Ryan’s, he kisses me. There is nothing remotely familiar about this kiss. I can’t believe I was ever worried about Drew spoiling this moment. He is a million miles away as Ryan’s lips touch mine in a gentle caress, sending chills down my spine. My hands find their way into Ryan’s hair and I lean into his chest, needing to be closer. Ryan pulls his mouth from mine, and he looks at me with a delicious mix of affection and want. No, there is nothing familiar about this at all—I don’t want it to ever end.
    When his lips meet mine again, they’re more determined. His tongue sweeps the seam of my lips, luring me further into his spell. My lips part and a soft murmur escapes when Ryan’s tongue brushes against mine. I am lost to the sensations that pulse through the places we touch. My skin hums where his hand touches my back, his fingers trail sparks against my cheek and his lips brand me.
    “Wow,” Ryan breathes as he breaks our kiss.
    “Why did you stop?” I whisper as I press my lips to his neck. Being kissed senseless has made me rather daring.
    “Hmm?” he mumbles as he trails kisses from my collarbone to my chin. My knees buckle, and Ryan grips me around the waist. God, everywhere he touches sends me falling further. He kisses the tip of my nose and makes sure I’m steady before he takes a step back. His hand laces with mine as he gestures for us to keep walking. I follow him blindly. I’d follow him anywhere.
    “I don’t want to screw things up with you, Beth,” Ryan confesses. “You intimidate the hell out of me.” I stare at him stunned for a moment before I start laughing.
    “What? Why on earth would I intimidate you?” It sounds so absurd to me. I am the one who is out of her league—Ryan definitely has the upper hand.
    “Don’t laugh!” Ryan blushes. “You don’t see it and that only makes it harder to resist. You’re the coolest girl I know, you’re so easy to hang with and you’re so pretty.” I smile at my favorite word. “You’re strong, you’re funny,” he pauses, “you’re everything.”
    “Oh.” That’s the only response I have. How lame. Ryan chuckles at my eloquence, and I can’t help myself from joining him. I don’t know what to say, so I let him steer the conversation wherever he wants.
    “So, I was thinking for the concert that we could just make a day of it?” His suggestion ends on a question. My heart bounces in my chest at his uncertainty. Like I would ever pass up a chance to spend the day with him.
    “It’s a date.” I try to sound casual, but the smile spreading across my face gives away my excitement. A first kiss and plans for a first date. I can’t stop smiling.
    Best. Birthday. Ever.

 
    Chapter 19
     
    BETH
     
    Life is full of lessons we either learn from or get bitter over. Currently, I’m a Bitter Bob. Life sucks. Hard. I don’t care how melodramatic that sounds, it’s the truth and I’m living it. Of all the things I allowed myself to believe in, happily ever whatever is the biggest farce of them all. I was stupid to think that I was destined to spend my summer with Ryan. Nothing good lasts. I should know that by now. Tears pool behind my eyes, and I fight not to cry as I watch our plane pull away from the gate. My mom’s hand covers mine in a gesture meant to comfort, but I yank it away. I hate her.
    “Beth, you’re going to have to talk to us at some point,” she pleads, “I know you don’t understand right now, but this is for the best.”
    I turn from the window to give her the full brunt of my hatred. “When have you ever known what is best?” I spit out. ”When did you ever do what was best? You know nothing about what is best for me . You only care about what is best for you .” The tears I’ve been fighting spill angrily. I’m not in the mood to get into this with her again.
    She hasn’t listened once since she and my dad blew