Young Annabelle Series: Young Annabelle, the Truth About James, What My Heart Wants by Sarah Tork Page A

rushed to the very spot he was holding, heat filled my eyes as I stared at him.
    “What are you doing?” My bewilderment was audible in the hush.
    I wasn’t sure I had the capacity to speak anymore. That function had fled along with the bitch. Her replacement was a delicate flower that yearned to be touched and taken care of. I felt his hand shift on my neck, ever so slightly, causing my head to tilt up to him. Slowly, inch by inch, his face descended on mine, stopping just a breath away from my trembling lips.
    I wanted it.
    Badly.
    My lips parted a fraction, letting a thread of air escape.
    “Can I?” His breath was warm on my lips.
    Screw it! 
    “Yeah,” I whispered back. He closed the distance until his lush lips covered mine.
    My first kiss…
    His lips moved softly over mine. I felt his grip on my neck squeeze as his lips pressed deeper into mine, more urgently. I tightened my hold around him and was pulled even further into his embrace. I devoured his lips hungrily, which were just as hungry for mine.
    I felt his wet tongue push its way between my lips. As he entered my mouth, I moved my tongue to join his.
    I felt myself running out of breath, but I didn’t want to pull back and stop the passion…. I’d sooner faint than pull back.
    Possibly the best moment of my life!
    My phone beeped.
    Damn it! Mom! I stopped moving my lips but his still remained on top of mine. I took a long breath and slowly leaned back. The cool wind swirled around us, eliminating the sweaty warmth we generated.
    “Sorry,” I murmured breathlessly, “it’s my mom.”
    “Damn, Fireball,” He replied slowly, breathlessly. He leaned his forehead against mine and caught his breath.
    “Yeah, I know.” I couldn’t keep the smile from my voice or my face.
     
    *~*~*
     
    “Where have you been?” Mom demanded as I opened the front door.
    “I was with Jenna. We were hanging around the pool after the mock meet,” I told her as I peeled off my shoes, avoiding eye contact. I wasn’t lying, technically , because I did hang out with Jenna after the meet for a short time.
    Here’s hoping she doesn’t call Jenna’s parents to confirm this!
    “Okay. You didn’t eat anything right?”
    “No, I didn’t.” I answered her.
    She followed me into the dining room where everyone was already eating.
    Hell yeah! No fish tonight! I looked at their plates: chicken breasts with potatoes and mixed vegetables. 
    That doesn’t look too bad , I thought as I took my place at the table.
     
    *~*~*
     
    After a surprisingly delicious dinner, I lay on my bed in my pajamas. It was time to reflect.
    But I didn’t know where to start.
    So much happened in such a short period of time. I’d gone from cold to hot in seconds, and all because of a kiss.
    A sweet, long, beautiful kiss!
    I smiled contently and crossed my arms behind my head. I stared at the ceiling, envisioning James and I locked in that heated embrace again.
    I c ould not believe that happened!
    I took a deep breath before the fool’s smile returned, stretching painfully across my face.
    Still couldn’t believe that happened.
    My first kiss, while wrapped in his strong arms.
    How did it happen?!
    After I’d answered Mom’s annoying text, James and I separated and he offered to rush me home before I got into any more trouble.
    He was so sweet…after.
    I had him drop me in front of a house three doors from mine. I didn’t want Mom to see me being dropped off by some stranger and grill me about my whereabouts.
    That would have been bad…
    “I’ll talk to you later?” The hesitation in his voice caught me as I opened the passenger side door. I took a moment before answering, unsure of what to say.
    What do girls normally say back?
    I can’t respond with a ‘Hell yeah!’ he’ll think I’m weird .
    I slipped out of the car. Turning to him from the pavement I decided the cool, calm approach should work.
    “You’ll text me?” I offered.
    A huge grin spread across his face before