I Want to Kiss You

JAMES

“Oh my,” she says, laughing. But she doesn’t push me away. She holds my head against her. Strokes my hair. I think I hear the dog growling.

“Well, we’re across.” The boat bumps against the shore. I look up to discover she’s right. We’re on the other side of the river. Horonius glares at me, his teeth bared.

“Uh, I…we…might need a ride back. Can you, um, do that?” Stellar, James. Totally cool. I hate myself for being anything less than perfect because perfect is exactly what this girl deserves. Perfect is what I want to give her.

She bats at my chest playfully, a deliciously sly smile on her lips. I feel myself leaning forward, my whole being intent on kissing her. I feel like I’ll die if I don’t kiss her.

“I know, baby. I want to kiss you, too. But you promised to do something for me, remember?”

I nod my head so hard I think it might fly right off.

“When you get back. After I return you to the other shore. You’ll help me then. Right?”