pulled my long hair around my shoulder so it would be safe
from the flame. I looked at Kris and his green eyes were glowing in the
firelight. Making a wish would be easy…the only thing I’ve ever wished for in
my life was him.
I
took a deep breath and blew out the candle on the cake. I was about to open my
eyes and take a bite of my mouthwatering cupcake when I got the surprise of my
life.
I
knew his face was close to mine before I realized what was happening because I
could smell his cologne. I thought maybe he would kiss my cheek but when his
lips pressed against mine my heart almost stopped. This couldn’t be real. I had
to be dreaming this. Never in my life had I ever gotten something I was foolish
enough to want so I had to be imagining that Kris was actually kissing me.
When
I felt his long fingers graze my neck and pull me closer to him, I knew I
hadn’t dreamed this…for the first time in my life my birthday wish had come
true.
He
kissed me softly for just a few seconds before he pulled away, leaving me
struggling to breathe. My eyes fluttered open and once my vision focused on his
beautiful face my heart almost leapt out of my chest. He didn’t look apologetic
or regretful. He looked just as vulnerable and scared as I was.
His
fingers were playing with my hair at the nape of my neck and he whispered, “I’m
sorry for surprising you like that, Jess, but I won’t apologize for kissing you.
I don’t know what’s changed between us this past week but all I know is that I
am feeling something for you that goes way beyond friendship. This is why I’ve
stayed away the past week. I don’t know how it happened but its hit me like a
ton of bricks and I can’t stop thinking about you. It scared me that I felt
that way for you because you’ve been my best friend for thirteen years but I
can’t keep it in anymore.”
I
could barely breathe. I felt tingles all through my body at his words.
“Kris,”
I choked out.
“I
don’t know if you feel the same way and I’ll understand if you don’t, but I
just had to kiss you at least once.”
We
sat there together staring into each other’s eyes for what felt like an
eternity. I couldn’t speak…I had literally been shocked into silence. This was
everything I’d ever wanted and it was right in front of me…what was I waiting
for?
Kris
cleared his throat nervously and finally broke the silence.
“Well,
hey, listen, forget about it. No big deal, okay? Let’s just have some cake,” he
said, picking up a fork.
“Kris,”
I repeated, but he smiled at me and gently stabbed the fork into the cupcake.
Why the hell couldn’t I say anything?
“It’s
okay, Jess, really. I didn’t mean to put you on the spot or anything. We can
talk about it later because if I know you as well as I do you are dying to try
this cupcake right now,” he said, putting the fork to my lips.
Honestly,
eating cake was the farthest thing from my mind at that moment. I wanted to
tell him so much that I loved him and always had but I was terrified. I knew he
had feelings for me. He’d just admitted it. I had everything I ever wanted
right in front of me ready to grab…and I was afraid to take it.
I
reluctantly opened my mouth and took the bite of red velvet cupcake he’d
offered me. It was delicious and I sat and ate the whole thing with him but it
was difficult. I couldn’t figure out why I could hardly speak but I had to say
something…I just couldn’t do it.
“Hey,
Jess, you there?” I heard Kris say, and I looked up and saw him waving his hand
in front of my face.
I
jumped back and faked a laugh.
“Yeah,
sorry, I guess I’m just tired. It’s been a long day,” I said.
“Yeah,”
he said, and I noticed the disappointment on his face.
Damn it, Jessie, why can’t you just tell him you
love him?
“Listen,
why don’t we get some sleep?” he asked quietly.
I
nodded dumbly and said, “Okay.”
When
I stood up I realized something; there was only one bed