Chapter 23

Adam

Sparks fly the moment my lips make contact with Evie's. I place my free hand on her waist, pulling her closer, my heart racing with such intensity I think I may never recover. Evie's full lips are soft as silk, her breath cinnamon fresh as if she'd prepared for the impromptu kiss.

For a split second, I sense her hesitation. Then she relents.

It's as if a dam breaks, the torrent sweeping us away. I kiss her deeply, and she meets my passion full force. Every nerve springs alive with the thrill of her response and I lose myself in the moment. The kitchen, the house, the entire world fade into insignificance as I savor the taste of her lips

When we finally come up for air, I feel like I've been pulled back to reality, kicking and screaming.

Wow, wow, wow.

"Wow," Evie says, breathless as I lower the phone. My mother, sister, and anyone else will never question our relationship.

Evie leans against the kitchen counter, as if finding her legs. "You should get the Oscar this year."

"The Oscar?" My brain is on half-power.

"You have to be the best actor in history. That kiss felt more real than any . . . real one. I mean, I also tried to act it out well, but you are the clear master."

I feel my stomach drop. She was acting! The single best kiss of my life was only an act.

Stupid me. Of course it was an act. That's what she signed up for.

I force an awkward laugh. "Thanks. When all this is over, you can send me the gold statue in the mail."

Evie chuckles. "You got it."

But she's not looking at me. Something monumental just happened that neither one of us can explain.

She eyes my phone. "Think that was a bit much to send to your mom?"

"We could do it again."

Evie blushes, remaining silent.

I can take a hint. "This will do fine." I send it off to my mother, hoping we'll have another chance to practice kissing like lovers. Very, very soon.