I slide my hands over her waist, tugging her closer as she grabs my lapels and does the same. Her back hits the door with a loud thud that will likely wake a sleeping Stevie, but I don’t care.
I don’t care because I’m kissing her. I’m kissing her, and all I can think is She tastes as sweet as she smells.
It’s stupid and absurd, but it’s exactly what I imagined her lips would taste like.
And I need more.
I run my tongue along her bottom lip. She lets me in, letting out a soft moan when our tongues slide together.
I’ve kissed many women before, but not even one of those kisses has ever come close to comparing to this. It’s soft and unhurried, like we’re both afraid to move too fast because then we know it will be over.
I have no idea how long we kiss, how long our bodies are pressed together in the dimly lit hallway, how long we stand there holding on to one another when our mouths finally drift apart. We’re a mess of heavy breaths, and I can feel her shiver beneath my fingertips.
I should go. I know I should. I just can’t bring myself to move my feet.
I’m not sure how much longer I stand there, but it’s long enough to hear her teeth chattering, and I know then that I’ve overstayed my welcome.
So, with reluctance, I place one last kiss on her forehead and whisper, “Good night, Scout.”
“Good night…Grady.”
I swear, I’ve never loved my name more.
10
MILLER & SCOUT
Miller: Did you know it’s a really bad idea to eat four hot dogs, a hamburger, and a milkshake before skating?
* * *
Miller: I didn’t do that. Some rookie on the other team did and barfed all over the ice. Totally disgusting.
* * *
Scout: Who is this?
* * *
Miller: What do you mean?
* * *
Miller: It’s Miller.
* * *
Scout: Who?
* * *
Miller: M-I-L-L-E-R
* * *
Miller: As in…IT’S MILLER TIME, BABY!
* * *
Scout: You know, I was going to keep this going longer, but you just ruined everything with that horrible pun, and I’m considering blocking you.
* * *
Miller: Nah. You wouldn’t.
* * *
Scout: And why not?
* * *
Miller: Because I’m a really good kisser?
* * *
Scout: Are you asking me that or telling me?
* * *
Miller: Telling.
* * *
Miller: Or maybe asking.
* * *
Miller: You know, I’m really not sure, mostly because now I’m curious what you thought of our kiss.
* * *
Miller: So…what’d you think of our kiss?
* * *
Scout: There really is no beating around the bush with you, is there?
* * *
Miller: About 98% of the time, no.
* * *
Scout: And the other 2%?
* * *
Miller: I’m not ready for the other 2% just yet.
* * *
Scout: That’s fair.
* * *
Scout: Did someone get sick during the game?
* * *
Miller: Warmups.
* * *
Miller: I kind of felt bad for the guy. I’ve been the young, dumb rookie before. It’s rough sometimes.
* * *
Scout: You say that like you’re not still young and dumb.
* * *
Miller: Hey, I’m 24, thank you very much.
* * *
Miller: Still dumb, though.
* * *
Scout: You’re 24?!
* * *
Miller: Yup.
* * *
Miller: Wait—how old are you?
* * *
Miller: Actually, no. Never mind. I know you’re not supposed to ask women that.
* * *
Scout: Such a stupid rule.
* * *
Scout: I’m 28.
* * *
Miller: Oh, I’ve snagged an older lady. Nice.
* * *
Scout: Snagged?
* * *
Scout: OLDER LADY?
* * *
Scout: Keep it up. At this rate, you’re going to be the one in the grave first, not me.
* * *
Miller: I’m assuming you’re going to be the death of me?
* * *
Scout: Yes.
* * *
Scout: Here lies Grady Miller. He died because he talked too much shit.
* * *
Miller: That honestly checks out, though.
* * *
Scout: Have you always been this way?
* * *
Miller: Yes. My parents didn’t love me enough as a child.
* * *
Miller: Sadly, that last part isn’t a lie. They really didn’t.
* * *
Miller: Womp, womp.
* * *
Scout: Okay, that’s just depressing.
* * *
Miller: Sorry.
* * *
Scout: I’M sorry.
* * *
Miller: Eh, don’t be. It is what it is.
* * *
Scout: That’s a very sad way of looking at it.
* * *
Miller: It’s practical.
* * *
Scout: Since when are you ever practical?
* * *
Miller: That’s fair.
* * *
Miller: I gotta go, but I just wanted you to know I was thinking about you.
* * *
Scout: Miller, you literally texted me about someone vomiting, so I’m not sure that’s the compliment you think it is.
* * *
Miller: If it makes you feel any better, I was thinking about you before the vomit.
* * *