"I'd hardly call the spin the bottle kiss a kiss. We were twelve and you missed my mouth. And we weren’t even in a closet."

He laughs, the sound rich and knowing, like he's holding onto a secret. "I'm not talking about that one."

His expression softens, and the change steals my breath. "I'm talking about the one on my seventh birthday. When you kissed me."

My heart stumbles, a long-buried memory crashing into me. "You… you remember that?"

His lips curve into a softer, more intimate smile as his thumb traces gentle circles on my wrist. The touch sends electricity through my veins, igniting something primal in the space between us.

"I told you," he murmurs, his voice deep and deliberate. "I remember everything when it comes to you."

He leans closer, and that intoxicating scent of his fills my lungs, simultaneously dizzying and grounding. His face hovers inches from mine, his breath warm against my lips, and when he speaks again, his voice is a low rasp that makes my stomach flip.

"And from now on, I'll make sure I never miss."

Then his lips find mine.

The kiss starts gentle, like he's asking permission. But within seconds, it transforms into something raw and consuming. His mouth claims mine with years of pent-up longing, and I'm lost to it—the taste of him, the feel of his hands sliding around my waist, pulling me closer until there's nothing between us but heat. Every nerve ending comes alive as his fingers trail up my back, his touch certain and reverent, like he's mapping territory he's dreamed of exploring.

My hands find their way into his hair, tugging slightly, and the sound that rumbles from his chest is pure satisfaction. We're seconds away from crossing a line there's no coming back from in this tiny, airless utility closet.

And then there’s a knock on the door.

"Uh, sorry to interrupt." Nick's voice cuts through the fog of desire, and I jerk away from Nate, my heart thundering against my ribs. "But the crowd's asking for more, Nate."

Nate steps back reluctantly, his lips curving into a knowing, almost smug smile.

"One day, we’re not going to be getting interrupted. But right now, duty calls," he says, throwing me a wink before turning toward the door.

I lean against the wall, trying to catch my breath, my cheeks burning, but the door doesn't close. When I look up, Nate's walking back to me with purposeful strides, his eyes dark and intense. Before I can speak, his hands cup my face, touch firm but tender, and his lips crash into mine once more.

This kiss is different. It's not just desire—it's everything. It's every unspoken word, every lingering look, every moment we've held back suddenly breaking free. His lips move against mine like they've been waiting lifetimes for this moment, and I feel myself unraveling, melting into him.