“Why, were you saving your first for someone in particular?”

He was so nonchalant about it. Like first kisses meant nothing. His lips were probably as loose as my mom’s. “None of your business,” I typed out. This text was short and un-incriminating. I hit send.

“Everything you do is my business, Scarlett.”

My heart started pounding even harder. This guy clearly knew who I was. He knew my name and had gotten my number from someone. “Who is this?” I texted back.

He didn’t respond.

I waited and waited, but he clearly didn’t want to answer my question. “You know my name. So just tell me yours.” I hit send. I could go off a first name. That would narrow it down significantly.

“There’s only one thing you need to know about me,” he replied.

Okay... I waited but he didn’t elaborate. What was with everyone not continuing their thoughts tonight?! “What?” I texted and stared at my phone. My heart was beating so fast that it actually hurt.

“That I’m going to steal all your firsts.”

Who the hell was I talking to? “WHO. IS. THIS?!?!” I texted.

“Your kiss thief.”

I swallowed hard. I needed a list of everyone on the football team ASAP.

Chapter 16 – Red Pandas

Sunday

For once I was actually happy to be grounded. I knew I needed Sophie’s help with all this, but I just needed a couple days to wallow on my own. And I needed a couple days to try to solve the mystery of who my kiss thief might be without having to kiss the whole football team. So instead of planning a kissing booth with my best friend, I was getting some much needed fresh air. And going to the only place in the world that could always put a smile on my face.

A place that even my dad couldn’t say no to when I’d asked. Probably because I’d looked so sad all weekend. The only problem was that he’d insisted on coming with me. And I desperately needed to be alone so I could think.

“Are you hungry?” I asked as we made our way down the familiar path at the zoo.

My dad shrugged. “Sure. What would you like, pumpkin?”

“Whatever you’re having,” I said. “I’ll meet you at the red panda exhibit. Bye!”

Before he could even respond, I hurried off. I breathed a sigh of relief when he didn’t follow. I just needed a second alone to think. But as soon as I disappeared into the crowd, the same unhelpful and pesky thoughts returned.

Maybe first kisses didn’t mean much to my mom. But I’d been saving mine for so long for Axel. The idea of my first kiss being his meant everything to me. Him not wanting it hurt. It still hurt. But I was so done hurting.