I pictured Axel’s face when I told him about Operation First Kiss. He’d had zero reaction. All he’d given me was a shrug. Because he didn’t care. Because of course he didn’t. How many more signs did I need?

Him flat out telling me he didn’t want to kiss me would have been mortifying. I should have been grateful that he hadn’t. But maybe I needed to hear those words. I wasn’t sure it would even hurt anymore. I already hurt too much.

I looked at two red pandas nuzzled together as they slept.

Yeah, when adorableness didn’t help, I knew I was in a bad way. But I wasn’t here to wallow. I’d been doing that all weekend.

I was at the zoo so I could get some fresh air so I could think clearly. There had to be more clues about who I’d been with in that closet. I just had to think.

The guy had perfect abs. Strong hands. He’d towered over me. And he’d been hard while we kissed.

I waited for more facts to hit me. But none did. God. I’d been so distracted by how hot the kiss was. And the stupid freaking snakes afterwards!

Maybe there were clues in the texts my kiss thief had sent. I pulled out my phone and stared at his texts for what felt like the millionth time.

“Did you dream about our kiss all night?”

“So you’re lying awake thinking about our kiss instead? Good to know.”

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

“Everything you do is my business, Scarlett.”

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

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

“Your kiss thief.”

My heart raced faster and faster at each text from him. This guy seemed to know me. But I’d been with a lot of the same kids in school my whole life.

And there were no new clues from the last time I’d read them. I’d asked him who he was a couple more times with no response.

Maybe one more time wouldn’t hurt. I typed out a text: “Seriously, who is this?” I hit send and waited.

But of course he didn’t respond.

What was the freaking point of texting me in the first place if he wasn’t ever going to text me back?! I wanted to throw my phone.

I thought the fresh air would help but my mind was totally scrambled.

Operation First Kiss had been an epic disaster. So had Operation Too Hot to Handle. Axel would never like me back. There was no point in trying anymore. It was done. I was done.

I felt the tears streaming down my cheeks. God. I quickly wiped them away. I didn’t want to be the psycho crying at the zoo, scaring away children.