“You’re psyching yourself out. Shake it out, okay? Let go of all that tension.” I do a full-body shimmy, blowing out a deep breath as I do, showing her what I want her to do. She stares at me as if I’m insane. I do it again, shimmy and exhale, before motioning to her. She half-heartedly mimics me, giving me a sigh and a shrug.

“Again. Like you mean it this time,” I demand.

“This is stupid.”

“Yep. It’s stupid. And awkward. And embarrassing. That’s the point. Loosen up. This isn’t serious. Believe it or not, kissing is supposed to be fun.”

She rolls her eyes so hard she could star in The Exorcist.

“I want you to be my little loosey-goosey,” I taunt her. She lets out an annoyed groan but gives it another try, shimmying and sighing at me.

“Say it. Loosey-goosey.” I do another shimmy.

“Loosey-goosey,” she mumbles.

“Shout it out. LOOSEY-GOOSEY!” I want her to feel a bit ridiculous. I want her to know it’s okay to laugh at herself. I’m not going anywhere.

“Loosey-goosey…” she says in a mocking tone.

“Louder. LOOOOOSEY-GOOOOSEY!” I continue. We’re both doing near constant full-body tremors at this point. I’m sure I look like I’m having a seizure, but I couldn’t care less.

“LOOSEY-GOOSEY!” she shouts at me.

“Again! LOOOOOOSEY-GOOOOSEY!” I bellow. There’s a tinge of a smile on her lips and I know I’ve almost got her.

“LOOOOOOOSEY-GOOOOOOOOSEY!” she shouts at the top of her lungs with a full-body shake before she busts out laughing. It’s a light and joyful sound. Her laugh is contagious. I throw my head back and laugh with her. I can’t remember the last time I’ve laughed this hard. It feels good. Really good.

“Listen, Goose,” I say as I get control of myself again. “Kissing is easy. It’s just a little give and take. Relax your jaw, soften your mouth, tilt your head and follow my lead. Okay?” I put her hands on my pecs.

“Sure thing, Maverick,” she chides with a playful smile.

I tilt my head and cock an eyebrow at her.

“You know…from the movie…Top Gun?” she mutters.

“Yeah, I’ve seen it.” I give her a playful smirk in approval of the nickname.

I step into her, pressing my chest against hers. I slip my hands into her hair and stroke her neck. Her body is stiff, muscles coiled, as I kiss her again. At first, she only responds by mimicking my movements robotically. She’s holding back, studying me. I decide to push her further.

“Open your lips,” I whisper and she does without question. She’s an obedient student. I tilt her head and slide my tongue into her mouth. It’s soft and warm.

She tastes delicious.

I kiss her long and hard, caressing her tongue with mine. The longer we go, the more confident she becomes, swirling her tongue against mine. She sinks into the kiss, finally getting lost in the sensation of my lips against hers. I have to say, for a first-timer, she’s damn good. When I’m satisfied she’s had an adequate first kiss, I pull away. She doesn’t resist.