Maybe it wasn’t too late to do the hair-tossing thing. Instead, I just rushed on.

“You’re wrong. Maybe wind isn’t as efficient as it could be, but the fact that it’s even being developed is a vast improvement over the outdated, archaic energy sources our society’s been dependent on. Expecting it to be as cost-efficient as something that’s been around much, much longer is naïve.”

“But—”

“We can’t deny that the cost is worth the benefits. Climate change is increasingly becoming a problem, and wind’s reduced carbon dioxide emissions could have a significant impact. Furthermore—and most importantly—wind is renewable. It doesn’t matter if other sources are cheap if they’re going to run out on us.”

“But—”

“We need to be progressive and look towards what’s going to save us later. To focus strictly on what’s cost-efficient now—while ignoring the consequences—is short-sighted and will ultimately lead to the downfall of the human race. Those who think otherwise are only perpetuating the problem, unless they can come up with other solutions. Most don’t. They just complain. That’s why you’re wrong.”

I paused to catch my breath and then dared a glance at Brayden. He was watching the road, but his eyes were impossibly wide. I don’t think he could have been more shocked if I’d slapped him. Immediately, I berated myself for what I’d said. Sydney, why didn’t you just bat your eyelashes?

“Brayden?” I asked tentatively when almost a minute passed with no response. More stunned silence met me.

Suddenly, without warning, he pulled the car sharply off the highway and onto the shoulder. Dust and gravel kicked up around us. In that moment, I was absolutely certain he was going to demand I get out and walk back to Palm Springs. And we were still miles from the city.

Instead, he caught hold of my hands and leaned toward me. “You,” he said breathlessly. “Are amazing. Absolutely, positively, exquisitely amazing.” And then he kissed me.

I was so surprised, I couldn’t even move. My heart raced, but it was more from anxiety than anything else. Was I doing it right? I tried to relax into the kiss, letting my lips part slightly, but my body stayed rigid. Brayden didn’t pull back in revulsion, so that was a good sign. I’d never kissed anyone before and had been worrying a lot about what it’d be like. The mechanics of it turned out not to be so difficult. When he did finally pull away, he was smiling. A good sign, I guessed. I smiled back tentatively because I knew it was expected. Honestly, a secret part of me was a little disappointed. That was it? That’s what the big deal was? It hadn’t been terrible, but it hadn’t sent me soaring to new heights either. It had been exactly what it seemed like, lips on lips.

With a great sigh of happiness, he turned and began driving again. I could only watch him with wonder and confusion, unable to form any response. What had just happened? That was my first kiss?