Public Relations

"There will be no kissing allowed once this lip gloss goes on," Anna, one of the two makeup artists in front of Maisie, says sternly, hands on her hips as she looks at me. Her sudden change in tone catches me off guard, given how perky she was just a second ago.

I shift my eyes to Maisie, who's sitting in the makeup chair next to me, wrapped in a black silky robe with two pink clips on either side of her head holding back her buttery blonde hair. Andrea had planted me here next to Maisie in the dressing room, whispering, Sit here and don't move, before heading off to go do... I don't know actually. Andrea things, I guess.

I watch as Maisie bites the inside of her lip, struggling to hide her smile at Anna's uncalled for seriousness toward me as the other makeup artist removes the clips and fluffs her hair a little.

It's the first time I've seen her really smile since we walked into the studio building. She's nervous, and I can't tell if it's just from being here at the shoot, the email from her dad, or if it's because I kissed her the way I did an hour ago that's throwing her off.

It's just... I kissed her, and I didn't want to stop. I wanted more. To take as much as she'd let me.

Maybe if you think she likes kissing you, you should kiss her a little more. Clara's words have been ping-ponging through my brain since last night, playing on an endless loop. They were there while I was packing, while I lay staring up at the ceiling fan trying to fall asleep, and driving to the private airport just before the sun peeked above the horizon. I haven't stopped ruminating over it, and I'm starting to think my sisters might have a point.

Especially after that moan—Jesus, that sound that slipped from her lips when I kissed the base of her neck. The way she looked when she pulled away—kiss-bitten lips, rosy cheeks, how she whispered in that sweet honey-rasped voice, I think I just got carried away.

I think Maisie does like kissing me. I think she more than likes kissing me.

"So," Anna continues pulling me from my thoughts, a sly smile tugging at the edges of her lips, "I suggest acting now and kiss her or forever hold your peace... or at least 'til you get back to your hotel room."

"Right, okay, yeah," I say, enthusiastically hopping out of my chair. She doesn't have to ask me twice. I've been looking for any excuse just to touch Maisie. "I'll kiss her."

"Don't seem too eager," Maisie whispers, her words just for me as I lean in, placing my hands on either side of the chair's arms. "Might think you actually like me."

"Maybe I am eager," I whisper back, then press a kiss to Maisie's lips. It's chaste and quick and nowhere near enough, but I don't think Anna would appreciate it if I ruined her makeup and started making out with Maisie in front of her. So I settle for kissing her one more time before straightening back up, watching as her chest turns pink and the color spreads into her cheeks.