Never Been Kissed by Daisie Sam

Chapter 7

The following week was a whirlwind of stolen glances and whispered conversations. Ethan, true to his word, had managed to secure a second date – tickets to the town’s annual fall festival. Amelia spent the week in a state of nervous anticipation, carefully choosing an outfit that felt both stylish and comfortable.

Friday night arrived, crisp and cool. Ethan picked her up in his car, the familiar scent of leather and cologne filling the air. This time, the awkwardness was completely gone, replaced by a comfortable ease.

The fall festival was a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds. The smell of fried food mingled with the sweet aroma of cotton candy, and the vibrant lights of carnival rides cast a colorful glow on the bustling crowd. Ethan led the way, his hand brushing against hers occasionally, sending shivers down her spine.

They rode the Ferris wheel, the world shrinking to a miniature landscape beneath them. At the top, with the town lights twinkling like scattered diamonds, Ethan leaned in, his voice barely a whisper.

“This view is beautiful,” he said, his gaze lingering on her face, “but it’s nothing compared to you.”

Amelia’s cheeks blushed crimson. “Thanks, Ethan,” she mumbled, a shy smile gracing her lips.

The rest of the night was a blur of laughter and shared experiences. They shrieked on the haunted house ride, Ethan holding her hand tightly as they navigated the darkness. They devoured gooey caramel apples, the sticky sweetness a messy reminder of their shared laughter.

As the night drew to a close, they found themselves standing near the bonfire, the crackling flames casting a warm glow on their faces. Ethan wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer. The warmth of his body sent a familiar tingle down her spine.

“So,” Ethan began, his voice low and intimate, “about that promise…”

Amelia’s heart skipped a beat. The near-miss at the pizzeria, the promise of a kiss uninterrupted, echoed in her mind.

“About what?” she asked playfully, a hint of nervousness in her voice.

Ethan leaned in, his lips hovering a breath away from hers. “About picking up where we left off,” he murmured.

This time, there was no hesitation. Amelia closed her eyes, her heart pounding a frantic rhythm against her ribs. As their lips met, it was a kiss filled with newfound confidence and a spark of excitement. It was longer, sweeter, and everything Amelia had dreamt of and more.

When they finally pulled away, breathless and smiling, Amelia felt a weight lifted from her shoulders. The label “Never Been Kissed” finally felt like a distant memory.

“Wow,” Ethan whispered, his voice tinged with awe. “That was…”

“Amazing?” Amelia finished, a playful smile on her lips.

Ethan chuckled, his eyes sparkling with newfound fondness. “Definitely amazing. But you know,” he continued, his voice dropping to a husky whisper, “I think we can do even better.”

He took her hand, leading her away from the fire towards a quieter corner of the festival grounds. The moon cast a silvery glow on the path, and the only sound was the distant murmur of the crowd.

Ethan stopped beneath a sprawling oak tree, its leaves rustling in the autumn breeze. He cupped her face in his hands, his touch sending shivers down her spine.

“Amelia,” he began, his voice sincere, “this has been the best week of my life. You’re funny, you’re smart, and you have a way with words that makes me speechless.”

Amelia’s breath hitched. Was this a confession? A declaration of something more?

“I, uh,” Ethan stammered, a rare blush creeping up his neck, “I was wondering…would you like to, maybe…be my girlfriend?”

The question hung in the air, a mix of hope and anticipation in his eyes. Amelia felt a warmth bloom in her chest, a joy that threatened to overflow.

“Yes,” she breathed, a genuine smile splitting her face. “Yes, I would love to be your girlfriend.”

Ethan grinned, the relief and happiness evident in his expression. He pulled her into another kiss, this one filled with a sense of belonging and the promise of a future together.

As they walked back hand-in-hand, the world seemed brighter, the music sweeter. The “Never Been Kissed” label had finally been replaced with something far more exhilarating – the thrill of a new love story unfolding.