Free Against the Wall by Julie Prestsater Page A

against my cabinets.
    Making out is so much fun. I can’t remember the last time Chase and I kissed like this .
    Shit, trying to push Chase as far from my thoughts as possible, I wrap my legs around Matty tighter. He holds me closer, embracing me with his strong arms as we kiss till my lips are swollen and my chin is stinging from his stubble. Fighting the need to take a big breath, I close my mouth and our lips meet once more for a lip-locked kiss, and a series of short pecks.
    “ Wow, Matty,” I say, returning my gaze to his and running my fingers through his locks.
    “ That’s what I was thinking,” he responds, holding me again in a tight embrace. I hug him, resting my head on his shoulder. We’re silent in this hold for what seems like hours, soaking in the happiness yet worrying about what comes next. Awkwardness? More kissing? Sex? Regret?
    “ Matty,” I mutter into his shirt.
    He releases me and pecks me on the cheek. “Yes, Shelly.”
    “ What do you think about this?”
    He kisses me again, on the lips. “About this?”
    “ Yes. About that.”
    And another one on the other cheek. “I think it’s great. I’m having fun. You?”
    This time, I kiss him. “Yes. Yes, I am. But that’s not what I meant.”
    “ I know.” He sighs. “I just wanted to enjoy the moment.”
    “ Moment? Are you saying this is it?” My face heats with embarrassment. Maybe he didn't feel what I just felt. Maybe I was interpreting his signals wrong.
    “ Well isn’t that what you’re getting at? We can’t do this. I’m not ready for a relationship. Yada yada yada.” He holds my hands in his and looks at me intently, not turning away.
    “ Well, maybe. I don’t know. I really wanted this to happen. I think I’ve always been curious about kissing you, what it’d be like to be an ‘us’. But you’re one of my best friends. This is fun, and I really like you. But what if it doesn’t work? We have to see each other every day. It’ll be weird and I don’t wanna lose a friend.”
    Giving my hands a squeeze, he says, “I’m not going anywhere, Shel. I knew you were going to say all this and I actually had a big ol’ speech planned if it came to this point. So let me give you the short version.” He pauses to bring his lips to mine again. Our lips connect sending tingles from my mouth to my toes and back up again. “I know you just felt that. And I don’t think it’s just pure hormones talking either. We’re old enough to tell a fucking awesome kiss from one you can’t wait to be finished with. When I kiss you,” he touches the pad of his thumb to my bottom lip, “I don't want to stop.”
    I remove his hand so I can think clearly. “Maybe it’s just tonight, though. What about tomorrow? And the next day?”
    “ I don’t know, but why not see where this takes us?”
    His warm breath spreads across my neck, his lips brushing against me as I utter, “That sounds great and all, but honestly, I don’t really think I’m ready for a relationship just yet.”
    “ Then let’s not call it one. Let’s just enjoy each other’s company. You can even see other people if you want so this doesn’t feel too relationship-y for you.” Feeling his lips touch my neck sends all common sense out the window. “What do you say, Ms. Gelson? Are we going to not have a relationship?”
    “ I think I’d like that, Mr. Fuller.” My arms wrap around his neck and round two of passionate kissing begins.
     
    When we finally come up for air again, we’re lying on my sofa wrapped around each other. Our legs are intertwined, my hands are on his well-built chest, and his hands graze and singe the skin on my lower back. I could very well get used to having his soft hands all over me.
    “ Do you wanna stay, Matty?”
    Instantly, his eyes dart to mine. “Really?”
    “ Yes, but not in the way you think?” I lower my head, sure that I’m blushing.
    “ Okay, I’d love to stay with you but what are you thinking?” He runs his