Free Cubanita by Gaby Triana

Don’t think, Isa, go with the way things feel .
    â€œJust tell me to stop, and I will,” he whispers into my neck, my cheek, kissing my earlobe. He’s so sweet, so damn sweet.
    God, this isn’t fair! How can I think clearly when he’s doing this? My other hand reaches up to his neck, instinctively pulling him closer to me. And before I can think or do anything else, I hear a wooden tap on the floor. My paintbrush, right out of my hand.
    This is crazy.
    Man . The word comes out of nowhere. Barely noticeable. Andrew’s not a boy, Isa. He’s a man. He expects more . I know I said I could handle this situation, but with every press of his body against me, with every kiss, I realize this won’t end here. It won’t even end at second or third base. Maybe not today, but sometime before summer’s up, Andrew Corbin will score a home run at Isa Field.
    Jeez, I am so not in control of this situation! But I don’t care. It feels incredible. I always had to be in control with Robi. Andrew makes me want to relax and not think. Just feel. Suddenly I turn around and give in to his kiss, his arms, full force, and only then do I feel Andrew slightly lose control as he leans back against the counter.
    Then, the craziest thought enters my head. Stay, don’t go. Michigan’s not that great, anyway .
    Before I can reply to my evil inner thought, we hear a loud voice outside the classroom door. It’s Susy, shouting “See you tomorrow” to someone down the hall. She pushes my door open, and Andrew lets go of me. He crosses his arms quickly, trying to look like we were just discussing world peace.
    But she sees us and stops cold. “Oh…hey…I was just coming to tell you, Isabel…there’s an art contest. Forget it, I’ll tell you later.” She eyes Andrew. There’s a certain look on her face. Hurt? Why? He’s never so much as looked her way. Just because she’s got it for him? Well, hell, Susy’s got it for anybody!
    I straighten my shirt. “No, wait, what contest, Suse?”
    â€œStop by the main house before you leave. It’s on the bulletin board. There’s a prize ,” she enunciates, like I don’t need any more prizes with Andrew here.
    â€œThanks. I’ll take a look.”
    She backs out of the room, glancing at Andrew again before closing the door.
    I feel bad, but don’t know why. I don’t have to feel bad about anything. I know Susy thinks Andrew’s hot, but so what? Everyone thinks Andrew’s hot.
    â€œWhat was that all about?” he asks with a heavy sigh.
    â€œI don’t know. She’s jealous or something.” I pick the paintbrush off the floor and place it in the cup. “She did kind of hint she liked you the first day of camp.”
    â€œWell, I guess I didn’t notice, did I?” He smiles.
    â€œWhatever. She’ll get over it.”
    Andrew reaches over and runs his fingers through my bangs, letting the chunks of hair fall slowly to my face. “I gotta go.”
    â€œI know. Me too.”
    â€œIsa? I just want to tell you that I’m really into you.” His intense eyes transform into a puppy dog look. “In case you’re wondering what’s going on here.” He takes my hand and swings it lightly.
    â€œOkay,” I say brilliantly. Like he even has to say that. His constant attention sort of speaks for itself.
    â€œSeriously. You’re talented. I mean, look at this,” he says, gesturing at my painting, “ and you’re gorgeous, and you’re funny. It never ends.” He resumes his hold on my waist and presses his forehead against mine. “I’d be crazy not to want to go out with you again.”
    Right. And I should say something, rather than stand here like a complete wanker. “It doesn’t bother me, if it doesn’t bother you. I mean, the whole age thing.”
    â€œIt doesn’t bother me at