Hailee's POV
He seemed shocked at first. I could feel it in the way his body went still, in the way his lips didn't move right away. For a second, I thought I had made a mistake. I didn't even know why I kissed him. I had never thought about it, but the moment I walked into that door and saw him in that state, it felt like I was being controlled by an invisible and compelling force I could not explain or control.
My heart was pounding so hard it almost hurt. I thought of withdrawing, then I felt his breath, warm against my mouth, and his hesitation slowly melted away. His hand came up, rough and careful, touching my face like he wasn't sure I was real. His thumb brushed my cheek, and that simple touch made my whole body tremble.
When he finally kissed me back, it wasn't quick or hungry. It was slow—so slow it made my chest ache. His lips moved with mine gently, like he was trying to remember every second, like he was afraid this might end too soon.
