“Truth or dare?”

We play it whenever we’re bored from listing our daily routine or answering how was your day. In the early stages of our friendship, it helped us get to know each other better.

“Truth.”

Opting for the easy way out. “Chicken.” Two can play the game. “Have you ever thought of kissing me? Now or in the past.”

A sharp intake of breath and a glare is her response, but I am not backing down.

“Yes or no, Queen Zo?”

She exhales loudly and swallows. “Yes. Your point?”

“I’m not so sorry I had to do that, but I wanted to prove to you and myself that you’ve been sincere with me about your… disclosures.”

Unbuckling my belt, I lean towards her, whispering, “It’s just a kiss between two longtime friends.”

Closing her eyes, she murmurs, “Okay, okay. It’s just a kiss.” Then puckers her lips.

If only she knew I have been thinking of this moment since I realized the naïve but sexy lady who was ensuring she kept our meeting professional and neutral was Queen Zo.

Smiling, I take in her beauty. My eyes trace her delicate features; sharp nose she once told me she was self-conscious of, thick black eyelashes she’s proud of. I can’t wait to find the patch of hair she had mistakenly cut off while loosening her braids some months back. It had led her to cut her hair in Anita Baker’s hair style.

“Hurry up, Manir. I have never kissed a stranger before. I want to—”

She freezes when my lips touch hers. Warm breath fans my face and I inhale deeply. I do nothing—I don’t bring out my tongue to touch her lips like I am dying to, neither do I put my arms around her. We remain this way until I feel her tongue graze my lips. In a flash, I cup her face, deepen the kiss, then withdraw back to my space.

My heart… It’s beating like a warrior’s drum. I can’t control my breath. This has happened before. A long time ago.

Oh boy.

I blink.

Zoya is like a sister to me. I am the big brother she never had. But big brothers do not think of tongue kissing their sisters, neither do they react to them sexually. I’ve messed with the balance of our relationship.

I need to apologize. Get things back to normal.

She makes a sound from her side of the car, and I’m on the verge of apologizing.

Turning to do so, I see a glint in her eyes and a curve on her lips. She’s chuckling! Covering her mouth while at it. I must have looked silly staring off like that. Did she notice?

Adjusting myself to conceal my growing erection, I give her a tight smile.

“For one second,” she begins when her laughing fit ends, “I thought I’d have to teach you to kiss.”

“You…” Scoffing, I shake my head, hitting the central lock button. She’s still got some leftover smile.

Oh boy, what have I done to us? My bearing is everywhere. I need to understand what’s happening.

“Who knows? You might have been joking about your many conquests,” she says, opening the door. “Thanks for the ride. And um… have a safe flight?” She has one leg out of the car already.

“Thank you. Give me your phone, please.”

“What for?”

“Trust me.” With a puzzled expression, she reluctantly hands me her unlocked phone and I dial my number.

“Oh,” she gasps when she hears my phone ring.

“We will see when I return?” It’s more of a statement than a question.

“Definitely.” She winks as she gets out of the car.

“Have a great night.” You were chuckling yeah? I couldn’t resist adding, “And say hi to Eric.”

“Get out!” She slams the door shut.

Grinning, I watch as she walks to the gate and presses the bell. A security guard appears with a fond smile, unlocks the gate, and before she enters, she spares me an amusing sidelong glance.

We’re going all the way Zo.

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