Teach Me How To Kiss

Take Control

"The French Kiss isn't the only passionate kiss there is...try kissing me back without using your tongue this time." Aaron guided me.

I was so eager to kiss the life out of him, but apparently that was too rushed. I assumed, after that first kiss, we were supposed to plunge into this open mouth waltz. Not so Brynn. Not so. Instead we sat in the middle of his old bedroom floor, on a fluffy black rug, with our legs tangled in a knot. Our bodies relaxed as we held on to each other's waist. It felt natural, like we did this all the time.

It was six o'clock on a Saturday evening and I was scheduled for my regular sleepover at Izzy's house, but I wasn't planning on it tonight. As far as she knew, I was babysitting our neighbor's kids. Instead, I actually had a house date with Aaron, and my adventurous little heart was just as giddy as the butterflies bombarding my stomach.

We went to Aaron's parent's house, he told me he came here on the weekends, otherwise he stayed on campus. His folks were off on a date of their own, leaving the house all to ourselves, including the fridge. Aaron prepared us a little indoor picnic, prior to my arrival. Chocolate dip with fruit and other snacks. I never had such a romantic non-date before, much less a date at all. If group dates counted, I was usually the 5th wheel. And yes, Izzy was the one on the actual date.

But what could I even call this between Aaron and I? He wasn't a fake or real boyfriend. We were somewhat friends but not enough to call each other often or talk about every detail of our lives. For now, we were kissing-mates. He seemed fine with it, as did I. Unfortunately, there wasn't any progress with Isaiah. So here I was, up close and personal with this heartthrob. No one would ever believe this, not even Izzy.

A couple of minutes into practicing this classic kiss, which I underestimated. I understood how kissing without tongues could be just as passionate. Aaron liked to grab hold of my neck, he usually slid his fingers when our kisses intensified. Like I would ever slip away. Never. And without any verbal guidelines, his lips inspired my body to react. His mouth was partly opened, tongue provoking me with angelic taps until I moaned in protest. Like a switch, his hunger grew instantaneously and I melted in his hands from the passionate exchange.

We took turns, Aaron slowed his pace so I could take the lead. My urge to lick him or slip my tongue in his mouth was driving me mad. The longer this pattern continued the more I ached. I realized how much I liked to be the follower. Izzy gave off the impression of an influential seductress, but I liked following his lead and suggestions. It was less pressure for me to perform.

On our oxygen break, Aaron left for the kitchen and came back with a cup of crushed ice. He sat with his back against the bed frame and patted the space beside him as he chewed. It looked refreshing, but little did I know this was part of our next lesson.

"Can I have some?"

"What, this?" He shook the cup. "Sure."

I reached for it but he moved his hand. I smiled in disbelief as I tried to make a stretch for it, only he held it out even further. I climbed his lap and held his arm so I could snatch the cup and have my victory. This was closer, much closer.

"Are you ready to explore?" He smiled.

That smile ignited a spark. I would hold nothing back even if I looked like a fool. After Aaron grabbed a little more ice, he slid his hands over my thighs and watched me. Caught off guard, as I was expecting his neck hold to lure me in, this time he let me take control.

Okay then.

I took a little more ice and sucked on my lips, getting them as cold as possible in the short amount of time I had before the moment got stale. With a subtle exhale, I drove my lips towards his. My hands traced his jawline as my timid tongue greeted his. The cool breath and icy cold tongues brought a new sensation to the wet kiss. The temperatures, both fun and different. I enjoyed it so much I couldn't help but smile. He made me smile.

Meanwhile his fingers were tangled in my shirt, sometimes rubbing my skin or tugging the fabric. My body started reacting to him, floating and flirting. Other things were happening. I caught myself rocking on him. I couldn't describe the possession, it all felt so invigorating. Yet the heat building between us, building down there, it was needless to say we were both severely into it.

On his turn, he rolled me over till I was pinned on my back. This was a new view for me, seeing his tanned skin contrast against the pale ceiling, drawing my full attention. Aaron paused for a second and sat back, carefully putting his weight on his hind legs.

"So tell me about this Isaac, why do you like him?" He asked.

"It's Isaiah . . .and we're just friends, but ever since I admitted how much I liked him, we've grown apart."

"You don't have this deep connection with him? You can't tell if he's into you?" His hands rested on my waist.

"No." I sighed.

I knew in my heart it was an empty crush. I never had a deep connection with Isaiah or anyone else. So where did that leave me? My first shot at a boyfriend and there was nothing to show for. No guy holding my hand to show off to my friends, no one to bring home to an embarrassing dinner with mom or go on a cheesy date to eat fast food and watch a movie with. I was sick of being the 5th wheel!

I spaced out for several minutes, taking this in. Where I was and who this new person was in my life. How long would Aaron be in my life? Because I could very well be at Elizabeth's house, this very instant, getting schooled by Jordan and his 5 steps to popularity or listening to Izzy's love triangles that always seem to work in her favor. I finally had plans of my own, and someone to be around. Secret or not, this was as good as any dorky girl was going to get.

"What are you thinking about over there?" Aaron stood and helped me up.

I shook my head like it was nothing.

"Why don't we get some real food?" Aaron suggested while looking at our snacks.

I pouted, inside, as I saw that lovely cup of chocolate go to waste. Was there another part to this non-date, that didn't involve just kissing? Well, what do you know.

As far as the real food went, we ended up at the Saturday hot spot, Pizza Playa. Not only did most of my high school go there but his college friends went there as well. Stupid thoughts ran through my head, like Aaron passing me up as a kid sister, a cousin, or a babysitting gig for his mother's friend. It could go wrong in so many ways.

With not a lot of room around dinner time, we sat at the counter. In plain sight, some of Aaron's friends spotted us and came over to pick on the poor guy. They gave him a hard time, asking who he was with. He simply replied, a friend, and introduced me. Kind of shocked, I couldn't help but smile. Aaron asked me questions about my family while we gorged on our pizza. And in turn, I learned he was 20, which made him 4 years older than me. He studied marine biology, proving how much he truly loved the water. In fact, he was 3rd on the waiting list for an internship in Hawaii.

I excused myself to the rest room and on my way back, I spotted Isaiah at one of the tables nearby. He must have come in while I was gone. I acted as though I hadn't seen him when I joined Aaron once again.

"Isaiah's here." I signaled.

Aaron looked casually over his shoulder. "You want to make him jealous?" He winked.

"Yeah."

"Good. But keep it subtle, if he does like you, we don't want to chance it." He reasoned.

Aaron's plan didn't seem as drastic as I thought it would be. He leaned in closer to talk to me, caressed my cheek and squeezed my hand a few times. I peeked over to check if Isaiah had noticed, and he did.

"I think its working." I whispered.

"Then let's really peak his interest." He stood and asked for the bill.

"We're not having any dessert?" I said jokingly.

"Yes... at my house." He winked again.