The intoxicating scent of Alvara wrapped around me, filling my senses, but it was nothing compared to what she was doing to me at that moment.
Her lips—soft, warm, and gentle—pressed against mine.
She was kissing me.
For a second, my mind went blank. Shock gripped me, holding me still as if I had been struck by lightning.
Alvara's eyes were closed, her long lashes fluttering slightly as she processed the unfamiliar sensation, one she had never experienced before. Her touch was hesitant yet sincere, as if she were memorizing every second of it.
And then, just as suddenly as it started, she pulled away.
I blinked once. Twice. Staring at her in stunned silence, my brain struggled to catch up with what had just happened.
Around us, an unnatural stillness had settled. I was too embarrassed to turn and see if anyone had noticed, though considering Alvara's umbrella shielded us from view, only the most oblivious wouldn't have guessed what had just transpired.
