He turns, and my breath catches. The moon caresses his rugged, charming face. He’s been with me every step of his new journey. I trust him completely.

“I need your help with something.”

His gaze meets mine and something in my belly goes liquid.

“Of course.”

“I—I’m nervous about something. Really nervous. And you’re one of my best friends. And luckily, a boy.” A nervous giggle tries to escape, but I clamp it down.

His eyebrows draw together the smallest amount, but he waits me out.

“I — I’ve never kissed anyone. I would like to try it. Would you do it? It wouldn’t be like cheating on Gregor, I don’t think. You’re like a — a brother to me. Okay, that’s weird. I would never kiss Leo. But you’re a trusted friend. Someone who would tell me if I did it wrong. If I was bad. I mean, you’d know. You’ve kissed a thousand girls. You’re an expert.”

A muscle in his jaw ticks. “You should save your first kiss for Gregor.”

“I don’t think you would be my real first kiss. Any more than my mother kissing me goodnight or the French ambassador pecking my cheeks.”

His Adam’s apple bobs and his gaze cuts away. He’s not going to do it. I’ve asked too much.

“I’m sorry. Nevermind. That was crazy. It’ll be fine.” I turn away from him to look out on the small park at the center of the square where the townspeople sing in the mornings.

“Kissing me wouldn’t be like your brother, or your mother, or the French ambassador,” he says.

“Not at all.”