Agony by Yolanda Olson

open.
    “Come on,” he said, pulling me in and closing the door behind us.
    We walked up the winding staircase to the top door that he pushed open. He climbed up and reached down for me, easily pulling me up behind him.
    “What do you think?” he asked leaning on one of the rails.
    “It’s ... beautiful,” I breathed.
    It really was. The beach looked so different from where we were and the ocean looked even more massive from up here.
    I put my hands on the railing and smiled as the breeze went by. The air even smelled crisper up here.
    Arsen left his spot and moved behind me. He leaned against me and put a hand on either side of mine on the railing.
    “Like it?” he asked softly.
    “Yes. Thank you for bringing me.”
    “You’re welcome.”
    I watched one of his hands leave the railing, and then felt it brush my hair off of my shoulder. I closed my eyes and breathed deeply when he put his head on my shoulder.
    His other hand left the railing and wrapped around my waist, pulling me back tightly against him. He shifted his head on my shoulder and grazed his lips against my neck.
    I felt the oddest most amazing sensation from that simple action. I opened my eyes and turned myself around. It amazed me how big Arsen truly was and it also amused me that I only came up to his chest.
    “Look at me, baby doll,” he said lifting my chin with his hand.
    I looked up into his eyes and he smiled. I instantly returned his smile and wrapped my arms around his shoulders.
    “Arsen,” I said softly.
    “Hmm?” he asked, pushing my hair away from my neck.
    “How is that you’re so friendly?”
    He shrugged, “It’s just how I’ve always been, I guess. I mean I don’t go on first night sleepovers with just anyone.”
    I laughed.
    He grinned.
    By the time my laughter had subsided, his grin had slowly faded away.
    “Neve?”
    “Yes?”
    “Can I kiss you?” he asked in a whisper.
    “Yes.”
    Without hesitation, he immediately brought his full, soft lips to mine and held me tightly. I ran my fingers through his hair as he opened his mouth slightly. I felt his tongue as he gently pried my lips apart. Our tongues touched softly at first. My body felt like it caught fire as our tongues danced together.
    When he finally pulled away, I was left gasping for air. I looked up into his eyes and smiled. He returned the smile and put his forehead against mine.
    I pushed myself onto my tiptoes and pressed my lips against his. I wanted another kiss. Another body melting kiss that seemed to stop time itself. Arsen didn’t disappoint. His hands gently moved up and down my back while still holding me close. We explored each other’s mouths like it was our first kiss all over again only more passionate.
    “Wow,” I whispered when we broke apart.
    “Seriously,” he agreed with a chuckle.
    “I think we should get back,” I said to him.
    “I think we need to, honestly. Being up here alone with you... Kissing you, watching the wind blow through your hair, holding your perfect body so close ... I’m not going to be able to keep ... myself to myself, if we don’t get back down to civilization,” he replied seriously.
    Interesting.
    “Lead the way then!” I said cheerfully.
    Arsen smiled and leaned down for the hatch door and hopped down. Then he raised his hands up to catch me. Grabbing my hand, we walked quickly down the spiral staircase and out of the lighthouse. He pushed the door shut firmly and we made our way carefully, but quickly back across the rocks toward the beach.
    I could see Adesynne in the distance with her hands on her hips looking around in frustration.
    “There you two are!” she yelled when she saw us approaching. “Where did you guys go?”
    “Lighthouse,” Arsen replied.
    Addie looked at him suspiciously before she turned her attention to me. She pulled us away from each other and turned me around to inspect me. I felt her hands go into the back of my bathing suit top before she pushed me forward a little,