I took the can of beer and pressed it against my neck.

Even under shade of the canopy at the canteena, it was still roiling hot.

The air was muggy and thick, and the only reason I'd even agreed to come out with everyone

after work was because I had skipped out on the last three happy hours. I didn't want to look

antisocial. Then there was Jack, of course. He was cute in his own messy-haired way, but the guy would never get the hint that I wasn't interested. He was always leaning over my cubicle, buying me cans of Diet Pepsi, because he knew it was my favorite. All of the girls in my department thought I should give him a chance.

Was I the problem? He nudged me and leaned in to speak directly into my ear. You like video games,

right? I just got split fiction. Do you want to try it with me? Oh, did I mention I have central AC?

I looked at him in surprise. God, I wanted to sit in a cool apartment, even just for a little bit.

The AC had gone out at work, and my little window unit at home didn't do much, so the last few days

of the heat wave had been hell, literally. So, against my better judgment, I went back with

Jack to his apartment, which was only a few blocks from the bar.

Along the way, I felt his hand grazed mine,

and when I looked over at him, I saw him smiling at me.

Don't get any ideas.

I sounded a bit mean, which I felt bad about.

But I was shocked to see that Jack's apartment was not like his personality at all. It was stylish and warm, with nice furniture. Plus, there was a blast of

cool air that hit my face when we entered. I was surprised how comfortable I felt as we drank,

ice-cold glasses of Diet Pepsi, and played split fiction. Before I knew it, our arms were brushing,

and when I looked up to admit to him that I was having a nice time, he kissed me.

The girls in my department would have a feel day if they saw me kissing Jack.

It wasn't a timid little peck either.

It was a deep, open-mouthed kiss where our tongues collided, and our moans met somewhere in the middle.

...