Although Miss Parker was frequently frustrating, filled with self-loathing that made her vicious and cruel, and often smelled of menthol cigarettes, Jarod had to admit she was beautiful. Even that first time he met her, when he put his hand out to the glass to touch her, he thought she was beautiful.

So much had happened between them, and right now, touching the side of her hair and letting his thumb brush her cheek, he felt like that boy holding his hand out to the glass and staring at an incredibly beautiful girl in front of him.

Hell, if he was dreaming, he might as well make the most of it.

"You know," he said. "Boys mature faster than girls."

He leaned his face down and pressed a kiss to her mouth.