I cut her off mid-sentence by closing the distance between us and pulling her into my arms, cutting off her squeal of surprise with a kiss. Mel struggled for a few seconds, then melted into my body. Her lips parted, and her tongue met mine with an unmatched intensity. I could only imagine Mel's feelings, especially after Emily's revelation.

"Wait," Mel said, breathing heavily. "Aren't you spending tonight with Emily?"

"I am," I said, pressing my forehead against Mel's. I had gone over what I was going to say to Mel repeatedly in my head, and no matter how I worded it, I always felt like a jackass, even if...