Isabella blanched. Surely she had heard him wrong. She'd always known Phineas to be blunt, but this?

"I want to kiss you."

I'm dreaming, she told herself lamely, but as her nose brushed against Phineas', she knew. This is my chance.

Isabella downed her fear in a single painful gulp, swallowing the lump that had formed in her throat. She took a deep breath, lifting her chin and depositing every ounce of her courage in her next words. She met Phineas' eyes.

"Then why don't you?"