AN: Inspired by a photo of a teen boy and girl sharing a kiss.

Strawberry Kisses

The first taste of romance can be so very sweet.

They always made sure to take different routes, careful never to be seen with each other.

That Tracy boy, her mother had called him.

That Farrow girl, his grandma had warned.

Apparently they were trouble, and that suited both of them just fine.

The clearing was just ahead, and Scott casually glanced around before dropping his backpack behind a clump of brush. In just a minute, quick footsteps sounded behind him, and he turned to see Astrid hurrying up the path. Despite his father and grandmother, he felt his pulse quicken and his belly tightened at the sight of her pretty face and windblown hair.

"Did anyone see you?" He asked, low.

She shook her head. "No. You?"

"No." He waited as she dropped her own bag, then tugged her down beside him and slipped his arms around her. He just held her for a little while, reveling in the feeling of her slight form against him.

"I missed you," she whispered.

He smiled and kissed the top of her head. "I missed you, too." He lifted her chin to study her warm brown eyes, then leaned down and brushed his lips against hers. There was something sticky and sweet on her mouth that had the faint flavor of strawberries.

"Do you like my lip gloss?" Astrid blushed. "I can't wear makeup yet; Mom won't let me."

"It's nice." He kissed her again. "I like it."

She sighed and slipped her arms around his neck. "I love you, Scott."

They stayed as long as they dared, until the sun touched the top of his grandfather's barn. "I have to go," he murmured. "I'll see you tomorrow at school."

One last strawberry flavored kiss, and she was gone. Scott grabbed up his pack and hurried off to the barn, his pulse racing and a grin on his face–until he nearly collided with someone.

"Scotty?"

His heart leapt into his throat. "Grandpa?"

Grant Tracy eyed his eldest grandson. "Where you been, boy? It's nearly suppertime."

"Oh, nowhere," Scott hedged, picking at a loose board. "Just hanging out with some friends. Guy friends," he clarified.

"Hmm." Grant pursed his lips. "Astrid again, huh?"

Scott turned white, then scarlet. "Please don't tell, Grandpa." He shrugged helplessly. "I really like her."

Grant considered his fledgling Romeo for a moment, then patted Scott on the shoulder. "Get on up to the house. Wash your face before your grandma sees you."

Scott sagged in relief. "Yessir." He turned toward the house, then looked back at Grant. "I lied, Grandpa. I love her."

Grant smiled gently. "Time enough for that," he replied. "Go on, now."