While studying in Garrett Graham’s room, Hannah Wells refuses Garrett’s taunts about her kissing ability, but Garrett keeps provoking Hannah until pride pushes Hannah to accept the challenge. Hannah expects to shut Garrett up with a quick kiss, yet the moment their mouths meet, Hannah is startled by a powerful physical reaction and an intensity Hannah did not anticipate.

After breaking away, Hannah tries to sound casual, but Garrett, clearly affected too, asks for more. Hannah kisses Garrett again, and the second kiss quickly grows deeper and more urgent. Garrett pulls Hannah closer, kisses Hannah with confidence, and leaves Hannah overwhelmed by how much Hannah wants him, which makes Hannah realize the encounter is slipping beyond a joke or rehearsal.

The moment is cut short when Dean walks in and catches them making out. Embarrassed and afraid Dean will think Hannah and Garrett are secretly involved, Hannah immediately downplays the scene by claiming Garrett was only helping Hannah practice for an upcoming date. Garrett confirms Hannah’s explanation, though Garrett stays tense and unusually silent.

When Dean jokingly offers a second opinion, Hannah impulsively agrees because Hannah is shaken by how strongly Garrett affects her and does not want Garrett to see the truth. Hannah kisses Dean and instantly notices the difference: there is no heat, no urgency, and none of the overwhelming desire Hannah felt with Garrett. Dean admits Hannah is a good kisser, but when Hannah turns back, Garrett looks dark and angry, apparently upset by what Hannah just did.

Before Garrett can say more, Hannah shuts the moment down. Hannah hurriedly wishes Garrett luck on his makeup exam the next day, grabs Hannah’s things, and leaves the room. The chapter ends with Hannah fleeing both Garrett’s reaction and Hannah’s own realization that kissing Garrett means far more to Hannah than Hannah wants to admit.