Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 94639 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 315(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94639 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 315(@300wpm)
Through everything, Landon has been my rock. He’s the laughter I need when I’m down. The strength when I feel like everything is crushing me. He’s the brightness when my world feels dark. He’s not just my boyfriend, he’s my best friend. And I’m in love with him. I haven’t told him yet, but I’m planning to tell him soon. I know next month, when he graduates and enters the draft, everything will change, but for right now, he’s everything I need and want. And if one day we have to part ways, I truly believe he’ll always be there for me, and I’ll be there for him as well. Since our night in New York, we’ve spoken a few times about the future, but because we don’t know if or where he’ll be drafted, we can’t exactly make plans. So instead, we’re just focusing on right now.
“I’m not sure,” I tell her. “Landon said he would take care of everything.” I step out of the bathroom with my dress on and my makeup and hair done.
Angela grins wide. “Girl, that dress looks amazing.”
I twirl once in front of the mirror. It’s a sapphire blue strapless dress with an empire waist. It flows at the bottom and hits right at my knee. It’s the perfect mix of fun and flirty. I’ve paired it with black heels. Not too tall that I’ll be hurting later, but enough that I look sexy.
“Thank you. You look gorgeous too.”
“Girls, you ready?” Mom calls through the door. “The boys are here.”
Since Angela is going to the prom with Cohen, we decided to share a limo. Melissa isn’t going—swearing prom will be boring—and instead, meeting everyone at the after party. Her loss. I can’t wait to dance with Landon. The theme is Starry Night, and even if it’s boring, I know just being with Landon will make it fun and memorable.
We step outside and both guys are waiting for us, dressed to the nines in their tuxedos. Angela’s dress is red, and Cohen’s tie matches. Landon’s tie is blue striped and also matches my dress. The guys did well.
“You look beautiful,” Landon says, stepping closer and placing a gorgeous corsage on my wrist.
After my mom takes a million pictures, we head to the prom, which is taking place at the local hotel. They’ve rented one of the ballrooms out, and it’s just as I pictured. Swirls of blue and white along the walls. Twinkling yellow lights dotting the ceiling. The music is already pumping, and everyone is having a great time.
“Can I have this dance?” Landon asks, taking my hand in his.
“Of course.”
We step onto the dance floor, and since it’s a slow song, he holds me in his arms while we sway to the music. My head finds its place against his shoulder, and I get lost in the moment.
“I was thinking, instead of the party, we could be alone tonight,” Landon murmurs. “I know it’s probably cliché, but I booked us a room here.”
Is he saying what I think he’s saying? “Does this mean…” I lift my head and look into his eyes.
“I said I wanted to wait until we were in love,” he murmurs. “And I’m in love with you, Harper.”
My heart goes erratic behind my ribcage. He’s in love with me. “I love you too,” I blurt out.
“You do?” His brows rise to his forehead.
“Yes. I was planning to tell you, but I wasn’t sure how.” I press my lips to his and then pull back. “I love you, Landon, and I want to spend the night with you.”
Not wanting to lie to my mom, I pull my phone out of my clutch and text her to let her know what we’re doing. I had originally mentioned we would probably be going to the beach house for the after party.
A minute later, she texts me back that she trusts me and loves me. I hate what’s happened between her and my dad, but through it all, she and I have formed a stronger relationship.
Landon and I spend the next couple hours enjoying the prom. We eat, drink, and dance with our friends until my feet feel like they’re going to fall off. When everyone says they’re taking off, we say our goodbyes and then head to the room Landon has reserved for us.
The room isn’t as luxurious as the one we stayed at in New York, but there’s a huge fluffy bed in the center of the room with rose petals sprinkled all over it.
“You did this?” I ask.
“Yeah, I came here earlier to check in.”
I glance around the room, in awe that he would go through all this trouble to make tonight special.
Landon shrugs his jacket off and sets it across the back of the chair. Then he unties his tie and throws it on top. I watch as he toes his shoes off then untucks his shirt. He reaches into his pockets and pulls everything out of them, placing it all on the desk.