Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 74103 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74103 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
“Blair, wait… I love… I love you.” I’m not sure where the words come from, but they pour out of me like word vomit against the pavement that separates us. They’re the most real words I’ve ever spoken to the opposite sex.
“Love? You love me?” She gasps.
I nod. “I love you, Blair. I fucked up, but we can fix this. I told you, I can’t lose you. I’ve shared things with you I’ve never shared with anyone. I’ve asked you to move in with me. I love you, and I can’t bear to lose you. You’re the only thing in this fucked up world that matters. You matter to me.”
Grabbing onto her hands with my own shaking ones, I pull her closer. I need her to be close. Tears stream down her smooth cheeks, and I hold my breath, waiting for her to say something. Understanding reflects in her eyes, and she forces a shallow breath into her lungs. Another minute passes between us, and my stomach twists tightly. I think I’m going to be sick.
Then she finally speaks. “I believe you, and even though I’m hurt, I love you too.”
Fuck, she loves me. She fucking loves me.
All I can do is stare in awe at her, wanting to punch myself in the face for making that bet to begin with.
“I’m stupid, so fucking stupid,” I whisper, letting go of her hands and wrapping her in my arms. Nuzzling her face against my chest, we breathe each other in. Her scent calms me. “I could’ve lost you. I could’ve lost you,” I repeat over and over again.
“It’s okay,” she assures me softly, pulling away just enough so that I can see her face. Her eyes are swollen, and her cheeks are red. I need to make this up to her.
“Let’s go back to the condo, and I can make this up to you. I’m sorry, Blair.” I can’t seem to say it enough.
“Let’s go.” She pulls away and grabs my hand. I look down at our joined hands and know that I will never take this for granted again.
We’re both quiet the entire drive to the condo, and as badly as I want to tell her to talk to me, to tell me she hates me, or expel all her sadness, I know I need to give her time. The last thing I want to do is risk pushing her away.
As soon as I pull the truck into the driveway, I see my father’s Cadillac parked in the spot Murphy usually parks his SUV. I had hoped he would go home, back to his mansion on the hill, but I’m not surprised that he is still here. No doubt, he comes with bad news as well. Dread threatens to consume me.
This is too fucking much. I almost lost Blair, and now my father is here again. The bad in my life just keeps piling up.
“Whose car is that?” Blair asks, perking up in the seat.
“My father’s,” I reply, trying to keep the coldness out of my voice.
“Why is he here?”
“I don’t know, but we’re going to find out.” It’s an honest answer. I’m not sure why he’s still here. He made his point the other night when he punched me in the face and should’ve been long gone by now.
Together we get out of the car, and it feels like we’re marching into battle together. I force myself to give Blair a smile as we walk up the steps and into the house. My father is standing in the kitchen, disgust on his features.
“Send your friends away,” is all he says.
“What do you want? Shouldn’t you be home by now?” I growl, tightening my grip on Blair’s hand. I’m afraid that if I let go of her, she’ll run away, and I’ll never find her.
My father’s cold gaze moves from me and then to Blair. Half stepping in front of her, I shield her body from his gaze. “Didn’t I tell you to get rid of her?”
“Didn’t I tell you I’m an adult and can make my own choices?”
“You really do need a lesson in manners and listening.” He shakes his head. “And this little shitshow with the girl and your friends. It only solidifies my choice more.”
“What choice?”
The smile he gives me is one he offers to his clients when he comes up with a slimy deal. As a lawyer, he’s good at fucking people over.
“I’m transferring you to Blackthorn next semester. You’ll play ball there this summer, where there are no distractions. Obviously, North Woods isn’t the school for you.”
My heart sinks into my stomach. He’s trying to take everything from me. My friends, the life I have here, and the most gut-wrenching of all, Blair.
“I’m staying here. North Woods is where I belong. Coach Willard will be pissed if I transfer.”