Page 90 of Heal Me, Love Me

“I want you to go kick ass.”

“I will.”

“And call me when you land.”

“Before my mom?”

My eyes narrowed. “Do you want to start our long-distance era with an argument?”

He shook his head and gave me a small grin. “No.”

“Then call me first.”

“Okay.”

“But text your mom immediately after because I’m not getting blamed for that.”

“I can do that.”

I nodded, as if the plan gave me something to hold onto. It didn’t, not really, but it was better than standing there with nothing.

My hand slid around the back of his neck, and I kissed him right there on the sidewalk, without hiding or hesitation.

In the beginning, I loved him in secret.

Then later, I’d let everyone see how much I hated him.

Now I kissed him where anyone could see because I couldn’t bear the thought of hiding him ever again.

Rowan kissed me back with everything he had. When he stepped back, he rested his forehead against mine.

“I love you,” I whispered.

“I love you too.”

“Say it again when you get there.”

“I will.”

“And tonight.”

“Yes.”

“And tomorrow.”

He cupped my face. “Every day.”

My eyes closed for a moment, and then I stepped back, giving him room to grab his things. He looked at me one more time, and I was seconds away from begging him not to leave, but I knew I couldn’t do that.

“Go,” I urged, my voice rough.

He didn’t move.

“Ro.”

He took a deep breath. “I’m going.”

“You have to.”