Page 31 of Rumor Has It

I’m not sure how long we stay like this. The things I do remember is the way he held me as if I was keeping him alive, and the words he said when we made love.

“I will always love you, Kenzie.” His lips graze mine. “Even when you don’t love yourself.”

Day breaks with me wrapped in my favorite comfort zone, Boone. His breathing is light, and I know he’s awake and probably has been for a while. Only Boone would let me lay on his arm until it’s dead weight.

“You gonna let me sleep the day away?” I murmur through a haze of drowsiness.

He tightens his hold on me, whispering into my ear, “I wish I could, but I can’t.”

“Please, don’t say it.” I squeeze my eyes closed. “My heart is already breaking.”

“If you think after waiting all these years to have you kiss me the way you did, with everything that’s happened, I want to let you go … you are insane.” He nips at me, grazing my jaw. “I’m not even sure I can leave now.”

My chest feels heavy, but I know what I have to do. I roll toward him, careful not to break his hold and our connection. I lift my hand, tracing his full bottom lip with a feather light touch.

“I must be the most stubborn person on earth, or you should’ve shown me sooner what these perfect things could do before now.”

His mouth twitches. “I think your lips could give mine a run for their money.”

“Is that so?” I stretch, pressing my mouth to his.

He moans softly. “Mmm, hmm.”

“Your parents will hate me if I hold you hostage.” I wiggle closer to him.

Boone bites his lip, sending my libido into orbit. “Not if I’m a willing participant.”

“Ya gotta stop looking at me like that, baby,” I plead as my lower belly clenches.

He slides his hand down my leg, grabbing it by the ankle and hooking it on his side. “Good god, I love hearing you call me baby.”

“I can tell.” My brows shoot up when his cock pushes against me. “So, when did you plan to leave?”

He places a kiss on the corner of my mouth. “Not until I get enough of you to last until break.”

“Oh, good! I thought it was sooner than that because I’ll never get my fill of you.”

Six days later…

Boone and I turn into his driveway around noon, two hours past the time he was leaving for college. I called my dad to let him know I’m helping him pack his Jeep, and I’d be home after he leaves.

Halfway through, we’re hiding in the closet for a quickie. I didn’t think we’d stop snickering long enough to get it done, but Boone brought the house down, if you know what I mean.

“I’ll call you when we stop for the night, and then once I get settled.” Boone kisses me again, making the hole in my heart bigger each time our lips meet.

I hold him to me. “I hate I wasted so much time. I wish I could get it back and give it all to you.”

“We have the rest of our lives to be together.” He snuggles me closer. “Besides, I can’t think of anyone better to take over your family's business.”

“That’s if I make it through school.” I roll my eyes. “Fine! Go! Leave me here to face the world without you.”

“We’ll talk every day, all day.” He lifts me off the ground, kissing me madly. “How can I already miss you?”

“I don’t know, but I feel every word in my bones.”

He kisses me once more. “I love you.”

“What’s not to love?” I wink. “Please be careful.” I hold his door, while he climbs into his seat. “Have a great trip, Mr. and Mrs. Hatcher.”

Mrs. Hatcher waves. “Gwen, sweetheart. We’ll let you know when he’s settled.”

“I’m the only freshman bringing his parents to college.” Boone rolls his eyes.

I shut his door, leaning in the window. “They love you. Take it all while you have them.”

“Fine, I’m leaving.” He leans in, waiting on me to meet his lips.

“Please be careful.” His eyes widen before softening when I press my lips to his. “Boone… I love you.”

The corners of his eyes crinkle. “I love you, Mackenzie.”

I’m standing in a puddle by the time he pulls out of the driveway, and I’m not sure what to do with myself. I scold myself for losing so much time with him this summer. “This is your chance. Be more open and allow him to love you, even at your worst.”