A wicked curve appears on his lips. “No, you’re wrong. I’m allowed to say whatever I want. What I’m not allowed to do is what I want.

I chew my food, leaning back into the couch. “I loved him. That’s what dumb girls do.”“You aren’t dumb.”I try to hold back my smile. “I’m hanging out with you, aren’t I?

He tangles his hand in my hair, and the other cups my jaw. Although I have this all planned, his lips feel shockingly sweet, swollen and soft, and more like home every time

Two things compel me to move. First, the fear of being alone. I don’t want to be alone here. Second, the aching need to beat Blake in any way.

The truth is, I always want to kiss you.

I didn’t know who I was or who I wanted to be until you stumbled into my life. I refuse to let you go.

The way he looks at me makes me ache, but it isn’t fair. He hurt me first. He caused this ache from the start. This inside out, churning pain that feels mental and physical now.I fiddle with my hands, peering up at him again, and all I can think is, God, I wish he’d stop staring at me like that.