Page 4 of Rumor Has It

“Yep. I stuffed everything behind the seat last night before I went to bed.” I lean against the front of my truck, out of the line of sight of prying eyes.

He lays his hand on the hood, boxing me in and making all my girly parts tingle. “Do you have an alibi, or do I need to make something up for you?”

“I’m good,”—I stare into his deep chocolate eyes—“but that’s for you to find out. Unless, you’re scared?”

His gaze sets me on fire; there’s no denying the heat between us. It’s palpable. So why am I afraid to tell him just how much he means to me? “Seriously? Is that what you think, Kenzie?”

“Hey, hey, hey, people. What’s up?” We jump apart at the sound of Ridge’s voice. I practically stomp my foot, thinking about how close we might have been to finally kissing. I need Boone to kiss me!

“What do you want?” I grumble, pleading with my eyes for him to go away. Ridge smirks knowing what he’s just done, earning him a dirty look from me.

“I think the better question is, what does Boone want?” He waggles his brows.

“Mackenzie’s changing my oil.” Boone twirls his keys around his finger, just like I do, and I can’t help but to smile. He side-eyes me, grinning.

“Right, right.” Ridge nods. “It didn’t look at all like you were hoping to pop Mack’s hood, ya know, and check her oil.”

“Would you grow up!” I push off my truck, storming past them. “Boone, pull the car in.”

Ridge, my soon to be former friend, bursts into laughter. “Yeah, Boone. Get on in there and get your dip stick out.”

“Ridge!” I snatch an empty bottle off the table and hurl it at his head, as Boone slides into his car, snickering. “Do boys ever grow up? Y’all are ridiculous.”

“But you love us.” Ridge bats his lashes before a wicked grin forms on his mischievous face. “Or, at least, one of us.”

I flip him off as Boone pulls into the bay. “I hate you.”

“Maybe, but you love me too.” He elbows me before walking away. “I need to go finish a drive train. Y’all be good.”

“Yeah, I hate him.” I groan, spinning around to be faced with Boone. I blush as he shoves his hands in his pockets, looking delicious and making me weak in the knees.

“After all these years, now the truth comes out.” He sighs heavily.

“I meant Ridge, not you.”

“Surrre you did.” He cocks his brow, walking past me. “Let’s get going. I have plans for tonight, and I can’t be late.”

His body brushes against mine, sending a frenzy of desire through me like a wild fire. I wet my lips, hoping to abate the need I have for him. I’ve never needed someone as much as I do Boone.

When we were twelve, things between us began to change, and so did our bodies. By the time we were fifteen, I found an entirely new appreciation for his toned abs and his heated gaze.

Boone became muscular and handsome. His visits went from once every few weeks when we were eight, to every weekend, and now, I count the hours until I can see him again.

He never acts as though I’m not good enough, but there’s no escaping his friends know the difference. I can’t remember a time they haven’t made me feel bad for having dirty nails and coveralls.

Grade school wasn’t terrible, but it’s a small town and by the time most of them discovered I was definitely a girl, the tongue wagging shifted. I’ve lived in relentless torment of my bullies.

Once they discovered Boone and I were friends, they’ve given him hell and made me live in it. But I wouldn’t change a thing, because he sees me for who I am, not how much I’m worth.

The mere mention of Boone’s name stirs emotions deep in my core, as if a magnet pulls me to him. I won’t lie, I’m afraid. I live in fear that if he ever listens to the rest of this town, he’ll never look at me the same way again.

“So what are we doing tonight?” I rifle through the tools, trying to distract myself from all the thoughts plaguing me about spending another night with him. It’s our thing, and I want nothing more than to tell him how I feel, but I’m always hesitant.

His head pops up from the front end, grinning at me. “Changing my oil if you don’t get a move on.”

“Well, you’ve been standing over here…” I pop my hip, placing my fist on it. “Why isn’t it done yet?”

“I’ve been waiting for you to help me.”