Page 79 of Rumor Has It

I tilt my head, picking imaginary lint on the couch. “I think it would be easier for me if you did, at least I could understand it.”

“There’s nothing to figure out here. We’re still us.” He taps my knee until I peer up at him. “I refuse to lose any more time with either of you. It’s not worth it to me.”

“You never could hold a grudge.” I giggle, and my stuffy nose rebels, making me snort.

His brows raise. “Well, that hasn’t changed.”

“Neither have you.” Our gazes lock, sending chills racing over me as I bare my soul to him through the window in his eyes. “You’re still more than any other man could ever be.”

My hands tremble as I dream of holding him in my arms, and taking his mouth until he remembers who I am and what he means to me. His lips part, and my eyes dart to them, begging me to sweep the tip of my tongue across them.

I open my mouth with an inaudible gasp and a need to taste him like no other fills me. His words sound forced, making them sound harsh. “It’s late. I need to go.”

“Of course.” I drop my head, worrying my lip. “Will you come back tomorrow?”

“Always.”

My breath hitches, and my heart thunders when he looks at me. “After all this time, one little word still disturbs my heart almost more than any other.”

“What words have more impact?” His tongue sweeps over his bottom lip, stirring my hormones like

“Rumor, love, and … Boone. They’re the only ones that mean more than my own life to me. Always have.”

A small smile plays on his lips. “Always, Kenzie.”

We’re caught in this moment as the earth stops spinning, and our words finally catch up to our hearts, leaving us speechless and at home.

*scene break*

I force my eyes open, hating to wake from such a sound sleep. I’m cocooned in legs and arms with sheets and blankets everywhere. My lids flutter closed again, blissfully in peace.

“Shit,” I whisper, struggling to move from between Boone and Rumor. “What in the hell is happening?” I slide under Boone’s arm and over Rumor’s legs to break free and onto the floor.

I sit against the bed, my head in my hands, wracking my brain as to what happened and how we got like this. I stand, gawking at these two sleeping like nothing in the world has happened.

I have to wake him up. Rumor can’t catch him in my bed. She can’t know we all slept together. She’ll think it’s okay to say he’s her dad. I can’t let that happen, not until we’re sure. My chest constricts at the thought of making him leave this way.

I sneak over, leaning in to whisper in his ear. My breath hitches when I stare at his face, still as perfect as the day I realized I was in love with him. His lips set just so they’re utterly kissable.

His t-shirt rides up over his abs, leaving me happy to follow his trail. Boone’s thighs press against his jeans, larger than they ever were in high school. No, it doesn’t escape me either. His bulge isn’t from morning wood, but it sure as hell is giving my lady bits the feels.

I peek over at Rumor, who’s still fast asleep. My knees knock as his cologne wafts past me, and a delicious pull in my lower belly wakes from its long slumber. His chiseled jawline calls to my lips, begging for me to trail it with them.

I hoover over his mouth, closing my eyes to recall his lips taking mine. Demanding, yet soft and giving. He commanded my mouth to do his bidding. I sweep my bottom lip with the tip of my tongue, dreaming of his.

His breathing changes, forcing my eyes open. I’m caught in his gaze, inches from his mouth. I gasp, parting my lips above his. My heart thunders so loudly from our proximity, and I’m sure he can hear it.

A smile plays on his lips, catching me up in it, rooted to the spot. Our eyes lock, spilling everything we’ve wanted to say every day for ten years. Our hearts connect without any words, just love.

His tongue wets his lips, as does mine of its own accord. As if automatic, a magnet following his direction. “Kenzie?” he murmurs in his deep morning rumble, and I’m lost.

“Yes?” I answer breathlessly.

His eyes smolder. “If you don’t move, I’m going to kiss you.”

“Yeah?” I utter as desire burns a path through my veins, heating my body with the thoughts of his mouth on me.

“Oh, yeah.” His teeth sink deep into his bottom lip, drawing me in, and I rest my mouth just above his.