Page 41 of That Last Secret

“Still hungry?” she asks, her voice laced with nerves like she’s embarrassed over saying what she just did.

I’m hungry all right, but not for food.

I’ve never had intimate thoughts this strong about Emiline before, but right now, I would give anything to throw her on top of the kitchen island and devourherfor breakfast.

Have the taste of her on my tongue for the rest of the day.

I shake away the thoughts and offer her a nod as I take my place on the stool she has set on the kitchen counter. The energy has shifted in the room, and the only sound is the wrapper from the sandwiches.

I want to tell her Brooke is right—that I do care about her, and that I do want her. She’s not just some girl to me, and she willneverbe just some girl to me.

I’ve tried to deny this.

I’ve tried to fight this off.

But I keep finding myself right here, with her.

“You look exhausted,” she tells me, clearly mistaking my silence for being tired. “You should get some sleep.”

“Are you trying to kick me out before we even watch a movie?” I joke, fighting through a yawn.Dammit.

“Go to bed, Logan.”

I nod because she’s right. I really should go home and rest.

I shouldn’t be here in the first place.

I take the last bite of my sandwich and stand from the chair before I toss my wrapper into the trash. I think eating such aheavy sandwich just caused me to crash that much quicker than I thought I would.

“You owe me a movie,” I tell her, pulling her in for a hug.

I’m usually pretty good at learning from my mistakes.

Except right now, I guess I didn’t learn from the first time Emiline had her arms around me behind my bike, because now I most definitely don’t want to leave this apartment with the way she’s holding me.

I want to stay here with her in my arms.

I tilt my head into the delicate curve of her neck, and the smell of honey and vanilla takes over my senses yet again.

“Your friend isn’t wrong,” I whisper into the shell of her ear, and I feel her body become stiff under my arms. “I can’t have you, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want you.”

I release myself from her and turn around without giving her a chance to reply or give her another glance.

Because I know if I look at her, into those eyes…

I would never leave her side.

Peyton

Fourth of July party at our house!

Avery

I am so there.

I can’t wait to see James!

Peyton