Page 66 of Forever Mine

I didn't see what difference it would make if he told me what was up with Lucy. He'd told me about their relationship, so why he was keeping secrets now was beyond me. My mind skipped several tracks and went back to what he'd said.

“Sex buddies?” My voice shot past its normal range, as I asked, “Is that what you said?”

Again, he shrugged. “Friends with benefits or sex buddies. Same difference.”

Outraged, I sat away from him. “That's not where I was and I'm insulted that you think that's what we're about.”

Scott pushed both hands through his hair, rumpling it into dark waves. With his elbows propped on his knees, he sighed. “Maybe this isn't the best time to have this conversation.” The minutes slipped by with only the noise from the television intruding between us. Meantime, I felt as if I’d been hit by a Mack truck. I couldn’t gather my thoughts.

Eventually, Scott got to his feet. “I'll call in the morning before I leave, okay?”

I wanted to tell him not to bother, but something clicked in my brain and I got up to stare him in the face. “Wait. You're leaving in the morning?”

He slipped both hands into his pockets. “Yeah, first flight out. My mom called me at lunchtime and I made the arrangements. I was going to tell you earlier, but with all the talking with Angel, I—”

“Don't insult my intelligence. You've done exactly what you wanted to do. I'll see you whenever. That's if you come back.”

He winced, and I knew I'd hit a nerve.

Scott gripped me by the shoulders, willing me to connect with him.

I stood as stiff as a board, like a two-year-old terror who refused to be pacified. My gaze was defiant, but he hugged me and kissed my forehead.

“While I'm gone, take the time to figure out what you want, okay?”

I didn't answer, but my eyes smarted like crazy. Eventually, I nodded and gulped in a shaky breath. “I’m sorry. I’ve been acting silly.”

“It’s all right, baby.” As Scott hugged me, he sprinkled kisses in my hair and across my forehead. Finally, he tipped my head back to plunge his tongue into my mouth and feast as if our parting was for good.

I held on to him as my passion rose, savoring the sweetness his kiss. But, my heart felt as if it would burst out of my chest and shatter at my feet.