Page 156 of Sporty Girls Don't Fall For Loners

One thing is for sure: I’ve fallen more in love with him.

About ten minutes into the movie, Kade pauses it. He shifts toward me, a warm and sweet smile on his face. “I just want to thank you for being so patient with me. And for being there for me since my mom died.” He takes my hand. “You’re the most amazing person I have ever met in my life.”

I lift my hand and rest it on his cheek. “You’re the amazing one. You’re so strong and brave after going through so much pain.”

He places his hand over mine that’s on my cheek. “Only because of you. I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for you. And Ally and Zack.” He presses his forehead to mine. “Thanks for not giving up on me, for being with me, for letting me open my heart to you. Zoey, I…” He leans back to gaze into my eyes. He strokes my cheek with his finger. “I’m in love with you.”

My heart rate speeds up and I’m tingly all over. “I’m in love with you, too, Kade.”

His smile is even sweeter. “You’re the only person I think about. The only person I want to be with. Will you be my girlfriend?”

I search his eyes. “Yes, more than anything. But are you sure? You’ve been through so much. We can wait until you feel better.”

He shakes his head. “No, I don’t want to wait. I’ve mourned my mom’s death and it’s time for me to really live. She’d want me to move on and look toward the future. And that future? You’re in it. Forever.”

I just stare at him. “Are you sure?”

He presses his forehead to mine again. “I know, it’s crazy to feel this way at our age. But I do. You’re the only girl for me, Zoey Hastings.”

“The truth is that I’ve been feeling the same way for a while. When I said I didn’t want a boyfriend, it was because I hadn’t met you. You’re the only guy for me, Kade Sanders. You and only you. I see myself with you forever.”

His smile widens. “You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say that.”

“I think I do.”

He bends forward and brushes his lips across mine. I place my hand behind his head, pushing myself closer until we basically fuse into one. Our mouths move over each other’s in a desperate yet sweet way. Being together these past few weeks has built something between us and now we’re showing how much we mean to each other through kisses.

When we take a break to catch our breaths, Kade sweeps his hand along my cheek, leaving heat in its wake. “Thank you for everything, Zoey.”

I play with his long hair. “You don’t have to thank me. I’ll do everything and anything for you. You’re my world.”

“And you’re mine.”

I bend close to kiss him again, but stop. “My parents are downstairs. You think they’ll catch us making out in my room?”

His worried eyes flit to the closed door.

I shrug. “Meh. Whatever.” I pull him by the front of his shirt.

We kiss for what feels like hours. I forget that we’re in my house and picture us floating on a cloud, in privacy where we can be together forever.

I know, I know most high school relationships don’t last. But hey, I am a Hastings after all.

“I love you,” I whisper against his lips.

His chest heaves as he releases a soft chuckle. “You said that already, but I love hearing you say it again.”

“I’ll say it over and over and over,” I breathe as his lips trail down my neck. “And it’ll never be enough.”

“Mhm,” he murmurs. “I’ll never have enough of you, my beautiful Zoey.”

“You mean Goody Two Shoes,” I tease.

He laughs again. “My beautiful Goody Two Shoes Warrior Goddess who I love more than life itself.”

I stare at him, my blood rushing throughout my body. “Do you really mean that?”

He takes my hands and gives them a loving squeeze. “One hundred percent.”

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