Page 140 of Before I Loved You

What if Greyson found her?

But I haven’t heard a peep from Greyson. If anything, he’s been keeping his distance from me during basketball games and practices.

I guess after almost being beaten to a pulp, he understood my message loud and clear.

Stay. The. Fuck. Away. From. Sarah.

With a deep breath, I take a large swig from my drink and observe my friends.

Tonight’s the night Sarah and I will tell them about us. We decided a few days ago that it was time. Well, more so me because I’m finding it impossible to keep my hands to myself when I’m around her, and it’s only a matter of time before someone notices.

So yeah, call me selfish, but I’m ready to let the whole damn world know that she’s mine.

Not to mention, Sarah’s baby bump is developing as she’s in her second trimester—a word I learned from one of the baby books I purchased—and it won’t be long until it’s apparent that a baby is growing inside her. There might even come a point when the oversized sweatshirts aren’t enough to keep our secret anymore.

So, it’s time.

And I’m good with that because, on top of wanting everyone to know that this woman is mine, I want everyone to know that this woman is having my baby.

I quickly put another drink together and stride toward the group to find Nate kissing Natalie as though it were their last night on Earth together. These two can’t keep their hands off of each other. And I’m pretty sure I used to be jealous about that, but now that I have someone I can’t seem to keep my hands off of, I understand the feeling.

It’s love.

And goddammit, I love Sarah more than life itself.

The word has been bubbling inside me for weeks, months, no… If I’m being honest with myself, it’s been bubbling inside me since the moment I first laid eyes on her.

That was the moment I fell in love with her.

I’ve been overthinking when I should tell her—wanting everything to be perfect for her. Wanting to be sure she feels the same way. But is there ever a right moment to say those three words? Or is it something you just rush out because you can’t hold it inside you for another damn second?

Either way, it’s time to let her know how I feel.

To let her know how I’ve always felt.

And always will feel.

Reaching the group, I hold out the red solo cup for Vanessa. “Hey, Vanessa. Want a drink? It’s your favorite.”

She takes it from me, notices the red liquid, and smiles. “Thank you, Paul. Always such a gentleman.”

I take a sip from my cup. “Anything for you, ladies.” Nate and Natalie are locked in a staring contest, having a private conversation with their eyes. “Hey, love birds. You’re supposed to wait until midnight.”

Natalie giggles, pulling away from Nate. “I tried telling him that, but he wouldn’t listen to me.”

“How do you put up with them?” I ask Vanessa.

“Aw, I think it’s cute.” Vanessa smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes as sorrow overpowers her features. I would bet money it has to do with Jason, who is currently on his way to California for the Rose Bowl game tomorrow.

“Hey, guys!” I hear her voice and immediately feel a lightness in my chest.

She’s here. She’s safe. She’s okay.

Still drinking from my cup, I let my eyes rove over Sarah as she approaches, loving the short silver dress she’s wearing that pushes away from her waist, hiding her baby bump and showing off those sexy tattoos on her body. She pushes her jet-black hair over her shoulder, and I’m already counting down the minutes until I can fist it as I shove my cock in her pretty pussy.

Fucking hell, I wish everyone would leave right now so I could take her upstairs and devour every goddamn beautiful inch of her.

“Oh my God, Sarah, this dress is everything.” Vanessa twirls her finger, waiting for Sarah to give a spin for her, which she does. The light catching on her dress makes her sparkle, and the smile that flashes on her face makes her shine.

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