Page 57 of Finish Line

I’m unsure how to manage it, but somehow, I fall asleep and don’t wake until morning.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

SHELBY

The next morning, the guys surprise us girls with breakfast.

During the meal, Luke suggests we go down to the beach. “We put the towels and umbrellas out for you.”

“The Knights only have two jet skis, so Dom, Luke, Sam, Mav, and I will rent some.” Cam puts away the last dish.

“If the girls can pack the cooler and take whatever you want down, we’ll meet you on the beach,” Dom says.

Mav bounces up to me. “Shelby, can I please talk to you.”

“Sure.” I walk away from the kitchen and over to the steps. “What’s up?”

“I don’t want to ruin our fun today, but I won’t be able to enjoy my time until I talk to you.” His hands move a mile a minute, and this is the first time I’ve noticed how restless he is.

I lean on the back of the couch. “I’m listening.”

He run his hand through his black hair, almost to the point of pulling it. “I’m not sure where to start.”

“Breathe, Mav.” Without hesitating, I reach out and touch his arm. “Just say what you need to say.”

He takes a deep breath, then lets it out. “I swear on my life I didn’t kiss Maddy. I turned away, and she kissed right here.” He points to the corner of his mouth. “The rest were on my chin around here.” He taps his jawline.

“I heard you that night when you were talking to Cam,” I admit. “Since then, I’ve thought about what it’s like to be under that asshole’s control. They say that when you’re under hypnosis, deep down, you have to want to do whatever command you follow, but that’s bullshit.”

I shake my head in anger. “If you saw a hypnosis show, they make fools out of the audience. There’s no way those people want to go up on stage in front of hundreds of people to be made fun of.”

His shoulders relax. “So, you forgive me?”

“I won’t lie, Mav, it hurt, and we have a lot to talk about.” I squeeze his arm. “But I still love you.”

“Here, I want you to have this.” He hands me a notebook.

I stare down at it in confusion. “What’s this? Notes from class?”

He chuckles. “No. Since you weren’t ready to talk to us, I wrote down what I was feeling and what I wanted to say to you. I’d like you to read it.”

My vision blurs. “Are you sure?”

“Yes.” Hope fills his eyes. “Can I have a quick kiss?”

I swallow. I can do this. “Yes, stay still.”

I take a step closer to him and stand on my tiptoes. His eyes are closed. With his lip puckered, he’s so damn cute. My lips touch his, and a zing runs through me. Neither of us moves, and neither of us changes the kiss.

“I love you, my queen.”

“And I love you, my Knight.” I tilt my head up to gaze at him. “Wait, wasn’t I a princess?”

“I thought about it, and you’re more than a princess. You’re a queen.” He beams.

“I couldn’t agree more.” Cam comes up and kisses my cheek.

Dom walks over. “Can I kiss your other cheek?”

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