Page 32 of Second Goal

“Kiley.” The way Blake says my name, like it’s a command, has me blinking and looking at him. “This thing between us is new. But—”

“I know.” I stand and take my plate to the kitchen sink. “And I don’t expect anything from you.”

He’s behind me almost instantly, his voice a low growl when he says, “I want you too.”

I turn my back against the counter, and I have to tilt my head to look up at him. Fear and hope war inside me. “I can’t.”

“You keep saying that.You can’t. But the only one stopping you isyou.” Those piercing gray eyes are trained on me, daring me, pushing me. “You can trust me, Kiley. I won’t hurt you.”

Stupid tears prick my eyes and I have to blink and look away so they don’t fall down my cheek. “You can’t guarantee that.”

He grips my chin and leans down. There’s a fierceness in his expression when he says, “Yes I can.”

I want to believe him.

Need to believe him.

Can’t believe him.

“I’m not who you think I am.” My voice is a hoarse whisper.

“Bullshit,” he says. “I know you, Kiley. You may not be ready to tell me all your secrets. But just because I don’t know everything about you, doesn’t mean I don’t knowyou. You’re generous, and kind, and good—”

“I’m not.” Those damn tears are back, and one slips past my defenses and down my cheek. “I’m not good, Blake.”

He sighs and pulls me into his arms, kissing my forehead. “I want to beat the shit out of whoever put that lie in your head.”

It’snot a lie.It’s the closest thing to the truth I’ve ever told him.

Blake’s phone starts to ring, and he hesitates to answer it.

“It’s okay,” I say, placing my hand on his chest and taking a step back. “You should get that.” I start cleaning up as he answers the call.

“Yeah, she’s here.” Blake glances over at me, rubbing the back of his neck. “Okay. I’ll tell her.”

“Tell me what?” I ask when he hangs up.

“Brynne was just checking in on you. She said if you’re feeling better to stop by her place and she’ll help you apply to the college program you’re interested in.”

“Oh.” I pull my bottom lip between my teeth. “Right.”

“I didn’t know you were interested in college.”

“I’m not even sure I want to do it. I mean, I barely passed my GED.”

He takes my hand and kisses each knuckle, making my knees weaken. “If it’s something you want, you should do it.”

“I’ll probably just flunk out.”

He grunts. “If it’s something you’re passionate about, you’ll be the best in your class.”

“You don’t even know what program it is.”

He shrugs. “Doesn’t matter.” A smirk tugs at his lips. “Like I said, I know you. And when you put your heart into something, nothing will stop you.”

I wish I had that kind of confidence in myself. “I think you’re mistaking me for my brother.”

“You’re more similar than you think.” He pulls me back into his arms and presses his lips against mine. “For one, you’re both frustratingly stubborn.”

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