Page 37 of Second Goal

She’ll be ripped from you like everything else you’ve ever let yourself love.

Love is just an illusion. The only person you can trust is yourself.

“Bullshit,” I mutter, pushing the thoughts away.

“What?” Kiley looks up at me.

“Nothing.” I pull her closer, changing the subject. “I was thinking about Pax.”

“What about him?”

“I was thinking about maybe keeping him.”

“Really?” Her eyes brighten. “Like, for good?”

“Like for good.” I give her a crooked smile.

She beams up at me, then snuggles against my side as we keep walking.

I may not have the house with the big yard, yet. And maybe I’m jumping way ahead of myself, but already I’m thinking about filling that fictional house with laughter and memories and babies. It’s a future I hadn’t allowed myself to think about. One I never really wanted until now.

Until Kiley.

Chapter Ten

Kiley

“I can’t believeI’m signed up for college.” Excitement and nerves buzz through me as I stare at the course schedule.

Brynne hugs me. “I’m so proud of you.”

It’s silly how emotional I am. It’s only part-time, and the courses are pretty much open to anyone who can pay. But I’m excited to learn. Excited to have something that’s mine.

“Who knows,” she says, smiling. “Maybe you’ll start your own fashion line.” She rubs her slightly rounded belly. “You can start with maternity clothes. I have a feeling I’m going to be huge with this one. I’ve already gained ten pounds.”

I laugh. “Maybe it’s twins.”

“Oh my god, don’t even joke about that. I think it has more to do with Kane insisting I eat twenty-four seven. He wasn’t around when I was pregnant with Noah, so I’m pretty sure he’s trying to make up for it with this one.”

Sometimes I forget that their story didn’t start with rainbows and unicorns. Their love was hard won. And it gives me hope.

“He loves you so much,” I tell her.

“Yeah.” Her smile broadens. “He does.” She lifts a brow at me. “And what about you and Blake? Kane told me not to meddle, but I’m dying to know what’s going on between you two.”

“We’re just... I don’t know...” Warmth creeps into my face.

“Have you slept with him?”

“What?” I laugh nervously. “I...uh...”

“So that’s a yes.”

I nod, worried what she’s going to think, but she just keeps beaming at me.

“And?” she asks.

“I can’t believe I’m talking about this with you.”

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