Page 50 of Runaway Girl
Each kiss was reverent. Every touch was meaningful.
We were utterly consumed by one another when I heard the distant rumblings of a crowd, my name carried through the air like the slice of a blunt knife.
I gave myself a second, one more beat to soak in her gaze, then reluctantly detangled.
As I went to pull away, she called out in hesitation. “Ethan, what—”
I cut her off with a quick peck. Then left her behind.
I didn’t look back. Didn’t even spare a glance. And with each step away from her, I knew I was making the right decision.
Alicia was worth it—shewas wortheverything.
Chapter 29
ALICIA
I walked into the stadium with faux confidence, discreetly wiping my sweaty palms down my brand-new skirt, trying to shake off some of that pent-up anticipation.
However, a subtle smirk crept through when I thought of my family’s reaction to Ethan’s tell-all interview.
Immediately after, my hands were shaking so hard I failed to type out a legible message on my phone.
“Here, give it to me!” Alexis dived, making a swipe for the device, and missed.
“Get away from me,” I said, holding it out of reach.
“What are you going to text?”
“I don’t know!”
Dad grumbled from the corner. “Maybe you should say goodbye, like he asked.”
All eyes swung his way when Mum gave a disappointed huff. “Now, Phil.”
Two words that had my dad cowering. Then, Alexis thought that would be the perfect opportunity to push her agenda. “Better yet, don’t message! Go in person and surprise him, Ali! Oh, my, weneedto go shopping, get you a killer outfit and a matching teddy to go underneath.” She finished with a wink.
“I want a teddy,” Austin implored.
“Not that type of teddy, baby.”
Dad choked. “Ah, make it stop! Quick, Harriot. I think I’m having another stroke.”
"I told you not to eat that chocolate,” Mum clucked.
“It’s not the chocolate! It’s my d-damn daughter’s talking alll-lewdin front of their sick father.” He flopped back on the couch, an arm dropping over his eyes. “See, I’m even stuttering my words. Call an ambulance.”
“What’slewdmean, Papa?” Austin asked, and Dad just groaned.
Alexis tried and failed to hide a chuckle. “It’s an adult word.”
“Well, I’m going to ask Cooper. He knows everything.” He was referring to his best friend, who had the best ears and an even bigger mouth. The kid boys were dynamite and ignited trouble wherever they went.
My sister sobered. “You’re not going to ask Coop. I told you it’s an adult word, Austin.”
“Fine. I’ll ask Coach Owen instead. Then, can we get him a teddy as well, Mama?”
I fell over laughing as Alexis blanched.
