Page 91 of Don't Love the Boy Next Door
I think about it for a few seconds. “Hmm. I’m not sure you’re worthy enough.”
Panic flashes across his face. “What?”
I laugh, playfully slapping his chest. “Of course I want to be your girlfriend. I didn’t just confess my feelings for you like some romance movie for nothing.”
He laughs, the sound coming from deep inside him. Then he holds out his hand, giving me a warm smile. “Come to history with me?”
Returning the smile, I slip my hand inside, feeling just how warm it is. I feel protected, which normally I hate, but now I don’t. Ilikehaving him watch over me.
He tugs me close to him, and together we make our way to class, passing through the throngs of students in the halls who haven’t taken their eyes off us.
As we walk through Ethan’s fans, they all gasp and cry and yell after him. I look back, nervous for some reason. Maybe that they’ll steal him away from me? I mean, Ethan said he doesn’t like the attention, but what if he gets bored of me? Or is tempted to go after one of these girls?
His hold on my hand tightens and he wraps a strong but cozy arm over my shoulder. “Don’t worry,” he says, voice soft. “I’ll never leave you.”
I continue glancing back. “But those girls—”
He stops walking. “Are nothing compared to you, Phoenix. Nothing.” Raising his hand, he tucks some of my loose hair behind my ear. “My feelings for you are real and deep,” he whispers. “Please trust me.”
“I do.”
He bends his head, his lips hovering over mine, when the bell rings. We don’t care, and press our lips together. Everyone else around us rushes to class, but we have all the time in the world, our mouths fused together like we can’t get enough of each other.
Chapter Thirty-One
Eric
The concert is tomorrow night. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous.
Amber’s still struggling with the lyrics. I don’t blame her because it’s hard to learn three new songs in less than a week. But I’m staying positive. Wehaveto pull this off. We have no choice.
The only problem is that I have no idea if she’ll be ready in time.
I shake my head. No negative thoughts. She’s been working her butt off the last few days. She’ll get it. I have faith in her.
The doorbell rings. Hmm, who could that be at nearly midnight?
Mom is already in bed and Ethan’s in his room. I go downstairs and open the door slightly. My eyes nearly pop off my face as I stare at the dark-haired man standing before me with a suitcase on the floor beside him. “Dad?”
He beams. “Hey, kiddo.”
I just stare at him.
“Aren’t you going to let me in?”
“Right. Sorry.” I widen the door and step aside for him to enter. “What are you doing here?”
“What do you think?” He laughs. “I’m here for your concert.”
“You heard about it?”
“Of course. I promised I’d hear you and your brother live again, didn’t I? Now come here and give your old man a hug.”
I walk into his arms, trying not to feel too awkward. The last time he hugged me was…I don’t even remember.
“Who is that?” Ethan yells from upstairs.
“Is that you, Ethan?” Dad calls.
