Page 354 of Forbidden Billionaires: Vol. 11
“Then what’s going on?”
“At the beginning of the month you were wearing Axel’s varsity jacket to school.”
I pressed my lips together.
“You came home crying after the first party of the year. And you never told me who your first kiss was with.”
Well I don’t know either!
“All you said was that you’d wanted it to be with him and...” her voice trailed off again. “And then you start dating Jacob several days later? I don’t understand why when you’ve been in love with Axel your whole life.”
I swallowed hard. “I’m not in love with Axel.”
“It’s always been you and Axel. Ever since you learned how to speak.”
“I was just a dumb kid.”
“You were crying over him just a week ago, Scarlett.”
“Well, I’ve matured a lot this week. And actually it’s been almost two weeks. So...moot point, Mom.”
My mom sighed. “Scarlett, you never gave him his jacket back.” As if that was the only proof she needed.
“I tried to. He refused to take it.”
“If you say so.”
“I literally just said so, Mom.”
“And your dad caught the two of you in bed together...”
“Studying!” I didn’t want to keep fighting about this. My relationship with Jacob wasn’t real. And I was worried I’d say something that made her realize it. I couldn’t tell her the truth. Because then she’d tell my dad. And then everyone would find out. I wanted Operation Too Hot to Handle to work. Because the sad part was that my mom was right. I was still in love with Axel.
My mom sighed. “I love Jacob. You know that. And I can tell he likes you. I see the way he looks at you. I’m just worried that maybe you don’t feel as strongly for him as he feels for you.”
“I’m telling you that I like Jacob. Why don’t you believe me?”
“Because you’re acting awfully defensive about the whole thing...”
“Because you keep saying I don’t like my boyfriend, when I do.”
“I never said you didn’t like him. I just don’t think you’re in love with him.”
“That happens gradually for some people, Mom! I really really like Jacob. I didn’t realize it before because Axel was always on my mind. But I’m old enough to know that Axel and I will never happen. And I’m finally opening up my eyes to what’s been in front of me the whole time. Jacob is sweet and kind. And I’m always laughing when we’re together. We have so much fun. And he’s handsome. And intelligent. And he always puts me first. I always smile when he walks into the room. It’s easier to breathe when I’m around him,” I added, remembering what my dad had told me. “The only thing I’m upset about is that I didn’t realize my feelings for him sooner. I can’t believe how much time I wasted on Axel. It’s Jacob. It’s always been Jacob. He makes me feel so...safe.”
“Aw,” Sophie said in my ear. “You make Gog cry.”
I knew my face was turning red. I’d forgotten that all of them could hear what I was saying. Including the mime outside. “So please just stop judging my relationship and acting like you’re an expert on love.”
“I am an expert on love. I write romance novels for a living.”
I scoffed. “Romance novels I’m not allowed to read.”
“Well, yes. They’re a little steamy.”
“Gross.”
She sighed. “I just don’t want you to make a mistake. I know when I met your father I wished I’d had someone to talk to. But we were dating in secret and...” She pressed her lips together. “I just want you to know that I’m here.”
