Page 182 of Be My First

“The biggest reason was I loved you, and I knew you didn’t feel the same way. You wanted a fling. You were looking to have fun. I couldn’t be with you that way. I wanted all of you.”

Her eyes are flickering. “It started as a fling but...”

I move toward her and take her hand. “Why do you still wear that necklace, Juno? You never answered me.”

She looks down at it. When she turns her eyes up, they are glossy. “Because you’re all I ever wanted.”

My breathing hitches.

“I love you, Bode. I have for years. When you came here a few weeks ago, I was afraid to let you in – to forgive you because I can’t lose you again. It was too painful the first time. The pieces aren’t going back together again.”

I put my hand on her cheek. “You’ll never have to. I’m not going anywhere. This is forever. You’re my forever.”

She leans in so close to me that our lips are almost touching and says, “And your mine.”

Eli and Bode Text Threat

Bode: Meet me for coffee tomorrow morning.

Eli: Are you spending the night with my sister?

Bode: Let’s talk in the morning.

Eli: Fuck you, Bode. We’re friends.

Bode: I know. That’s why I want to meet tomorrow. Please, Eli.

Eli: Fine. I’m fully prepared to kick your ass.

Bode: I know. Just tell me where and when.

Chapter Seventy-Two

Bode

Eli is already sittingat a table when I walk into the restaurant. He looks pissed off.

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