Page 39 of Her Filthy Grump

“Don’t promise me anything.” She places a hand on my chest. “I’m not looking for forever. I’m still young and want to experience life before I settle down.”

“Good, because I can’t walk away from you. I need to be near you. To feel what it’s like to see the good in everything.” I swallow. “But I can’t do that if you can’t promise me you won’t fall in love with me. Always remember, I’m broken and will destroy you if you let me.”

“I promise.” The tears in her eyes disappear. “I want a purely physical relationship with you. Two months. Nothing more. When you leave, we both walk away unscathed.” She wiggles her eyebrows as the happy-go-lucky part of her personality comes back in full force. “As long as, you, promise never to fall in love with me.”

I take everything in at once. Her glitter-filled eyes. Open smile. Gorgeous auburn hair that falls in waves down her back. The sprinkle of freckles over the bridge of her nose. I can’t speak.

My mouth descends on hers. I need her promise. Not mine. I already know I’m going to shatter into a thousand pieces that can never be put back together.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Layla

“Dude, I said not to be fornicating in my kitchen.” Gavin slams the screen door with a bang.

“Crap,” I squeak and jump out of Kameron’s embrace.Shit.My cousin caught me with my tongue down Kameron’s throat. Heat floods my chest and radiates up my neck and toward the roots of my hair.

Kameron loops his arm over my shoulders, completely unabashed by the interruption. “Man, if we were having sex, you’d know it.”

Gavin chuckles and hitches his thumb over his shoulder. “Come on, we’re ready to eat.”

“That’s what she said.”

I arch an eyebrow. References toThe Office. Really? He raises his palms in the air. “What?”

I grab his hand. “Come on.” My feet barely hit the ground on the way out. I’ve never been this happy–except there’s a little voice in the back of my head yelling, ‘You’re doing something stupid, and your dad is going to snap.’

I ignore it. Why can’t I enjoy the moment? Every relationship doesn’t have to end in a happily ever after.

‘But that’s what you’ve always wanted,’ the little voice whispers.

Not now.The side of me that loves his kisses and the feel of his strong arms wrapped around my body growls back.

Once we settle at the picnic table with our food, Kameron places his palm on my thigh, and my entire body buzzes. The sun has set in the west, leaving the backyard cast in shadows.

Rows of grapevines line the hill behind the house. Outside of the lit patio, the only illumination comes from the streetlights and the solar lights scattered around their backyard making it appear like a runway for hummingbirds.

I glance around the yard. “Where did Cole go?”

“He skated.” Dixon grabs his beer. “He said he had a call.”

“A call?” Kameron’s eyebrow arches. “A fire?”

Gavin chuckles. “Nah, man. He’s a pussy. He’s had a thing for Harbor for years, and everyone’s pushing it to come to a head. He’s running scared.”

I prop my elbow on the wooden tabletop. “Do you think so?”

“Sure.” Gavin shrugs. “He can only lie to himself for so long.”

That would make my heart so happy if it were true. I’ve always suspected he had feelings for Harbor, but something scared him off. Whatever it is, I hope he’s ready to confront it head-on.

Gavin settles to my left and drags Delaney down on his lap. “Thank you for joining us tonight. We have some exciting news.”

A baby. Please be a baby.My chest swells with happiness. I love my cousin and can’t wait for him to add to his family.

“Delaney’s pregnant.”

“Yes,” I squeal, jump up, and knock Kameron back in the process. Then, I embrace them both.

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