Page 41 of Tempt Her

“Why didn’t you ever tell anyone?” I ask. “You could’ve made my life a mess too.”

She shrugs. “Because I know how much words hurt. I’d never do that to someone, especially you—my first kiss.”

Damn, how I wish we could go back to her confidence back then and my life before I made the biggest mistake.

What would we be like now if I had stayed at my locker that first time after our kiss when she approached me in the school hallway? Hugging a red notebook, she asked, “How was your summer?”

“Fine,” I answered, instantly sweating again at her beauty and boldness.

“Would you wanna hang out? Like, meet up at Burger King after school today?”

She was so brave, asking me out. And I didn’t believe—no matter how much I adored her—all the stares we’d get and shit we’d have talked about us; I didn’t think we’d be strong enough to take it.

Truth is, it was me who needed to be stronger like she was back then.

“I….” I hated hurting her that day, but it was for the best. I thought a White girl like her had no idea how cruel people could be. I was wrong. She’s married to that cruelty now. “I gotta help my dad, sorry.”

I slammed my locker shut, walked away, and never spoke to Stacey again until this week.

Until now, when the tables are turned, and I know deep down that brave girl is in there. And I don’t give a damn these days about how people judge love. I’m not losing another day of my life rotting in someone else’s narrow prison.

“Stacey,” I tell her, backing out of the closet and hating every inch away from her, “I won’t walk away this time. I mean—”

“I know.” Her smile is soft. “Go. I’ll be okay, Mateo. Thanks.”

CHAPTERTWELVE

Ican’t hide how much I’ve fallen for Stacey. And I can’t hide how pissed I am that Ford’s keeping me from her.

Not like I can’t defy his orders and go over there and see her. I want to, but I know he’s right.

As alive and right as I feel with Stacey in my arms, it’s all wrong. Senator Gentry Evans can ruin lives, hers the most.

Still, I did what I could.

I got Stacey a phone the next day. While I charged it in my car, I drove around her neighborhood until I saw the delivery van. For a hundred dollars, the delivery woman said she’d get my present to Stacey, especially once I told her that it was Stacey’s birthday and she was all alone.

Now we talk on the phone whenever she can take a chance calling me.

The day after Christmas, Ford went to her house and finished the kitchen that week until our job was done.

“He was such a dick,” Stacey said of him. “He didn’t even say a word to me, andstill,he’s a dick.”

She was standing in her side courtyard. It was the day before New Year’s Eve.

“He’s just being smart,” I told her. “He’s right about your husband, as much as I fucking hate it.”

“When will I see you again?”

The desperation on her face in our video call matched mine.

“I don’t know. Our job is over, your husband’s back home more, and you said he monitors everywhere you go.”

I watched her stare at the sky, the look on her gorgeous face getting more determined. “I know how,” she said. “Just give me some time.”

“Don’t risk anything.” It made me worry. Men like Gentry Evans sport with golf and guns. “I’ll figure out a way to see you. I promise.”

“Me too,” she said. “You’ll recognize the chance when you see it.”