Page 27 of Powerless

“Jen told me that last night at the club, you snapped at her while your families were having dinner. She said she asked you if you’re excited about college and you said, and I quote...” Liam places his water on the counter and air quotes, ‘What the hell do you think, Jennifer?’” He lifts his brows at me. “Is that what you said?”

I swipe his bottle of water off the counter in anger. “That’s not exactly how it was said.”

“But you did in fact say those words to her?” I gulp as I avert my eyes, refusing to look at Liam. “I take that as confirmation.”

I run my hand through my sweat-soaked hair and shake my head. “She fucking broke it off with me, Liam. What am I supposed to do?”

Liam screws his mouth up before bending to pick up the water bottle. “You have two choices, you can keep being a jerk, or you can pull your head out of your ass and tell her you’re hurting without her.”

“I…”

“Can you see yourself with her in ten years? Twenty years? The rest of your life?”

“She’s right though. She’s not even seventeen, and we’re going off to different colleges. Do you know she doesn’t even want the degree she’s going for? She’d rather be a librarian, but she doesn’t want to disappoint her mother.”

“In fact, I did not know that because my best friend has checked out and refuses to talk to me about anything.”

“I want her by my side, Liam.” That admission hurts so much. “I fucking love her.”

“Or you’re obsessed,” he says.

I lean against the counter and pinch the bridge of my nose. “Maybe that’s all this is. An unhealthy obsession. Maybe she’s right.” I lower my hand and slowly lift my shoulders. “Maybe we’re not meant to be.”

Liam walks over toward me and claps a hand on my shoulder. “The Bennett Adams I know would do anything for the people he loves. This version of him”—he waves his hand up and down my torso—“is being a fucking wimp. Pull yourself together, and tell her. You’ve moped around here long enough, don’t you think?”

Liam’s been my best friend since I can remember, and he’s always unashamedly spoken his mind with me. “You’re right.” I push off the counter and head toward my room. “I’m going to take a shower, then I’m driving over to her house and I’m telling her.”

“About fucking time,” Liam grumbles from behind me. His words make me smirk. Bastard.

* * *

I knock on Kathryn’s door and take a step back, waiting for her to open it. When there’s no answer, I knock once again. My confidence is quickly dwindling with every moment I’m standing outside her house.

What feels like hours later, the door opens and I’m greeted by the most breathtaking person I’ve ever seen. Kathryn’s dark hair is pulled back in a loose bun, she has a pencil wedged behind her ear, and she’s wearing the most unflattering clothes a woman could ever wear. But it doesn’t matter to me, she could be wearing a potato sack; I’d still love her.

“What are you doing here?” Kathryn asks as her brows furrow.

I step forward, push my fingers through her hair, and bring her in toward me. I lower my head and take her mouth with mine. Kathryn instantly softens as I link my other arm around her back and draw her closer to me. Our bodies are pushed into one another as we stand in the doorway, kissing with heat and passion. I want her, for now and forever. There’s no doubt in my mind that Kathryn will be my wife. I pull back and slink my hand to cup her cheek, my thumb tenderly stroking her skin. “I’ll wait a God damned lifetime for you, Kathryn.”

She rapidly blinks several times as she stares at me. “Bennett this...”

I lower my head and take her mouth again. There’s no use in using words to show Kathryn how much I love her. She needs to feel what I do. A small whimper of want vibrates from my girl, and I smile against her lips before pulling back. “We’re not over as far as I’m concerned. We’ve only just begun. In one year, I’m moving to be close to you. Whether you do your analyst degree or a librarian degree, I’m going to support you. But, know this. I’m yours, and you’re mine.” I place my forehead to hers. “This will never be over because I love you.” I take a deep breath, pull back, and place a kiss on her forehead. I take a step back and lift my chin. “There’s no doubt in my mind, we’re going to work out.”

Kathryn smirks as her dark eyes look up into mine. “You won’t have to wait a lifetime, only the year.”

“Not even then.” I turn and head back to my car. “By the way, I’ll be back at six to take you on a date.”

Her sinful body leans against the doorjamb and she crosses her arms in front of her chest. “I’m busy,” she teases.

“Hell yeah you are—with me. Six. Be ready.”

Kathryn releases a small chuckle before leaning away from the door and closing it.

She’s mine. Now and forever.

* * *

“Where are we going?” Kathryn asks as I drive toward our destination.

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