Page 59 of The Secrets We Keep

She started to storm off, and I could feel him begin to pull away.

“No,” I said, gripping his waist. “Not yet.”

I turned to face him, our arms still wrapped around each other. “Is she looking back?”

“No. Why?”

“She will,” I said a second before I reached up and kissed him.

CHAPTER TEN

Fire.

I was on fucking fire.

The moment her lips touched mine, I was officially going to hell.

I knew I didn’t deserve her.

I knew she was in love with someone else.

But none of that stopped me from running my hands through her hair, pulling her close, and showing her what it would feel like to be mine.

Even for just a second.

I felt a brief moment of hesitation, a flash of surprise, as her body met mine, but then?—

Then, she fucking melted, and I knew she wasn’t pretending anymore.

Her nails delicately grazed my cheek, so tentative. So unsure. She gripped the collar of my shirt, curling her fingers around the fabric until they made a tight fist.

I gave myself a moment to savor it.

One single moment to remember the touch of her lips on mine, the taste of her on my tongue, and all the moments we’d never share…

And then I pulled away.

“Remind me to never get on your bad side,” I said. My voice was rough and ragged, betraying the tidal wave of emotions that were pouring out of me.

“She deserved it,” Marin replied, slightly breathless. “She’s vile.”

I looked out toward the street. Kristy was long gone. I had no idea if she’d turned around, like Marin had promised she would.

I honestly didn’t care.

“So, I guess we’re dating again?” I said low enough so that no one else could hear. My arm was still slung around her shoulders, and I couldn’t help but grin when she laughed.

“Sorry,” she said. “I couldn’t help it.”

“I’m gonna go get our food.”

“Okay,” she said, stepping back.

Why did I suddenly feel so empty?

I tried not to dwell on that thought too much as I walked toward the double doors leading into the restaurant. I saw Billy putting down two plates at a far table, smiling and talking to the guests. There was a bag of takeout on the counter. I reached out to grab it and then pivoted.

“Whoa,” he said, already walking toward me. “Don’t think you’re gonna just walk out of here after that melodrama I just witnessed.”

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