Page 122 of Never Will I Ever

“Don’t make me regret this.”

It’s a plea, dragged over the broken shards of our past, and barely recognizable to my own ears. But Avery hears it perfectly, his blue eyes shimmering when a promise falls from his lips.

“Never will I ever.”

And then his mouth is on mine, stealing my breath, my thoughts, my heart. Taking everything I am and offering himself in return, knowing neither of us are willing to stand in the way of what this has become. Whatwecan be.

That’s the difference in this kiss from all the others.

It’s a hello and goodbye all in one.

It’s us leaving the past in the past, ready to start on an entirelynew chapter. One that doesn’t erase the pain and shame and hurt but uses those things to shape what comes next. Shaping our story into something even better. And as I lose myself in the feel of his fingers sliding through my hair and my tongue teasing the seam of his lips, I can’t wait to find out what that is.

We break apart far too soon, chests heaving and hearts racing as I drop my forehead to his. My emotions are still in the clouds, lingering among the stars as his soft breaths coast over my lips, and it’s a high I’ve never experienced.

Because what I feel for him doesn’t happen every day.

“I love you, baby,” I whisper, the words I’d been terrified of before now leaving with ease. “And I’ll never ask you for perfection. All I want is to be the hand you reach for when things get difficult.”

“You already are. You have been since the beginning.”

Unable to stop myself, I pull him back in for another scorching kiss. My hands sink into the soft, golden strands of hair at the back of his head while I mold my mouth to his, wanting to live in this moment for the rest of my life.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen, because there’s a loud cough from nearby before a booming voice calls out across the field.

“Not to interrupt, but I’ve gotta lock up and get going.”

Coach.

I freeze instantly. He knew I was heading here to look for my glove, and probably came to see if I was successful. And my dumb ass completely forgot about that tidbit the second I laid eyes on Avery.

God, how could I be so stupid?

My stomach rolls, worrying how Avery’s going to react to being caught like this. But rather than recoiling or freezing like I did, Avery presses one more gentle kiss to my lips and slowly pulls away.

His attention shifts to a spot over my shoulder, and he clears his throat softly before calling out, “Yep, no problem. We’re just about to head out.”

Gnawing at my lower lip, I turn and find Coach staring at the two of us, his expression completely void of emotion. Either he’s got one helluva poker face, or I’m just delusional enough to think we might be in the clear.

Until he goes and ruins it.

“I’ll take care of this, since it seems you got a bit distracted,” he says, holding up my glove. “Have a good one, guys.”

I cough and give him a faint nod. “Yeah. Thanks, Coach.”

With that awkward encounter under our belt, Avery and I make ourselves scarce, heading out so Coach can lock up. My mind spins faster than an Olympic figure skater, whirling out of control by the time we reach the parking lot. Even when Avery takes my hand and leads me to where my car is parked, I’m weighed down with worry and guilt for being caught like that.

It’s definitely not the way I envisioned starting over with him, and I know that’s the thought written on my face when Avery turns in front of me, leaning against my passenger door.

“I’m sorry. I should’ve been more careful,” I say in a rush.

“It’s fine, I don’t care.” He shakes his head, a little smile on his face. “And besides, I already told Coach.”

Told him?

“Coach knows I’m gay,” Avery says calmly, elaborating before I can ask him to.

Of course, the revelation leaves me momentarily speechless before a sputtered, “S-since when?” leaves my mouth.

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