Page 149 of Sweetheart

"I love you," I yelled. "I love you so much it's ridiculous."

Sam's jaw went slack, and in the next instant, I was speeding away on the back of Hayden's bike. I liked the feeling of freedom, the air blowing against my face. It was a rush for sure. But not as much of a thrill as finally confessing my feelings.

My heart only beat harder as we came to a stop a few minutes later, and a familiar Mustangrolled to a stop behind us. Sam got out of the car, slammed his door, and strode over to me. I couldn't tell if he wasupsetor elated. Probably both.

"Are you kidding me, Kent?" he said.

"What?" I said back.

"You can't just tell someone you love them then speed off with your arms wrapped around some other guy."

"Why not?"

"Because," he sputtered. "Just because."

Hopping off the bike with a laugh, I said, "Thanks, Hayden."

"No problem, Scarlett. Sam, I'll see you."

"Later." Sam lifted his chin in a nod. When we were alone, I walked over and threw my arms around his shoulders.

"You're cute when you're pretending to be mad," I said.

"Who's pretending?" Sam said back.

I leaned up and pressed a kiss against his lips, one he prolonged by following me as I rocked back on my heels. "So cute," I repeated.

"Been called stunning," he said.

"Never going to let that go. Are you?"

"Nope. It'll be carved on my grave."

"That's so morbid," I said.

"Thought it was romantic," he said.

Taking a deep breath, I looked up into his eyes and let him see my heart, fully and completely, for the first time.

"I have a confession to make," I said and watched as his breath hitched. "Isecretly love that you can sleep through class and still make good grades.Your gorgeous face and soccer body certainly don't hurt—but you're so much more than that.I love that you are literally the best big brother ever. I love thatyou did all this for me today even when you thought I wasn't in love with you anymore."

"I'm a hard guy to fall out of love with," he said.

"You are. You really are."

Sam smiled.

"You're my person, and I'm so yours."

"Really?"

"You check all my boxes, Sam Bishop," I said. "I love you."

"I love you more," he said.

And then he kissed me.

Charlotte was right again. Sometimes, fake love does turn real. But our love was never fake.It was only waiting for the right moment to emerge.

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