Page 39 of The Summer We Played Pretend

"Chloe, wait—" Dad starts, but I'm already halfway out the door.

"I'll call you when I know something," I promise over my shoulder, my feet carrying me swiftly down the porch steps.

God, what if he’s seriously injured.

What if he’s dead?

No. I can't think like that. I have to focus on getting to him.

As I slide into my car, I realize my hands are trembling so badly I can barely get the key in the ignition. I start the car and peel out of the driveway, my heart pounding a frantic rhythm against my ribs. The quiet streets of Elmwood Glen blur past as I push the speed limit, every second feeling like an eternity.

I should have told him yesterday. I shouldn’t have wasted time. I should have said how amazing that kiss was and that I wanted more.

Why didn’t I tell him how I felt?

Because you were scared.

I was. I didn’t want him rejecting me. Or telling me he only sees me as his best friend’s little sis. But this is worse. Now, I don’t even care if he laughs at me for my feelings—not that he would. All I need to know is he’s okay.

"God, let him be okay,” I say aloud.

I can’t lose him. Not now.

Chapter Seventeen

Jackson

I'm flicking through dull daytime TV when a car pulls into the driveway. I get up from my spot on the couch and see Chloe climbing out of the car, slamming the door shut and marching up the sidewalk.

Shit. She’s probably pissed at me for not texting her back.

With my hand throbbing and my mind a mess, I haven’t figured out a way to talk to her yet.

I go to the front door and pull it open before she can ring the bell.

"Chloe, what—"

My words are cut off as Chloe flings herself into my arms, her lips crashing into mine. For a split second, I'm frozen in shock. Her lips are warm and firm and she feels like freakin’ heaven. But then instinct takes over and I'm kissing her back, my arms wrapping around her waist to pull her closer.

It's everything I've ever dreamed of and more. Her lips are urgent against mine, and I can feel the rapid beat of her heart echoing my own. A thousand thoughts race through my mind but I push them all aside, losing myself in the moment.

When we finally break apart, I suck in a breath and search Chloe's face. Her cheeks are flushed. I open my mouth to speak, but no words come out.

I gently ease my arms from around her and she wavers slightly and puts her hand to the doorframe.

“I heard what happened,” she tells me, her voice breathy. “I came over as soon as I heard.”

“What happened…?”

“The fire? At your Dad’s place? I thought…” Chloe bites down on her bottom lip and looks me up and down. “God, Jackson, I feared the worst.”

I shouldn’t like her concern but I do. IwantChloe caring for me.

“I'm fine.” I lift my bandaged hand. “It hurts, but I’m fine.”

Chloe eyes me for a few moments.

“I’m fine,” I insist again. “It was a stupid, distracted moment.” I won’t admit I was distracted by her. “But no permanent damage done.”

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