Page 128 of Text Me Baby One More Time

“Real shit ain’t funny!” he calls, but I hear the laughter in his voice anyway.

I work on putting the finishing touches on my hair, coating it with another layer of hairspray and checking to make sure my makeup is on point.

It’s weird how having Shep in my apartment feels so normal now, especially when a month ago he wasn’t even on my radar.

Well, that’s a lie. He’s always been on my radar. I had just learned to ignore the blipping coming from him.

I can’t anymore, though. It’s not possible, not after everything these last few weeks.

On Sunday when he chased me inside, I felt like the happiest girl in the world, like I used to feel when I’d sneak my cell phone into my closet at night and text with him. My heart would beat in my chest with anticipation as I waited for him to text me back, relishing the thrill that would run through my veins when I’d hear someone on the stairs.

The forbidden aspect of texting with Shep might have been what started our entire relationship, but it was him who kept it going. He captivated me with his words and wit, and I knew almost right away I’d found someone special.

I had no idea he’d break my heart, but I knew no matter what, it would beat for him.

Young love isn’t always right, but when it is, it’s the rightest kind of right there is…and if my heart is telling me one thing, it’s that Shep and me? We’re right, and I’m ready to fight for it.

“We should just stay in tonight!” he yells from the living room. “That way I can ravish you on the couch.”

“Not a chance!” I snatch my bag off my bed and make my way back down the hall. I stand in front of the TV, holding it up. “I already have my movie purse packed.”

His brows shoot up. “What do you have in there?”

“Nothing yet. We’re hitting the dollar store for some candy. Scoot. We have a show to catch.”

“You do know I signed amassivecontract with the MLB, right? Meaning I do have some money in my bank account?”

“Sure, but where’s the thrill inbuyingcandy?”

“I thought the movie was supposed to be the thrill, not actually getting into the theater.”

“Move your ass, Shep.” I put my hand out for him to grab. “You’re wasting valuable candy-choosing time.”

“It’s weird,” he says, putting his hand in mine and letting me do all the work to pull him up. “I’ve known you for a long time now, yet I’m still learning things about you.”

“I like turtles.”

“What?”

“I like turtles—sea turtles. They’re the cutest little creatures ever. I still cut the plastic on my six-packs of soda because I can’t stand the thought of a little baby sea turtle getting stuck in one.”

He stares at me, unblinking.

“What?”

“I’m going to kiss you now.”

“What? Why? Because I—”

His mouth covers mine and I don’t hesitate to move my lips against his. He pushes his tongue against mine and we’re pulling at one another like we didn’t just do this two days ago.

I can’t get enough of him. He can’t get enough of me.

It’s scary and thrilling all at once.

The kiss is hard and hot and over way before I want it to be.

“God.” His forehead drops to mine. “I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of kissing you.”

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