Page 68 of Quarantine Crush
My breath hitches as Knox wipes a stray tear from the corner of my eye.
“I’m so sorry, Emy. I’ve screwed up so many times. I know you think you’re the one who’s been chasing after me all these years, but I thought if I could just ignore the way you make my heart race, you’d never realize that I’ve beenitall along.”
He steps back and tilts my chin up until we’re eye to eye.
“Embry Hess, you’re more than my best friend. You’re my soulmate, and I’m sorry that it took me so long to realize it. And that I hurt you so much in the process. Still, if you let me, I’ll spend the rest of our lives making up for it. Will you forgive me for being a complete jackass and let me start over?”
Knox’s grip on my hand tightens as he waits for my answer.
I can’t seem to decide–the war between my heart and my head is paralyzing.
“What about London?” I ask. “How will this work if you’re across the ocean?”
Knox shakes his head, stepping closer and pulling my body against his own. “London was always temporary, not the other way around. I already have a home. Here, with my family and you.”
Still, I can’t find words. My throat closes, and I blink back tears.
Knox starts to look a little terrified. He grabs my hand, desperation leaking into his voice.
“Emy, I’ve loved you since before I even knew what the feeling was. You’re the first girl I ever kissed. Will you also be the last?”
For some reason, that gets me.
Suck it, Alyssa Rourke.
A slow smile spreads across my face as my heart wins the battle, and then every part of me is all in.
“Told you boys were slower,” I say before I launch myself into his arms.
The crowd goes wild, erupting into cheers.
“I think that’s a yes, folks,” Christian yells into the bullhorn.
Behind me, the dads exhale heavily, and out of the corner of my eye, I swear they share a fist-bump.
I tune it all out and lose myself in the feel of Knox’s arms around me and the glide of his tongue over my own. It feels like coming home.
The End
21
Epilogue
Embry
Ilie on my bed, staring up at the ceiling. Even with the windows closed, the scent of honeysuckle is strong. Spring has officially come to the lake, the scent and sounds bringing with them so many childhood memories. In the darkness, my heart races with nerves for tomorrow, and try as I might, I can’t seem to sleep tonight.
“Emy! Pst,” I hear, just before a rock pings against my window. I jump out of bed, hurrying over to push up the window before leaning my head out. The night air is cool, sending goosebumps down my bare arms.
My nipples harden instantly for a reason that has nothing to do with the cold. A familiar face peers up at me from below. The sight of this boy will never not excite me. “Knox? What on earth are you doing?”
“Step back,” he says. “I’m coming in!”
I skitter back as Knox climbs the tree and pulls himself through my window. I rush forward to help him inside before closing the window and spinning to face him.
“What the hell were you thinking? You could’ve killed yourself.”
“Worth it.” He grins, but I roll my eyes.
