Page 61 of How to Get Revenge on a Cheating Ex
“Yeah, I guess,” I say slowly.
“So, this is just another chance to—” His brows draw together. “How’d you put it?Forgeyour personality?”
I purse my lips as I mull that over. “I guess that makes sense.”
His eyes meet mine. “You’ll figure it out. And I’m betting you’ll be better off for it.”
I give a little snort of amusement. “I hope so.” My mind’s replaying moments with Grayson. All those times when I’d thought I was being a good girlfriend but, really—I was a pushover. A doormat.
I cringe at the thought, but I can’t unthink it.
And I can’t go back either. I can’t go back to being that Bailey.
And I can’t undo what’s already been done.
My mind calls up the memory of kissing Zack, and it’s so vivid it’s like I’m feeling that bolt of electricity all over again. I press my lips together to keep from touching them.
I can’t undo that kiss. Or the way it made me feel.
I cast a sidelong look in Zack’s direction. Had he felt it too? Because for me, it wasn’t just a kiss. At least, not like any kiss I’d shared with Grayson.
I swear I felt something inside me wake up. And that something was...unfamiliar. It was terrifying, andwild, and…
And whatever that something was, it wanted to kiss Zack again—and this time without a crowd of witnesses.
Oh holy crap.
My breath whooshes out of my lungs and I stare straight ahead at Zack’s garage door. I can’treallywant to kiss Zack. Not for real.
“Hey.” His voice is surprisingly gentle as he touches my hand where it rests between us. “You’re going to be okay, Bailey.”
“I’ve lost my mind,” I whisper. Because I’m still freakin’ reeling from these crazy thoughts about kissing Zack.
“Nah,” he says. “You’ll figure it out. And until you do, don’t stress.”
I turn to face him. Easy for you to say. The words catch in my throat before I can say them because his dark gaze is fixed on mine and it leaves me speechless.
"You won't be lost forever.” After a beat, he adds, “I won’tletyou stay lost forever.”
His promise makes my heart thud painfully.
He reaches out and tucks some hair behind my ear. “You might not know who you are right now, butIknow.”
I try to smile. “Right. Competitive, and a perfectionist, and?—”
“Not just that.” He’s serious. So very serious. “Youaregood, Bailey, but you're not perfect. You’re strong, but that doesn't mean you can't get hurt. And yeah, you’re competitive and ambitious, but that’s only because you care. A lot. You care more than anyone I know.”
My breathing is shallow and tears sting the back of my eyes as his eyes hold mine and don’t let go. His lips curve up on one side. “You are Bailey Tucker, and you may have been a people pleaser in the past—but that’s not you. Not anymore.”
I nod, my eyes brimming with tears. “Thanks.”
“Don’t mention it.” His smile is slow and sweet, and I feel a response low in my belly. “That’s what fake boyfriends are for.”
SIXTEEN
THE KISS HEARD ROUND THE WORLD
Zack
