Page 97 of I Knew He Was Trouble
My mouth tilts into my first genuine smile all week as I reread the sign—Okay.
I shut off the music, now that it’s done its job, and rush outside, nearly falling down the stairs with the nervous energy coursing through my body.
Kelsey stands between our lawns with her arms crossed. I slow my pace, not wanting to scare her away.
Once I’m standing beside her, she tilts her head back, looking at the clear night sky above. “It’s beautiful tonight, isn’t it?”
I’m sure the stars look amazing tonight, but I only have eyes for her. “It really is.”
She hangs her head, avoiding eye contact. I gently touch her chin, trying to get her to meet my face. She flinches, and I immediately drop my hand.
“What’s wrong, Kelsey?” My voice breaks. “What happened?”
“I— It was my mom.”
“Is she okay?”
“She’s not hurt if that’s what you mean.” Kelsey inhales a deep breath. “She was here, waiting on my porch, when we returned from Evie’s dance recital.”
My stomach sinks. I wish I could’ve been there for her, holding her hand during whatever her mother did or said. “What did she want this time?”
“Her most recent boyfriend broke up with her. She ran out of the money she got from my dad in the divorce settlement a long time ago, so she showed up looking for a place to stay.”
I reach into my back pocket, pulling out my wallet. “I can help put her up in a hotel or something.”
She puts her hand on mine, stopping me. The feel of her soft skin on mine is like a jolt of electricity. My attraction for her pulses through me, but now isn’t the time to act on that.
“I don’t want you to use the money that you’re saving to open the dog rescue.” I look at her earnestly. “Please, let me help.”
A single tear falls down her cheek. “My friends already gave her money for a room. I’m sure she’s long gone now.”
I put my wallet back in my pocket as her gaze finally meets my eyes. She looks as distant and heartbroken as I feel. “Why are you being nice to me? I’ve been avoiding you.”
This is the answer I need. One that will help me know if I still have a shot with her. “Why have you been avoiding me?”
She flings her arms down, looking exhausted and exasperated all at once. “I can’t be like my parents. They stayed together even after the love faded, and I was their casualty. I won’t let that happen to me. I can take care of myself. I won’t let anything or anyone stand in the way of my dreams.”
“True love doesn’t stand in the way of your dreams. It helps you reach them. It helps you surpass them.”
“What does love have to do with it?”
I hold her face with both hands, needing her to see the sincerity in my eyes. Gently, I wipe away the rogue tear from her cheek. “I thought it was obvious?”
“What’s obvious?” Kelsey’s voice is breathless, her eyes trained on my lips.
“That I love you.”
Kelsey’s eyes dart to mine. “You…what?”
“I love you, Kelsey Anderson.”
“You can’t love me.”
“Why not?” I whisper, running my hands through her hair.
“You might think you do now, but it won’t last. It never does.” She shakes her head, moving my hand with the motion.
“Just because your parents’ relationship didn’t last doesn’t mean all love ends.” I slide my hands down her arms and take her hands in mine. “Real love—unconditional love—is never-ending. It’s accepting someone for who they are, down to their core. It doesn’t have any strings attached.” I squeeze her hand. “It’s loving someone without expecting anything in return.That’show I love you. Beyond all reason. With every fiber of my being. If you can tell me you don’t love me, that you don’t wantme, I’ll leave you alone. It will be the worst pain I’ve ever gone through, but I’d step away because that’s how much I love you.”
