Page 243 of We Shouldn't Be Together
“It’s okay. You’ve kept it to yourself for so long.”
“But I wanted to tell you. Right away. I wish I did, so you’d know you’re the only one for me.”
Tingles dance along my spine, and I shiver with the overwhelming emotion blossoming inside me.
His hands run into my curls and cup the sides of my face. “You’re too special, Tabby. You’re the person I care about the most.”
“Oh, Kai. You’ve made my life so much better. I never felt safe in my own skin before you came along.”
We embrace and meet in a kiss, which sends lightning bolts down to my curled toes.
When we pull apart, he breathily whispers, “There’s no other girl. There will never be another girl.”
I kiss his jawline and whisper, “I might be in love with you.”
His breathy laugh patters against my skin in the most delightful way. “I have a theory that I might love you, too.”
We pull apart only when my parents and my brothers return to the table. Dad yammers on about planning a golf day with Bill, and Mom mentions Susan is organizing a playdate with Corbin and his friends. And before we leave the restaurant, Mom gets all the details about Kai’s soccer game.
It makes Kai squeamish.
***
The next morning, I’m dressed in my coat and about to pull on my boots when Mom asks, “Does the soccer team wear the same colors as the football team?”
“Yeah, why?”
“Well, we have plenty of face paint left,” Mom replies. “Do you want to paint your face for Kai’s game?”
The threat of embarrassment tidal waves through me. “Uh, no, Mom.”
She shrugs. “It could be cute.”
“I went to his game last week. No one did that.”
“But you’re his girlfriend, sweetheart.” Mom tenderly clutches the underside of my chin. “You’d be showing everyone how much you support him.”
I wriggle out of her grip. “Why are you being so weird?”
“I’m just excited for you,” Mom says, her chipper tone from last night still not escaping her. “Your first boyfriend. I’ve been looking forward to this for so long.”
My skepticism peeks. “You have?”
Mom sighs, looking off into dreamland. “It’s such a fun time. Planning dates, choosing outfits, and getting to know each other. Honestly, Tabitha, you’ve mellowed since being with Kai.”
“You think?”
“Mm-hmm.” She nods. “Those two gossiping twits you hang out with turned you into such a little brat.”
“I thought Yvette was the kind of daughter you wanted.”
Mom frowns. “Okay, she has some attributes I admire, but no. I would never trade you for Yvette. It was a stupid comment I wish I’d never made. You’re better than her.”
I gasp in shock. “I am?”
“And getting better every day. Your entire demeanor has shifted since you’ve opted to spend time with Kai instead of them.”
“So, you approve of Kai?”
