Keeping 13 (Boys of Tommen, #2)

by Chloe Walsh

“Hi, Johnny,” she whispered, tumbling off the door step as she clung to me. “You came back.” “Hi, Shannon.” My crutches fell to the ground as I wrapped my arms around her body, holding her in place. “I promised I would,”

“I can’t remember how this started or when I got wrapped up in you to the point where I feel like I’m strangling in your grief,” I finally said when words found me again. “But I know that I don’t ever want to go back to how it was before you.”

“I want what we have together. I want our friendship. I want your company. I want our conversations. I just want time with you.

“I’m not in your corner, Shannon,” Johnny replied in a gruff tone. “I’m standing right beside you.”

“I love you, Johnny Kavanagh,” I choked out, clenching my eyes shut as I grabbed his arm and held it to my chest. “Most in the world.” “I love you back, Shannon Lynch,” he said quietly in my ear and I felt the connection I had to him in the deepest part of my soul. “Most in the world.” “For keeps?” I breathed. He kissed my shoulder. “For keeps.”

“I’d do anything for you, Shannon like the river,” Johnny replied gruffly, pulling me in to his side. “Anything.” I believed him, but I wished he didn’t have to.

“You saved my life, Johnny.” Shivering, she leaned her cheek against my arm and exhaled a ragged breath. “You saved my brothers’ lives.” “Yeah, well, you saved mine a long time ago,” I replied gruffly. “I was only returning the favor.”

Getting onto the U20s squad had been my plan for so long, and I was starving for my shot. I’d earned it. I wanted it. Jesus, of course I wanted it. More than almost anything in the world. Just not more than her.

“This won’t break us,” I croaked, touching my brow to his. “Nothing can break us,” he whispered. “I promise.”