Sticks and Stones (Shadow Valley U, #1)

by S. Massery

Wren wasn’t their first foster kid, but she was the first one who seemed to fit into their family as easily as breathing.

I’ve kissed girls before. But tell me why my breathing stops as soon as our mouths are on each other? Tell me why my heart fucking skips? And most of all, tell me why Wren Davis kisses me back?

“And would someone so self-centered sleep three feet from you every night in case you start screaming and wake the whole neighborhood?”

“You’re so screwed.” “You’re telling me,”

My heart cracks. She was in here fighting for her life in her dreams. Alone. I can’t leave her.

“Sleep,” Stone whispers from somewhere close by. I inhale the scent of his pillow and submit to the warmth of his blankets when he drapes them over my bare skin. “I’m here, and I’m not leaving, Sticks.”

the way he watches you like he’s afraid you’re going to slip through his fingers.

“I think hating me is her love language. It just means she cares.

“No, baby,” Stone growls. “You have no idea what I’m capable of. Especially when it comes to you.”

“I can’t go without telling you that I love you.” My world stops. My heart skips a beat. I want to bang my fists on his chest and say, How dare you love me! Because I love him too, and all love does is make you vulnerable. But sure enough, I reach up on my tiptoes and whisper against his mouth, “I love you too.” He kisses me, but the door flies open and interrupts us a second later. Taylor is standing in the doorway, and he’s furious. “Oh my God. We’re all just fucking elated that you two have made up, but we can celebrate later. We’re going to be late!” Stone grimaces. I smile. “Good luck, boys.” Stone makes it halfway down the hall. “Ally will be here in ten minutes. I’ll see you in the stands, baby.”