Burnout (The Holland Brothers #1)

by Rebecca Jenshak

“You did win.” I shrug. “And you’re in charge tonight, remember? So whatever you want.” “That’s a dangerous thing to say to me, princess.” He lowers his voice. “I’d have you bent over my bike so fast you wouldn’t know which way was up.”

“I’m sorry for being a coward. I should have told you how I felt sooner, but I didn’t think it mattered. Maybe it doesn’t now. I wouldn’t blame you if it’s all too little too late, but I couldn’t leave without telling you. I love you, Avery. You are the most impressive person I’ve ever met. You’re beautiful and smart, and so talented. You work harder than anyone I know, chasing your dreams, and yet you still always have time to help everyone else with theirs too. There’s nothing you wouldn’t do for the people you care about. Quinn, Colter, Hope, Flynn, me…” One corner of his mouth lifts. “It’s been a long time since I’ve let anyone in, but you didn’t give me any choice. You pushed and pried your way in just by being you, and I was a goner. Maybe I didn’t do a great job of showing you that I was already all yours, but I was. I still am. I want you to be mine. Not just when we’re in the same zip code, but all the time.”

“I had a little inspiration,” I say to him, and cut my gaze back to Knox. “I’m glad you found it inspiring because I was freaking out. What kind of idiot tells a girl he loves her for the first time before she competes in front of a big crowd?” His expression goes sheepish. “My idiot.” I wrap my arms around his neck. “I love you too.”