When Nothing Else Matters (Heartstrings, #1)

by Katherine Jay

As soon as Delilah exits our row, Cory and I both turn to Joel. “Wow!” is all I can say. “I know.” He smiles, but it’s not his usual playful grin. “Why are you not together?” I ask, not even concerned with how that question might sound. It’s Joel. He’s not one to beat around the bush. “It’s a long story.” He sighs, and my heart breaks a little for him. “We have time,” Cory adds, and I can’t help but laugh. She’s already focused back on the game and has once again failed to pick up on the mood. “Maybe after the game?” I scrunch my nose because he looks so uncomfortable. “Maybe,” he mumbles with a shrug and turns back to the game. That’s definitely a no.

Summer came to my game. After seeing her sad expression when she told me she’d never attend one, I had given up hope and stopped looking for her. Then she came. Not only did she make the effort to attend, but she looked incredibly adorable with her face paint and team colors. The only thing that could have topped her look was if she was wearing my name on her back. Fuck, would I love to see that.

Time passes slowly, without so much as a hi from Summer. Something is definitely different tonight. Is it her or me that’s changed? Has she sensed that something has changed in me so is keeping her distance? Has something changed in me? Either way, it’s like she’s ignoring me. No, worse, it’s like we’re strangers. She hasn’t even looked my way. I know this, because I’ve looked her way plenty. I’m doing it right now. “You expect me to believe there’s nothing going on with you and Summer?” Luke says, taking the spare seat at our table and interrupting my thoughts. “I honestly don’t care what you believe, but yep, that’s the truth.” Luke loves to push my buttons most days, and right now he’s looking at me with mischief in his eyes. “All right then. Let’s do this.” He sneers and rises from the seat again, before he’s even warmed it. I send out a silent prayer that he doesn’t mean what I think he means, but of course, he does. “We are getting you laid,” he announces proudly, like he’s doing me a favor. Like I couldn’t walk up to any girl in this room and make her mine, if I wanted to. What the fuck am I saying? Cocky much? I can’t get anyone I want. I can’t get Summer.

Fuck! Summer comes to one game, and I’m acting like she offered me a rose and it’s time to win her heart. What is this woman doing to me? “Mother fucker.” I hear Luke curse behind me and turn to see what’s pissed him off, only to discover he’s glaring at me. He pulls me to the side, but then, not so quietly, says, “You’re not single because you want to be. You’re just biding your time, hoping Summer will change her ways.” He’s wrong. Right? I roll my eyes at him and take a sip of my water. “Summer and I are—” “Friends. I know that’s the line you keep spinning, but we all know you want to fuck her.” I cringe at his words. “I hate to break it to you, man, but she ain’t changing for you. If she was going to, she would have done it by now.” I open my mouth to speak, but he cuts me off. “I feel ya; she’s hot and fun to be around. I get it. But look at all the other hot and fun chicks out there. Go grab yourself one of them for the night. ’Cause that one ain’t for you.” I’m about to tell him he’s got it all wrong when he adds, “And fuck you for making me sound like a girl in a chick flick.” I laugh, even though his words are far from script worthy. “Luke, you don’t have to worry. I know exactly where I stand with Summer. Where we both stand.” Sadly, that’s the truth.

Little Kylie Jenkins… Well, she’s not so little anymore, and yet will always be the little girl in pretty pink dresses to me. Growing up, she was my sister’s best friend. They were inseparable but have since drifted apart. We don’t advertise it, but we know each other well, and she’s doing me a solid here. “You owe me big time. I could have hooked up for real,” she says, but it’s obvious she doesn’t mean it. Ignoring her comment, I walk closer. She smiles and stands, planting a kiss on my cheek. “Thanks for that? How did you know Luke was on my back?” “Why are you thanking me? Maybe I actually want to take you home,” she says as she runs her fingers through my hair. I smile big at that. If that were true, I think it would have happened years ago. She’s a great catch, but… “Have you changed teams since we last spoke? Because I’m up for it if—”

I know Dylan feels something for me. It’s not his feelings I’m concerned about. It’s mine. I spent my childhood and early teens being told over and over again that I’m not good enough. That no man will ever want me. Keeping Dylan in the friend zone is the safest option for my heart and his. Developing feelings is out of the question. My dad may have been wrong about guys not wanting me. I’m definitely wanted. I’ve proven that many times over. Most of the guys even come back for more. But none have ever come close to showing me that there’s something out there worth opening myself up for. Until now.

If I’ve learned anything from my family, it’s that loving someone unconditionally, or otherwise, is giving them the power to completely destroy you. I’ve experienced that firsthand, and I’m not prepared to go through it again. So instead, I protect my heart and ignore the one person who brings me so much happiness while unknowingly causing so much pain.

Why am I being so stupid, anyway? He hasn’t done anything wrong. I’m the one who has issues, not him. Ignoring him won’t solve anything. I need to talk to him and apologize for my shitty behavior. I’m actually shocked he hasn’t called me out on it. I turn and offer an apologetic smile. “I need to—” “I know,” he says with a genuine, albeit shy smile. “You’ve been sneaking glances at Dylan all night. I’m not sure what’s going on between the two of you, but there’s something. I’m pretty sure at one point he wanted to knock me out.” I laugh, though I feel pretty bad for ditching him. “I’m sorry,” I say, crinkling my nose in apology. “Don’t be,” he says, and I think he actually means it. “Dylan’s a good guy.” That he is.

Dylan and I can never be more than friends. I know this. I’m the one who set that boundary. I placed him securely in a friendship box, locked it up tight, and threw away the key. Watching him leave just now made me want to find that metaphorical key, pick it up, and place it in my back pocket for safekeeping. Just in case I want more. In other words, I’m screwed.

I told myself that going to a game was a bad idea, only I never predicted Dylan would be the reason. Or rather, my feelings toward Dylan. The electricity I felt between us when I jumped into his arms was hard to ignore, but something I wanted to forget. Fast. I practically pushed him into that girl’s arms, walked him into her room, turned back her sheets and said “have at it.” I deserve the sting of jealousy I’m feeling.

After Dylan attacked me with one hell of a kiss last week, we’ve barely spoken. Our communication has consisted of one phone call and a bunch of texts. Dylan’s words still run through my head on repeat, to get it out of our systems. It might have worked for him, but for me it had the opposite effect. Nothing has changed when it comes to my feelings on starting something with Dylan, but one thing has definitely changed in me. Kissing Dylan Mathers now consumes my every thought. But it can’t happen. It will ruin both of us.

The ticket cost was all I could manage, though a signed Led Zeppelin record has caught my eye. Rob would kill for this. “I knew that one would gain your interest,” a deep voice says from behind me. I can practically feel Dylan’s touch, but when I turn around, he’s not as close as I thought. “If I could afford it, I’d definitely be interested. Only not for me—for Cory’s dad. I kind of owe him, big time.” Dylan shakes his head and takes a step closer to me. My body heats at our proximity. “For taking you in?” he asks, but doesn’t wait for a reply. Instead, he leans forward to speak directly into my ear. “Summer, I’d bet my life savings on him not thinking you owe him a dime, and I’ve never met him. You seem to mistakenly think it’s a hardship to care for you. Trust me, it’s not.”

I have no choice. “I—” “I’ve changed my mind,” Dylan suddenly announces to the table, and I let out a very obvious sigh of relief. “I feel like getting my sing on tonight.” He stands and raises his glass in the air. “Let’s do this,” he yells and knocks back the rest of his drink. I’m momentarily caught off guard that he’s drinking until his eyes meet mine, and he smiles shyly. Understanding dawns on me. He’s doing this for me. My beautiful savior. My heart rate picks up as I’m caught in yet another moment of lust. I subtly clench my fist and dig my nails into my palm to focus on something else. This isn’t the first time Dylan has done something nice for me, but it’s the first time it’s elicited this intense reaction. I mouth a thank you while he shakes his head like it’s nothing. If only he knew that couldn’t be further from the truth. It means the world to me.

But the killer, the hardest thing to process, is that as he sings, he’s looking at me like he actually wants to know every piece of me. Like he’ll die if he doesn’t. And no one has ever looked at me like that. I’m frozen in time until someone stands in front of me, saving me from my inner torment. My foolish notion. I must have it all wrong. He probably can’t even see me, let alone see me. “Is he singing to you?” Cory asks, pulling my attention from my thoughts. My gaze flits to her. “What? No,” I answer quickly, not at all playing it cool. And really, why should I when I can tell by her raised eyebrow and confident expression that she’s been watching us both. “He’s looking right at you, Sum,” she states matter-of-factly.

“I know I usually take her side, but I have to say I’m not loving her at the moment.” “Dylan,” he warns, but I ignore him. “It was one mistake. One!” I say for the millionth time. I love Delilah, and I completely understand how hurt she must be, but she’s been messing with Joel’s head a little lately. “Do you think she’ll ever get past it? I mean, it wasn’t your fault.” “Not the point.” He’s right; it’s not the point, but it still needs to be considered. Although, he’s not exactly helping his case. “You could ease up on the man whoring. That might increase your odds.” “Don’t start. I know I’m a fuckup.” Joel is most definitely not a fuckup, but he never listens when I tell him otherwise and instead continues to dig himself further into his pit of pain.

“You’re fucked,” he says, and it’s surprisingly sympathetic. I run a hand down my face. He’s right; I have it bad. “I know.” Joel leans forward in his chair, placing both palms on the table. “No, I don’t think you do. I’ve never seen you like this with a girl and…fuck, how do I say this without hurting you?” “She doesn’t feel the same,” I answer for him, even though I’ve seen something more between us. God, he’s probably right; I have no shot with her. Why am I even entertaining the idea? “Oh, she definitely feels something; maybe not the same, but she has some feelings for you.” Come again? That’s not what I expected him to say. A small smile pulls at my lips. But Joel’s next words stop it in its tracks. “Only, I don’t think she’s going to change for you.” Fuck! Luke said the same thing, but it went in one ear and out the other, because I didn’t want to believe him and, well…it’s Luke. But if Joel’s saying it, after all the time he’s spent with Summer and me, then I should probably pay attention. There’s just something stopping me. “You might be right, but I need to know for sure.”

Joel sits back and thinks about that for a minute, a contemplative look on his face. “Aren’t you worried taking the shot might backfire, and then you’ll lose the friendship too?” “Terrified,” I say, running a hand through my hair again. God, it must look awful right now, but I’m beyond caring. “The thing is, I think there’s something real between us, and I know she feels it.” “Well, I hope it works out. I love having Summer around, and she deserves a great guy like you.” “Thanks, man.” “I mean it. She’s been through so much crap already, and I’m worried we don’t even know the half of it.” His lips pull into a frown and mine follows.

“Hi, Rob.” “Hi, sweetheart; how are you?” he says, his voice full of warmth. I sit back into the pillows on my bed, getting comfortable, in case this is a long call. “I’m good. Just getting ready for a night out. How are you and Alison?” “Good, good. Listen, I don’t want to interrupt your night. I just wanted to say thank you for the Led Zeppelin record. I don’t know where you found it, and I definitely don’t want to know how much you spent, because any amount is too much, but it means a lot to me. I only wish you’d dropped it off in person.” Uh, what? Record? I’m so confused until… I shake my head, cursing inwardly. I’m not going to outright lie, so instead I say, “When I saw it, I knew you would love it. You’ll be happy to know that the money spent on it went to a good cause. It was an item at a charity fundraiser.”

And yes, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out this is Dylan’s doing. Ugh, I’m so angry at him for doing it, but…God, Rob sounds so happy. My chest tightens, and I feel a crack in my armor. It’s not the first, if I’m being completely honest, and it terrifies me to think it may not be the last. Sure, we’re friends, but why does he have to be so freaking good to me? “Well, thank you. It was really thoughtful, and I appreciate it. I love you, kid,” Rob says, his voice breaking on the last words,

As usual, I don’t say I love you back, but he never seems to mind. After a few more minutes of talking, Rob ends the call, and I sag into the bed. Thoughts of Dylan drift through my mind, and I find myself wishing he were here.

“No, I can take care of myself. I don’t need you to protect me. I don’t need anyone to protect me. Stop trying to be a big brother.” “That’s not what I’m doing. Do you really think that’s what I’m doing?” He stares at me in shock and confusion. “Feels like it.” I shrug. Dylan runs his hands over his face and shakes his head. “God, you are so clueless sometimes,” he seethes. “No, not clueless. In denial.”

I can’t stop the smile from gracing my lips as soon as I’m conscious. I’m still shocked at how my night panned out. My emotions had taken a beating, and when I shut the door to my room and lay on the bed, I was sure I’d just fucked up our friendship. I never expected Summer to come into my room and slip into my bed. It felt like a dream. In fact, it still feels like a dream, and I’m almost positive that when I open my eyes Summer won’t be next to me, providing further proof that it’s all in my head. Choosing to live in the fantasy for a bit longer, I keep my eyes shut and remain still.

I need time to process how I feel about last night, and Summer does too. I know I want Summer, but I want more than just sex. How can I expect her not to think of me as just another notch when I act like one? So much for wooing her first.

We sit in silence, enjoying our dessert, until a puzzled expression crosses Dylan’s face. He holds his hand up in a half wave and then shakes his head as a tight smile graces his face. I follow his gaze and spot a stunning woman beaming at him like he’s the best person in the world. I’m surprised when a slight sting of jealousy hits me, even though it’s not the first time I’ve felt this uncomfortable feeling. Shit! I need to get things under control. When the girl reaches our table, her eyes find mine, and instead of looking smug, or annoyed, or jealous, her features brighten in surprise and maybe even a bit of excitement. I’m so confused. “Is this Summer?” she asks, looking toward Dylan. He gives her a pissy look and then recovers. “Yep…thanks,” he huffs and shakes his head with an expression I can’t decipher. The woman laughs and sits down at our table, forcing Dylan to move his chair right next to mine. Without permission, that little niggle of jealousy rises again as she smiles his way. “God, Dylan was right. You really are gorgeous. I’m Lucy.”

Spending time with Lucy and Dylan is not at all what I would have expected. They come across as friends more than siblings, and have a comfortable relationship that has my chest filling with jealousy once more. I had that. Their teasing banter reminds me so much of what mine and Thomas’s was like that it hurts a little to witness. But, it’s been nice getting to know Lucy and hearing real stories about Dylan’s childhood, opposed to the ones we’ve been making up.

“So…” Dammit…almost in the clear. Here it comes. “I don’t mean to be so forward, but I think you need to drop the friends act you and Dylan have going on. Especially after what happened the other night.” Ugh…I inwardly groan. Turns out, she knows a lot. “I…I’m sorry.” I stumble over my own words. “That’s not. It was only once. I know he deserves someone better. I—” “Wait. What?” she asks as her smile disappears. God, this is awkward. “Um, the friend thing is not an act. The other won’t happen again. He deserves…” “I know what you said, but why? Summer, I meant that you should be together, not friends. I think it’s obvious to everyone, but you, that you’re perfect for each other.” “What?” “Dylan is adamant in saying you’re just friends, but it’s clear that you two have something, and I’ve only been watching you for thirty minutes. You may not realize this, but he’s different around you—more comfortable, more at home.”

As if sensing my unease, Lucy continues. “I’m sorry, it’s just Dylan doesn’t realize it, but he’s always had a wall up when it comes to women. The wall is nonexistent with you. I can tell from the way he talks about you, looks at you, acts around you. I just want him to be happy.” I feel the heat rising from my chest to my face and give her a quick nod and what I hope is a smile. She gives me a sympathetic smile in return as we make our way back to Dylan.

I’m not going home with this guy, but he sure is fun to dance with…and look at. Seeing my indecisiveness, Joel leans in closer so that only I can hear his next words. “We both know he’s not the guy you want.” Ugh, he’s right, but I hate that he knows that.

“God, Summer. Today was perfect. Tonight was perfect. You’re perfect,” I whisper, leaning down and pressing a kiss to her forehead before slipping onto the bed beside her. She freezes beside me, and I instantly regret my words, even though I meant them.

She sits up, bringing her knees to her chest and pulling her top, my top, down over them, covering the lower half of her body. After we had sex for the third time without getting naked, Summer showered and changed into one of my shirts. I can’t help but get the sense that it’s not just circumstantial accidents that have stopped me from seeing her body, and it’s actually a big deal for Summer. Something else I wish she’d talk to me about.

That aside, to say seeing her in my shirt does something to me is an understatement. I never thought I was a possessive guy, but with Summer, I want to bra...

“Summer, wait. Please.” She stops and turns back to face me. “What, Dylan? What do you want?” “This,” I say, closing the distance between us and grabbing her face in my hands. Her eyes bounce between mine when I stop an inch from her lips. “I want you. All of you.” I’m not sure who makes the first move, but our lips meet, and it’s nothing like our previous kisses. It’s slow, it’s explorative, it’s perfect. Every feeling I have for Summer is being poured into it. Our bodies stay still, our hands don’t roam. Nothing matters in this moment except for this kiss, and when I finally pull away, we’re both breathless. I touch my nose to hers and then take a step back with a feeling of hope in my chest. I’m graced with the most beautifully shy smile I think I’ve ever witnessed. “Stay,” I say and hope to God she’s feeling the same as me.

I also feel this spark whenever I hear his name. Waking up in his arms really messed with me. When he held my hand and walked me inside to “sleep,” I honestly thought nothing of it, until he kissed my temple and pulled me in close, wrapping his arms around me. It suddenly occurred to me that I’d only ever done that with one person. Dylan. So not only did I break my never-see-a-guy-twice rule, but I also spent the night…twice.

“You both want each other,” she says with a challenge in her expression. “But you’re too scared to move past whatever you’ve got going on. Dylan, because he’s nervous you’ll run, and you because you’re you.”

We settle into our usual positions on the couch, but before we begin, I bring up something that’s been on my mind. “I’ve tried to wait for you to talk about this, but you’re clearly not going to, so here goes.” Logan rolls his eyes at me but doesn’t speak, so I continue. “Something’s going on with you, and I want to, no, need to know what’s wrong. I hate thinking that something’s not right, especially when you live so far away and I can’t be there for you.” “That sounds suspiciously like how I feel about you. Especially when I only know half of the story.” He raises his eyebrows in a “tell me I’m wrong” expression. Unfortunately, I can’t. Because he’s one hundred percent right.

“Tell me the truth, and I’ll stop.” He kisses me again, only an inch from my center. “It’s Dylan,” I bark out frantically. He pulls back completely and moves to the end of the couch. I wait for the anger, or the hurt. I’m definitely not expecting what comes next. “I know.” He smiles. I stare at him dumbfounded for a moment before I find my words. “What do you mean?” “I had my suspicions that there was more to you and Dylan, and then when Cory said the same, and you argued, it confirmed it.” “Confirmed what?” I ask. “It confirmed that maybe you don’t realize that there’s more to you and Dylan.” I can’t respond. I don’t know what to say, what to think. Logan’s expression softens, and he reaches over to pull me into a hug. “You deserve love, Summer. And I don’t just mean the love that Cory and I have for you. I mean the love I think you have for Dylan. I don’t really know him yet, but I plan to, because whether you realize it or not, he’s clearly important to you. “Summer, you mean the world to me,” Logan adds when I still can’t speak.

Logan, I’m not in love with Dylan. You’re not holding me back.” “I’m not?” He raises his eyebrows, unconvinced. “No. You’re not.” “Great, then let’s get back to it.” He grabs my face and tries to press his lips to mine. I push back instantly, ready to argue, until he laughs again. “Come on, Summer. How can you not see it? You may not love him yet, but you have definitely caught the feels.”

He glances at me with a look that tells me he’s turned serious again. “Think about what I said.” I’m about to answer when he adds, “No, Summer, really think about it. Don’t risk missing out on something special. You’ve never had feelings for anyone before. Dylan’s a lucky guy.” I smile as he walks away, but this time it’s faked. Is he right? Do I have strong feelings for Dylan? God, who am I kidding? I like Dylan. I like Dylan. Now that I’ve admitted it, I realize how foreign this feeling is. Every little flicker in my chest, every spark I’ve tried to ignore… But now that it’s out there, I’m not sure I can put it back.

It’s three in the morning. I’ve been lying awake for hours with one thing on my mind. Well, more specifically…one person. Before thinking it through, I pull out my phone and send off a text. Me: I miss you. It’s not a very me thing to say, but it’s the truth, and if I’ve learned anything during the time I’ve spent staring into space, listening to Logan’s breathing, it’s that I want to see Dylan, badly. I don’t expect a reply tonight, so I make myself comfortable and attempt to sleep on the couch. As my head hits the pillow, my phone vibrates. The fact that I get excited and jump to read it should tell me everything I need to know about my feelings. Dylan: Is this for real? I miss you too. I’m pretty sure this is a dream though.

Her eyes meet mine, and I’m blessed with the most beautiful, heartfelt smile she’s ever given me. Her whole face lights up, and her eyes bore into my soul, rendering me speechless at the realization that I’ve never seen her full smile before. How much hurt is she hiding? That smile right there makes everything we are doing together worth it. Maybe I was wrong to want more from her because I will happily stay in this limbo state of being, until the end of my days, if I can continue to get smiles like that.

By Friendsgiving, I’m so anxious to see Summer, the morning feels like it’s absolutely dragging. So when evening finally rolls around and she arrives with Logan, I can’t stop the jealousy from rearing its ugly head. I do my best to keep it in check because I know things ended well between us after our date, but I can’t help but wonder if something has happened between them since he’s been at her place all week.

When I open the door, Summer’s smile lights up her face, and she jumps into my arms, wrapping hers around my neck. “Happy Friendsgiving, Dylan,” she says as her lips connect with mine in a heated kiss. This is new. When she pulls back, I look over her shoulder at Logan and silently ask, “who is this person?” He shrugs his shoulders with what I can only guess must be a knowing smile.

He stands tall, squaring his shoulders, and waits until she’s out of earshot before he speaks. “I’m not going to read you the riot act, because both Summer and Cory think you’re a decent guy, but don’t hurt her, okay?” There’s a desperate plea in his tone, showing me just how deeply he cares for her. I swallow slowly and say, “Never,” a little stunned to be having this conversation. Does this mean Summer’s told him she wants more between us? Logan smiles and pats my back once more before moving to Summer’s side.

“I really want to kiss you right now,” she whispers in my ear as she walks past me. I freeze and my chest feels tight. God, I really want to kiss her too, but not just now, always. It’s all I think about. Not knowing where we stand is killing me. Our friendship couldn’t be better, and while I have loved being Summer’s friend, I want more. I’ve never wanted anyone as much as I want her, and lately, I think she feels the same. She peers over her shoulder before disappearing out of view, and her smile lights up the room, not to mention my world. I shake my head and laugh because at that moment, I know I’m going to make this girl mine.

She’s in a constant state of happiness at my side as she listens to the boys’ antics, and I swear, her smiles are something I’ll never take for granted. They need to be savored, especially since I know she’s hurting underneath it all. When she notices me staring, she winks and bites her lip, making me fight the urge to grab her face and kiss her in front of our closest friends. She’s not ready for that yet. As if understanding my thoughts, she places her hand on my thigh and bumps her shoulder into mine. Be patient, Dylan.

“Sounds like you dodged a bullet not sleeping with Luce,” Greg adds. “Because now you get a shot at her fine-as-fuck friend.” What the fuck? I rise in my seat but feel a small hand grip my thigh, breaking my trance. “I’d love another drink while you’re up, Dyl.” Summer smiles at me, not hiding what she’s doing. And dammit, it works, because as much as I want to pummel this guy, now is not the time. Where does Lucy find these guys? I can’t help but wonder as I go to get Summer’s drink and try to calm down. Doesn’t she realize her worth? I’ll never understand girls who stay with guys that treat them badly. Actually, I’ll never understand dating them in the first place. God, I hope he treats her like a princess when they’re alone.

Summer meets my gaze with a smile before mouthing, “it’s harmless,” and gesturing for me to sit. I do as I’m told, and she takes my hand in hers, curling our fingers together out of sight. Her electrifying touch distracts me from my anger, and conversation buzzes around me as I relish in the warmth of Summer’s hand. Her fingers are bouncing on my knuckles as though she’s keeping time with a tune, and I’m suddenly hit with a flash of déjà vu. I smile, lost for a moment in the memory, until I notice Greg’s eyes bore into Summer once more before he winks. What the actual… “Get the fuck out of my house,” I yell, slamming my fist on the table and scaring the shit out of everyone, including myself. “Dylan!” Lucy exclaims, a flush of red staining her cheeks.

I’m about to defend my actions when Logan does it for me. “Dylan’s right. Lucy, this guy’s a dickwad. You deserve better. Hell, anyone would deserve better. What’s the deal?” “You don’t have to answer that, Lucy,” Summer interjects. “Let’s go into the kitchen. I’ll help you clean up.” “It’s fine,” Lucy says, turning back to me. “Dylan, you’re out of line.” “What?” Seriously, what? It wasn’t just me.

Dylan kisses his way down my neck before looking into my eyes. “God, Summer. This is how I wanted our first time to be. This is how it should have been.” He continues his exploration and groans when my hands make their way into his hair. “I’m sorry it took me so long to realize that,” I say honestly, ready to take a leap of faith. He pulls back suddenly and stares into my soul, stealing another piece of my heart. “What…I mean, does—” I stop his words with another kiss and then stand on my toes so that my lips meet his ear. “I want this. I want you. I want us. I don’t think I’ve ever wanted anything more.” Dylan releases a sigh and then lifts me off the ground, burying his face in my neck. “About time,” he jokes and then rests my feet back on the floor before pressing our foreheads together. “You make me so happy, Summer. I’ve never felt this way.”

Rising to my knees, I place my hands on Dylan’s chest and press my lips to his. He smiles into the kiss and places his hands on my face, tenderly sucking my bottom lip before pulling back and looking deep into my eyes. “I…” My breath hitches as I wait for him to continue. “I’ll always be here. I need you to trust in that,” he finally finishes. I nod, though I can’t help but feel like something is off, and he sighs. “I’ll see you soon?” I nod again. “Tomorrow.”