“I’m sorry.” She shakes her head. “This is the best I can do right now.”
“Okay.” I know it’s true, and it’s a million times better than anything else she’s offered this year. We can build on it. Maybe it won’t ever be like before, but we might get close.
We stand there a moment, both unsure what to say next. Finally, Carmen breaks the silence. “So, I’ll see you around, okay?”
“Yeah, sure.” I stand there as she turns and walks away. She takes only a few steps before turning back to me.
“Have fun tonight.”
I smile. “Thanks, you too.”
I watch her leave before walking back to the gym. Connor meets me at the registration table with a look of awe on his face.
“Did I hear that right? Did she tell you to have fun tonight?”
“Yeah.” I nod. “Trust me, I was as surprised as you are.”
“Hell must’ve frozen over.” Connor shakes his head. “We better head in. Lily is laying down the dance law.”
Lily is just finishing up as we enter the gym. The energy of the room is at a solid ten. Everyone is excited and there is no hiding it.
“But the most important thing is to have fun!” Lily finishes her speech to whoops and clapping. Connor and I exchange smiles as someone whistles.
The music picks up again as Lily hands the microphone back to the DJ. People begin to pair up. Ryan takes Connor’s hand and pulls him out to dance. When Lily waves me over, I hurry her way.
“So did I hear right? Carmen was here?” Lily raises an eyebrow as we begin to dance. It’s an upbeat song, so we’re not anywhere near as close as I’d like us to be.
“Yeah.” I lean forward and rest a hand on her shoulder so she can hear me. “She came to apologize.”
“No way.” Lily’s eyes widen as she dances back a step.
“No one was more surprised than me.” We laugh and keep dancing. I spot Gavin and Luke, and Luke gives me a double thumbs-up. I roll my eyes.
After a half dozen songs, Lily leans forward and tells me she is going to the bathroom. I nod and move to the refreshment table since the song doesn’t count unless we are both dancing anyway. Before I reach the head of the small line, Lily is at the gym door, waving for me to join her.
“What’s up?” I meet her at the door. The hall is empty except for two kids still sitting at the registration table. They don’t notice as Lily takes my hand and pulls me around the corner and down the hallway that leads to the changing rooms. The lights are off here and the only illumination comes from the doors at either end of the hallway. Lily tugs me halfway down before we slip into a doorway together.
Giggling, we make hushing noises at each other, which only makes it harder to stop. Then Lily’s hands are on my waist and she is burying her face in my shoulder to stifle her laughter. My laughter dries up at the feel of her pressed against me, and we are both quiet when she lifts her head and pulls back enough to look at me.
“I couldn’t have done any of this without you.” Lily’s voice is little more than a whisper, but in the dark alcove of the door it seems louder.
“Without me?” I lift a hand and tuck her hair behind her ear. “No way, this was all you.”
“I wouldn’t even be at this school if I hadn’t met you at the party.” Lily catches my hand and pulls it to her waist before wrapping her hands around my neck. My other hand finds her waist. She presses herself impossibly closer. “I never expected so much to change this year.”
I laugh a short, low chuckle. “Me either.” She is so close, pressed against me from the waist down in a way that makes my whole body come alive. My fingers have slipped under her sweater, and her skin feels warm through her tank top.
“So we both agree meeting each other was for the best?” Lily’s voice is teasing, and even in the faded light I see her half-smile.
“Definitely.”
Lily smiles, leans forward, and finally kisses me.
About the Author
Samantha Boyette was born in Upstate New York and lives there still today; however, she has traveled extensively within the United States and the rest of the world. She lives with her wife and sons in a small town near the water and writes when her busy life allows it.
When not being a full-time mom, she likes keeping up with her favorite TV shows, doing puzzles, and enjoying a glass of her favorite wines. Of course she is also a big fan of reading, mostly young adult novels but with a soft spot for Stephen King.
Thank you for downloading this eBook.
* * *
All the books totally free of charge, if you like to receive our books on the next time, please Subscribe and join our free books group.
Subscribe
Other Samantha Boyette Titles Available Via Amazon
Other Bold Strokes Books Titles Available Via Amazon
Books Available From Bold Strokes Books
Comrade Cowgirl by Yolanda Wallace. When cattle rancher Laramie Bowman accepts a lucrative job offer far from home, will her heart end up getting lost in translation? (978-1-63555-375-8)
Double Vision by Ellie Hart. When her cell phone rings, Giselle Cutler answers it—and finds herself speaking to a dead woman. (978-1-63555-385-7)
Inheritors of Chaos by Barbara Ann Wright. As factions splinter and reunite, will anyone survive the final showdown between gods and mortals on an alien world? (978-1-63555-294-2)
Love on Lavender Lane by Karis Walsh. Accompanied by the buzz of honeybees and the scent of lavender, Paige and Kassidy must find a way to compromise on their approach to business if they want to save Lavender Lane Farm—and find a way to make room for love along the way. (978-1-63555-286-7)
Spinning Tales by Brey Willows. When the fairy tale begins to unravel and villains are on the loose, will Maggie and Kody be able to spin a new tale? (978-1-63555-314-7)
The Do-Over by Georgia Beers. Bella Hunt has made a good life for herself and put the past behind her. But when the bane of her high school existence shows up for Bella’s class on conflict resolution, the last thing they expect is to fall in love. (978-1-63555-393-2)
What Happens When by Samantha Boyette. For Molly Kennan, senior year is already an epic disaster, and falling for mysterious waitress Zia is about to make life a whole lot worse. (978-1-63555-408-3)
Wooing the Farmer by Jenny Frame. When fiercely independent modern socialite Penelope Huntingdon-Stewart and traditional country farmer Sam McQuade meet, trusting their hearts is harder than it looks. (978-1-63555-381-9)
Shut Up and Kiss Me by Julie Cannon. What better way to spend two weeks of hell in paradise than in the company of a hot, sexy woman? (978-1-163555-343-7)
Spencer’s Cove by Missouri Vaun. When Foster Owen and Abigail Spencer meet, they uncover a story of lives adrift, loves lost, and true love found. (978-1-163555-171-6)
Unexpected Lightning by Cass Sellars. Lightning strikes once more when Sydney and Parker fight a dangerous stranger who threatens the peace they both desperately want. (978-1-163555-276-8)
Without Pretense by TJ Thomas. After living for decades hiding from the truth, can Ava learn to trust Bianca with her secrets and her heart? (978-1-163555-173-0)
Emily’s Art and Soul by Joy Argento. When Emily meets Andi Marino she thinks she’s found a new best friend, but Emily doesn’t know that Andi is fast falling in love with her. Caught up in exploring her sexuality, will Emily see the only woman she needs is right in front of her? (978-1-163555-355-0)
Escape to Pleasure: Lesbian Travel Erotica, edited by Sandy Lowe and Victoria Villaseñor. Join these award-winning authors as they explore the sensual side of erotic lesbian travel. (978-1-163555-339-0)
Ordinary is Perfect by D. Jackson Leigh. Atlanta marketing superstar Autumn Swan’s life derails when she inherits a country home, a child, and a very interesting neighbor. (978-1-163555-280-5)
Royal Court by Jenny Frame. When royal dresser Holly Weaver’s passionate personality begins to melt Royal Marine Captain Quincy’s icy heart, will Hol
ly be ready for what she exposes beneath? (978-1-163555-290-4)
Strings Attached by Holly Stratimore. Rock star Nikki Razer always gets what she wants, but when she falls for Drew McNally, a music teacher who won’t date celebrities, can she convince Drew she’s worth the risk? (978-1-163555-347-5)
Answering the Call by Ali Vali. Detective Sept Savoie returns to the streets of New Orleans, as do the dead bodies from ritualistic killings, and she does everything in her power to bring their killers to justice while trying to keep her partner, Keegan Blanchard, safe. (978-1-163555-050-4)
BOLDSTROKESBOOKS.COM
Looking for your next great read?
Visit BOLDSTROKESBOOKS.COM
to browse our entire catalog of paperbacks, ebooks, and audiobooks.
Want the first word on what’s new?
Visit our website for event info,
author interviews, and blogs.
Subscribe to our free newsletter for sneak peeks,
new releases, plus first notice of promos
and daily bargains
SIGN UP AT
BOLDSTROKESBOOKS.COM/signup
What Happens When Page 20