by Jordan Ford
He guides my head back to face him and gives me a challenging look. “Which part’s not true?”
For some reason, my cheeks are burning. I swallow and try to find my voice. In the end this raspy kind of whisper pops out. “The part about me being pretty.”
He grins. “But you are.”
“No.” I shake my head.
“Yes.” He nods. “And I should know, because I’ve studied a lot of girls.”
I tip my head back with a laugh. “Then why the heck are you calling a she-man pretty?”
Running his hands around the back of my neck, he leans his forehead against mine and whispers, “Because it’s the truth. You are gorgeous. Like one of those sexy elves from Lord of the Rings.”
My face bunches with a WTF frown and he just laughs.
“It’s true. You’re hot and beautiful. I just didn’t think to notice because, well… Because you’re Sammy. My best friend,” he whispers, this look of wonder cresting over his face as he draws a line from the corner of my eye to the edge of my mouth. “You’re also amazing and kick-ass, which makes you a million times better than all those shallow hot chicks I’ve been trying to chase. They’re nothing compared to you.”
My eyes start to burn as the conviction in his voice hits me right in the heart.
Holy shit. He actually means what he’s saying.
I don’t know what to do with this, so in true Sammy-style, I go for a joke. That’ll keep things safe, right?
“Please, don’t get all romantic on me, okay? It doesn’t suit you.”
Tyler jolts back with a mild look of surprise, his eyes gleaming. “You don’t think I can be romantic?”
“Uh, no.”
“Okay, fine. I’m gonna say it then.”
I frown. “Say what?”
“You want me to say it? I’ll say it.”
“I don’t want you to say it.” I shake my head.
Ignoring me completely, he pulls his shoulders back and tugs on his jacket before clearing his throat and announcing loudly, “Samantha Dean Carmichael, there’s a chance I might be in love with you.”
My eyes bulge for a second, my mouth gaping open before the giggles get the better of me and I burst out laughing.
“What?” he snaps. “It’s the truth!”
“There’s a chance you might be?” I snort. “Wow, take it back a notch, big guy.”
Slumping back on his butt, he pulls my arm, forcing me onto his lap. Here we are again, inches from each other’s faces and playing that staring game. “Sammy,” he whispers, gliding his finger down my face. “You’re ruining my big confession, so shut up and let me finish, okay?”
All I can do is nod.
He keeps drawing tickling patterns on my skin while he talks to me. I don’t mind it so much; in fact, I think I kind of never want him to stop doing it.
“Thing is, I think I’ve always loved you, I just didn’t realize that’s what it was. And then I kissed you and it was like… whoa. But then you wouldn’t look at me and it was awkward and I didn’t want to screw up our friendship, so I backed off like a total idiot.”
His face bunches with an agonized frown.
I shrug. “Yeah, well, you are kind of an idiot, so…”
Tipping his head with a dry glare, he slaps his hand over my mouth. “Are you hearing me right now? I’m being serious. I think I love you and it’s terrifying and electrifying and I don’t want it to stop!”
I go still, my eyes glassing with tears.
Seriously? More tears! I’m so done with the crying thing!
And I’m not the only one…
Tyler’s eyes round and he moves his hand slowly off my mouth. “Oh, shit, please don’t cry. I don’t think I’m ready for that.”
I sniff and shake my head. “Crying sucks. I’m not gonna cry.” My voice wobbles out the words.
“You totally are.”
“I’m not!” I try to sit up, but his strong arms pull me down and I’m back to staring into his eyes again. “I just never thought you’d say that to me.”
He grins. “Me neither, but I really like that I have.”
My lips rise into a smile. I can’t help it. Tyler Schumann’s giving me the big feels!
“I want to take you to prom.”
Ugh.
Big feelings gone.
I screw up my face and start shaking my head. If he honestly thinks I’m going to waltz into prom and have to contend with my sister, he’s got another thing coming.
I struggle to get off his knee, but he just laughs and holds me steady.
“Don’t make me hit you,” I warn. “Seriously, Ty, let me go.”
“Not until you say yes.”
“I am not going to the prom, you crazy man. Now lemme go.”
“Come on, Sammy, you don’t even have to get changed.”
“Oh, really?” I throw him a skeptical frown, still struggling. “You expect me to show up to prom in ripped jeans and a tear-stained T-shirt? Nice move, Casanova. Not happening.”
“It’s so happening.” He gives me a cocky wink, then bumps me off his knee. I flop to the floor while he shuffles to the window and peeks outside.
I frown and jump to my knees, thumping up behind him and squeezing my head through the gap. My chin drops onto his shoulder as I gaze down into his backyard and spot our friends below. Finn, Tori, and Colt are lighting the outside torches while Kaija is setting up the stereo. Layla appears out the backdoor carrying a tray stacked with Burger King bags, and following in her wake is Mack, holding a massive tub of ice and Coca Cola bottles. Glass ones, my favorite kind.
Axel’s muffled bark is coming from the garage. He’ll be suffering from major FOMO right now. I cringe for him but then Tyler turns to look at me.
“I knew you wouldn’t want to come to prom, so I thought I’d bring prom to you.” His voice is so sweet right now I want to melt right into it.
Biting my bottom lip, I grab the collar of his suit and spin him around to face me. He flops onto his butt and I straddle his lap, holding his face in my hands and smiling at him.
“Okay, so maybe I’ve been in love with you since second grade.”
“Seriously?” His face lights up with a triumphant grin. “Wow. That’s pretty cool.” He nods. “Kind of hard not to though, right? I mean, what’s not to love?”
“Don’t push it.” I give him a droll glare, which he just starts laughing at.
I love that sound, that low chuckle of his; it rumbles right through me. With a soft snicker, I lean towards him and the sound cuts off.
His soft breath whistles over my skin while my heart accelerates to a pounding rhythm that works through my entire body. I know we’ve kissed before, but it still feels like a first for me. Tyler’s hand softly glides up my back. I press my nose against his and then close that final space between us.
His lips are perfect—soft, pliable, warm…familiar.
My mouth tells me I’m home.
Friends forever…
Friendship is a really important element of this series. I love the group that forms throughout these four books. I love how much they look out for each other, and protect each other no matter what. If these characters were real, I know they’d be friends for life. The kind that get together whenever they’re in the same place, and it’s like no time has passed between them.
I wanted to create a series that had the type of friends I always wanted in high school, a tight knit unit that had each other’s backs. It seems really fitting to me, that the last book is about two characters who have been best friends since second grade. It epitomizes one of the main themes of these books—true friends are loyal, no matter what.
Tyler & Sammy…One Year Later
TYLER
Sammy’s board clicks as it hits the lip of the ramp and she tips back down the other side. Her long, fine hair flies out from beneath her cap looking like a cape.
I love watching her skate. Her muscular, lean body is balanced perfectly on th
e board as she rises up the other side and does a quick kickflip, landing with the grace of a ballerina. She should be freaking going out for the X Games. Seems like such a waste that someone so passionate about boarding has chosen to study at Boise State. I mean, I’m not complaining, because that’s where I’m going and I’m stoked I can keep hanging out with my girl at college. I just hope she doesn’t get too bored and restless while she’s there.
I’ve already asked Colt to scout some skate parks for me. I’m guessing that’s where I’ll find her after every one of my practices. A thrill runs through me as I think about being a Boise State Bronco. Colt and me together again. It’s going to be epic.
Glancing at my watch, I figure we should probably make tracks. Colt and Tori are due here any minute and I don’t want to miss the big reveal. Pixie Girl’s probably going to scream and start making out with Colt when she finds out what he’s planned as a surprise. It’ll be gag worthy, but I still want to be there.
“Hey, Sammy!” I holler, waving my hand for her to get off the ramp.
“Just a minute!” she yells back, dipping down for another trick.
I roll my eyes. She has no idea that a minute means sixty seconds.
“Come on, Sams. We’re going to be late.”
“Stop acting like my grandmother,” she grumbles, pulling off a smooth frontside ollie.
I snicker and shake my head. “Get your butt down here! Or you can walk your ass to the Burgerhouse.”
She laughs and keeps skating.
“I will kick your ass, sexy girl.”
Her laughter only intensifies. “You can try, but you know you’ll just end up kissing my butt, oh lame one.”
She flips her board up and tucks it under her arm.
“Get over here.” I run towards her and we meet halfway.
As soon as she’s close enough, she jumps into my arms, wrapping her legs around my waist. I cup her tight butt and sink into one of her lavish kisses. She’s seriously the best kisser on the planet. That tongue of hers can do magical things, I swear.
I moan into her mouth and start walking for the car.
Resting her board across the back of my shoulders, she mumbles into my mouth, “Trip and your ass is grass, Schumann.”
“I’ve already fallen for you once, I’m not planning on doing it again.” I grin.
She rolls her eyes but then concedes. “That was actually pretty smooth.”
We reach Mack’s Camaro, which has yet to be scratched even once. I’ve kept my word and looked after his baby. Placing Sammy on the hood, I guide her legs back around me when she starts to pull away.
“Aren’t we going to be late?” She laughs as I suck the tip of her chin then trail my lips down her neck.
She clutches my shoulders and lets out a sweet sigh.
“I’m sure it’ll be okay if we’re a little late,” I murmur against her skin.
Sammy’s soft laughter reverberates in her throat and I kiss the vibration.
Yep, this girl has some kind of power over me. I don’t know what it is, and I don’t give a shit. Because I love my Sam, and I’m happy to stay under her spell.
SAMMY
The Burgerhouse isn’t overly crowded as we walk in. I frown, wondering why, then notice the clock on the wall. It’s only five o’clock. Dinner rush doesn’t start for a while.
“Why are we here so early?” I squeeze Tyler’s hand to get his attention.
“Colt wanted to come straight here before going home first. They’re driving in from Boise.”
I spot Finn’s head above the rest and smile at him. He raises his hand and gives us a wave.
“Sweet, they’re not here yet.” Tyler slides into the booth, winking at Layla. “Hey, girl.”
“Hey.” She grins. “You’re looking a little more relaxed than the last time I saw you.”
Tyler and I groan in unison.
“Graduation robes suck, not to mention the long-winded ceremony and all those photos.” I stick out my tongue. “Painful, I tell you. Painful.”
Layla’s laughter increases as my voice rises into a crescendo.
“Well, at least you won’t have to do it again for a while.”
My nose wrinkles at the prospect of another four years of study. To be honest, I’m not really sure I’m up for it, but I promised my parents I’d give it one full year. If I hate it, I can look at other options.
It’s probably best if I have a college degree. It’ll give me options later, and hell, I might even figure out what I want to do while I’m there.
“Hey, you guys!” Tori calls across the diner.
I swivel around to see her race towards us, her wild curls bouncing. She nearly bangs into Mr. Briggs, the owner of the Burgerhouse, but Colt manages to catch up and stop her just in time.
“Oh, Mr. B.”
“Victoria.” He gives her a demure nod before going to speak to one of his waitresses.
Tori pulls a face behind his back which makes Colt, and me, grin. No matter how old she gets, I swear she’ll always be cute.
Layla slides out of the booth in order to give Tori a hug. The two of them have grown closer over the year, in spite of the fact they live in different places. Whenever Finn’s working or Colt’s at practice, the two are hanging out on Houseparty. I’ve joined in a few times. It’s kind of fun. Even Kaija’s stopped by once. It’s better when she’s there—it tones down the ultra girly factor just a little.
I also know for a fact they WhatsApp each other all the time, because they keep adding me into the thread. It’s like a never-ending conversation. I tend to ignore the constant stream of messages unless there’s something worth saying.
There’s usually not.
“It’s so good to see you.” Layla and Tori hug the air out of each other then pull back, giggle and go in for a second round.
I stay put beside Tyler, lifting my eyebrows at Colt when he slides into the booth opposite me. “Good to see you, man.”
“Yeah, you too, Sammy. Congrats on graduating.”
“Didn’t think I’d make it, did you?” I narrow my eyes at him.
He grins and shakes his head. “I never had a doubt.”
“Yeah, right.” I give him the finger which he returns with a cheesy smile.
It seriously is good to see him again.
The waitress comes over and breaks up the hug-fest with menus. Layla climbs over the back of the seat so she can sit next to Finn, while Tori perches at the end of the booth opposite Tyler.
I try to catch Colt’s eye to find out when he’s spilling the beans, but he’s engrossed in his menu.
“So, you two must be excited.” Tori grins at Layla and Finn. “When do you leave for Auckland?”
“Two days.” Finn looks at Colt.
“Aw, I’m gonna miss you guys.” Tori pouts before turning to me and Tyler. “Looks like it’ll just be the four of us this summer, huh?”
“Actually, we’re going too.” Tyler says it so deadpan, it’s really hard to hide my smile when Tori’s face flashes with a look of surprised disappointment.
“Oh,” she squeaks.
Finn is drilling Colt with this ‘get on with it’ glare while Layla gives her friend a sympathetic smile.
Tori blinks, forcing out this wobbly laugh. “Wow. That’s so cool for you guys. New Zealand looks amazing, you’ll have such a great time hanging out with Kaija and Mack, and it’ll be like, so great. And you can see where Mack’s living and hanging out and it’ll be so cool for you.” She’s blinking big time, her round eyes bright as she desperately tries to put on a brave front.
Colt wraps his arm around her shoulders and pulls her close, kissing her on the side of the head.
Tyler can’t hide his laughter anymore. He starts snickering which sets Finn off.
“What’s so funny?” Tori looks kind of hurt.
I swear, if Colt doesn’t freaking tell her in a minute, I will!
He’s just opening his mouth to explain when the phone in
Tyler’s pocket rings. He holds up his finger to shut Colt up. Typical. He hates missing anything.
I glance over his shoulder when Tyler’s face lights up and notice Mack’s name on the screen.
I don’t even bother fighting my grin.
Tyler slides his thumb across the screen and after a few seconds Mack and Kaija’s faces appear.
“Hey man,” Mack greets him. “So, does she know yet?”
“No, because her slow ass boyfriend is taking forever to tell her,” I quip, leaning my head on Tyler’s shoulder so I can wave at them.
Kaija grins and blows me a kiss.
“I think Boise State’s making him slow.” Tyler’s eyes bulge.
Colt glares at us across the table while Tori gives me a confused frown.
“Let me say hi to everyone first, and then he can do it.” Kaija spins her finger, telling Tyler to show her the table.
He turns the phone so that everyone can wave to them.
Tori puts on a polite smile but as soon as the phone is facing away from her, she whispers to Colt. “I feel like I’m in the dark on something. What’s going on?”
With a little sigh, Colt takes her hands and gently rubs his thumbs over her knuckles. “Baby.”
“Would you turn the phone around, please,” Kaija snaps. “I gotta see this.”
Tori glances at Tyler’s phone while he slowly spins it around. Her smile is wonky and confused until Colt tugs her hands and softly grabs her attention. “Baby.”
“Yes.” Her eyebrows furrow.
“Would you like to go to New Zealand with me?”
There’s this pregnant pause while she absorbs what he’s saying and then she lets out this really loud gasp.
“Are you serious right now?”
He doesn’t even have a chance to nod before she’s wrapped her arms around his neck and is squeezing the life out of him.
Kaija laughs from the phone while Layla tips her head and gets a gooey smile on her face.
“But, wait, how can we afford…?” Tori jerks out of his arms, her small fingers squeezing his shoulders as worry crests over her features.
“It’s covered.” Layla speaks before Colt can. “All you’ve got to do is pack your bags.”