by Lena Maye
“Turn right,” Kepler orders in his obnoxious way. I comply. A beige-striped awning comes into view. Aspen trees line the front of the building. He’ll only be a few hundred miles away, but he won’t be able to talk to me for the first month.
I stop in the circle drive and turn off the ignition. Kepler doesn’t get out. I don’t want him to. I reach for the keys, but his hand falls on mine.
“I’ve got to do this.” His hair has grown out, and it falls past his eyebrows and into his eyes. I lift my hand to smooth it out of the way. I don’t want to miss a single opportunity to look into those eyes.
“Two months is too long.” I trap his hand in mine.
The brow under his blondish hair furrows. “Too long?” A jaw clench alerts me to darker thoughts under that unreadable exterior. “If it’s too long—I understand if you don’t want to wait.”
“Why wouldn’t I want to wait?”
“For me. If—”
“Are you giving me an out, Kepler? Are you seeing if I want to break up with you?” I snap the words. How dare he think I would want that? “Fuck off.”
“I take it back.”
“You better. There’s no way in hell I’m breaking up with you.” My words fill the car. They’re out before I think about them, but I don’t want to take them back because it’s the truth. I’ll never break another guy again.
His lips curl up into one of those easy smiles. I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to that, but I’m sure as hell going to try.
The smile falls, and we both sigh because we know what’s coming next. Kepler reaches for the bag tucked behind the seats. He sets it in his lap. “I’ll call you as soon as they let me. Are you going to be—”
“Don’t worry.” I grip the steering wheel like it’ll offer support. “I’ll be fine.”
And I believe it. Really, deeply. I know that’s the truth.
He gets out of the car, walks around to my window, and I lower it. He leans through and presses his lips against mine. His fingers tangle in my scarf, and his tongue slides against my teeth. Little shivers race up and down my back.
When he breaks our kiss, a smile touches his lips. “I wanted to give you something to think about for the next two months.”
“A kiss? I expected better. How about a think-about-me fuck?”
He grins. “Oh, I don’t think either of us will forget about last night for a while.”
Well, he’s got me there.
He turns and walks up to the building with a certainty I don’t feel. I turn away. I don’t want to watch. It would feel too much like an end.
I sit in the circle drive, wipe my eyes and count my breaths. I want to run after him, but I won’t. Like the aspen trees surrounding the building, I’ll be strong and bend.
It isn’t until I crank the ignition that I notice the folder sitting on the passenger seat. It’s black—the same color as the leather. Kepler must have dropped it when he got out of the car.
I pick it up and turn it over. A yellow Post-it is stuck on the outside with Kepler’s certain writing.
For my lovely Lo.
I flip open the folder. Lo Min-Sun is typed across the top of the papers. Travel vouchers?
A Post-it sticks to them.
Destination: Boston.
I didn’t know he was going to go. He flew out to speak with an admissions counselor at MIT, and he’s taking summer classes to make up for missed credits. But he hadn’t given me the answer yet. My heart thumps in my throat for him.
I flip through the stack of certificates to find another Post-it tucked between them.
Departure city: Unknown.
I trace my fingers over his words. His release of the argument. His letting me go and trusting I’ll keep holding on and keep coming back. He can handle my unknown.
I stick the Post-it on the inside of the folder and smooth it down.
There’s one more yellow square sticking out from the stack. I flip to it.
Find the circus.
This one is stuck over yet another travel certificate. I peel it off and my heart stops at the amount. It’s enough to fly anywhere.
Good thing I know where I want to go.
Author’s Note
Kepler and Jean live! If you'd like to receive news of releases and a sneak preview of my next novel, please join my newsletter at www.lenamayebooks.com/newsletter.
I couldn’t have written this book without some pretty darn amazing people:
Monika Holabird, my editor and voice of reason. Your eagle eyes and intelligent edits are invaluable. The novel is far, far better after your help than before. (Holabird Editing: holabirdediting.com)
Angela Haddon, for dressing the novel in a lovely cover. You’re a delight to work with. Always cheerful and helpful—even when I’m suddenly changing my mind. (Angela Haddon Book Cover Design: angelahaddon.com)
My fabulous critique partners and friends—who have inspired, offered insight, motivated, made me laugh and helped with every step along the way. The FACPs: Marie and Kathleen. H&H: Cassandra, Immy, Renee and Laura. The 22s: Polly, Lizzie and Louise. I’m so blessed to know and work with each of you.
For my family. My patient husband and sweet son. You make me smile every day. And every morning I wake with the goal of returning the favor.
And, finally, for everyone who reads, reviews, talks, or thinks about this book. You are amazing and unexpected. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
About the Author
Lena Maye writes about twenty-somethings finding their way in life and love. Her books are full of second chances, shadowed pasts, and kissing. (Lots of kissing!)
When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family—which usually involves a board game or two. She also enjoys gardening, reading, and is always up for a game of eight-ball. She lives in Colorado with her amazingly supportive husband and fabulously sweet son.
Break Me is the first novel in the Truth in Lies series. Lena is also working on a companion series, and the first novel, Not What You Seem, will be released later this year.
www.lenamayebooks.com