Wild at Heart by Stacy Gold

Author:Stacy Gold
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Stacy Gold
Published: 2022-08-12T16:13:48+00:00

Chapter 26

EVAN

I heaved my pack into the hatchback of Bryn’s car and closed it with a thunk of finality. Leaning my ass on the warm metal, I wrapped Jules in my arms and held her close. Drinking in her mint and cedar scent.

“I don’t want to leave. Not now. I’m pretty sure not ever.” I searched her eyes, trying to read her thoughts, worry and fear and excitement doing the butterfly stroke through the curry in my stomach. “I know it’s only a week, but it’s going to be a long week without you.”

She took a deep breath and blinked twice. “I don’t want you to go either, but I get it.”

“I’ll see you in seven days, max. I promise.” I swept my lips across hers, tender and sweet and full of even more promises. She kissed me back, but the stiffness in her shoulders told me words and kisses weren’t enough. “Here. So you don’t forget about me.”

Spinning my leather bracelet, I undid the knot and tied it on her wrist. “My Uncle Martin gave me this the year before he died. It means a lot. I’ll be back for it, and you.”

She fingered the blue and brown stones, spinning the loose, worn strap around her wrist. “Are you sure?”

“About what? Loaning you my bracelet, or coming back here?”

“Both.”

“Very.”

“Okay, then.” She stood on her tiptoes, wrapped her hands around my neck, and kissed me hard and fast. She broke the kiss, slung her backpack on her shoulders, and took three steps back. “See you soon. Travel safe.”

I’m not sure what was harder, saying good-bye to Jules, or getting in the car and driving away. Her face fell in the sideview mirror and something inside my chest caved.

Bryn glanced at me. “You really like her, don’t you?”

“I do.” More than I ever thought possible.

The pavement rumbled beneath the car. Trees flew by in a green blur. I leaned my head on the window, the glass vibrating against my forehead, and saw Jules’s face instead of the mountains.

“So, what, exactly, are your intentions with my best friend?”

I jolted upright, mouth falling open. “I’m sorry, what?”

“You heard me. What are your intentions with Jules?”

“I plan to move to Seattle and be with her.”

Bryn didn’t respond.

“I mean, I don’t expect to move in with her, or push her in any way. I’m moving to Seattle because I need to move somewhere, I like Seattle, and it’s the only way I can have a shot at convincing her I’m serious.”

“If you’re so intent on showing her you’re serious, why are you leaving now?”

Bryn was fishing, but I didn’t want to get into my personal life with someone I didn’t know. “Family emergency.”

“Jules told me you’re coming back in a week. I hope that means your family emergency isn’t too bad.”

“It could be worse.” Jules’s voice rang in my head, “Could be raining.” I held back my smile. It was true. Things could be quite a bit worse. Nobody was dead or hospitalized. All I risked was the wrath of my parents.

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