I know one thing: Keaton really believes what he’s saying. In a weird way it’s sweet because he can’t see anyone not wanting me. If that’s true, then why did he leave me?
“Six years, Key. Clearly you haven’t wanted me.”
I gasp when the next thing I know Keaton is in front of me. He’s not touching me but I’m caged against my door. His body is so close I can feel the heat pouring off him.
“I’ve always wanted you, even before I knew what that meant.”
“You have a funny way of showing it.” I’m trying to keep my bravado, but it’s hard when my body is waking up from a deep slumber. I can’t decipher whose body heat is whose now.
“You know more than most that life can throw a curveball.”
He’s right. I do. One day, I had two loving parents that were mine, and in the blink of an eye, it was all gone. I was left all alone and thrust into the system until the Walkers took me in.
“You’re right. I lost the only people I ever loved until you made me love you. Then poof, all alone again.”
“Elsy.” He drops his head forward, and I think he’s going to press it against mine, but he stops right before then.
“I hate you,” I hiss as I stare at his mouth. I want him to kiss me,but what I should be doing is smacking him again.
“And I love you.”
“Key.” My voice cracks as he leans down and his mouth gently touches mine in a feather-like kiss.
He sucks in a deep breath, and I can almost feel the vibration in his chest. “I’m starting to think you’re the key.”