She chuckled against my lips, and I pulled away. “I should go.”
I glanced over her shoulder toward her house, so not wanting to drop her off, but I couldn’t be late for her curfew or mine.
“One more kiss.” I leaned in, and she met me halfway.
“I should go.”
“I know.” I kissed her again. “You should.”
She giggled against my lips, then cupped my cheek. “I’m going.”
I went to ease back, but she pulled me to her again for another kiss. We’d been sitting here for a few minutes, doing this back and forth that she needed to leave. Pretty soon her parents were going to think bad things about me if I didn’t cut this off.
But kissing her was so amazing. I didn’t want to stop.
“Okay. I’m going,” she whispered. “For real.”
I rested my forehead against hers.
“Thank you for an amazing date, Preach.” She opened the car door, then smiled at me.
I pulled her in for one more kiss.
“Sleep well,” I said.
“Text me.” She grinned and hopped out of the car, then slammed the door shut.
I watched her to the door, and she gave me a quick wave, then disappeared behind the door. It was so awesome seeing her happy. Seeing the twinkle in her eye.
After today’s devastating baton drop, she was really upset. It felt great to help put a smile on her beautiful face. To spend time kissing her, holding her.
My phone chimed.
GRACE: Tonight was amazing.
I glanced up at her house, and I saw the curtains pulled back from the main window beside her front door.
I tapped the space in the message to reply, and my thumb hovered over the letterI. As in the first letter of the three words I wanted to type.
I.
Love.
You.
But I couldn’t.
ME: I had a blast, too.
GRACE: xoxo
Yep. I was in love with Grace.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Grace
“Wow, sweet ride!” Preach slid into the passenger’s seat and clicked his seat belt in place.