Page 119 of Rumor Has It

He tucks her into his side. “You need to have some time with Reed. I need you to give him a chance. If we are to ever be happy together, you have to get to know him on your own.”

“But what if I don’t like him?” She wrinkles her nose, a spitting image of Boone. My heart thrums with the revelation.

He shrugs. “Fine, but you have to try. Reed’s like the new kid in school. Because no one knows him, everyone decides not to like him. So, I want you to be the person I’ve grown to love, accepting and no holding grudges.”

“Whatever that means.” She rolls her eyes, making him chuckle.

“Girl, you can get away with that eye roll right now, but by the time you’re a teen, pack it up and throw it out.” He tickles her, and I laugh with them. Boone stares at me, my favorite smile playing on his lips.

“What?” I pull my brows together.

He leans in, murmuring in Rumor’s ear. “I’m gonna need for you to give your momma a break. She’s only doing what she thinks is best for you, and she happens to be right … this time.”

“Like, I wasn’t before?” I gape.

He shakes his head. “Soooo not funny.”

“But did I look cute? Cause, ya know, I am.” I hold my hands out with a wave, encouraging him to say it.

“Umm, kk.” He winks at me with a snicker.

Rumor tugs at his shirt, stretching to whisper in his ear. His smile spreads across his entire face, and it’s contagious. She slides from the swing, tugging him with her.

“We’ll be right back.” She holds her finger up at me.

I wait by the door, hating he isn’t staying. They’re back as fast as they left. Boone has a stuffed bear in tow, grinning. “I’m babysitting while you’re gone.”

“I hope she’s paying you top dollar because he’s trouble.” I raise my brows.

Boone smiles boyishly at me. “Sometimes, you have to fight.”

“Text me?” I hold my breath.

“Always.” He turns, sauntering off toward his car. My heart pitter patters, and I find myself sending up a silent prayer for us to make it out of this together.

***

Reed cuts his eyes at me, chomping at the bit, on our way to his place. He’s spoken to Rumor twice in short, clipped tones. At home, I thought it might be Boone’s presence doing it, making Reed consumed with getting away from him. It wasn’t.

My fear now is that Boone was right all along. Reed wants me, not her, and that’s unacceptable. She’s the only reason I’ve done the things I have, and I’m still failing her miserably.

“We’re home,” Reed says excitedly.

I peer out the window, staring at a concrete building screaming ‘welcome to the ’Bu. Apparently, Malibu is the place to be according to Reed. I’m not impressed.

“Yay,” I mumble, faking my best smile for Rumor. I jump, then begin squirming as a hand slides up my thigh and under my ass, throwing an elbow when I do.

“Shit! Watch it.” Reed clutches his side, whining. A genuine smile brightens my face now.

The car stops, but we’re told to wait on the driver to open the door. “What are you doing? That’s what he’s for,” Reed admonishes us.

“You mean, he’s gonna open the big ole door for us? However will we repay him for his kindness?” I roll my eyes with my best Scarlet impression.

Reed narrows his eyes. “Such a smartass.”

“Thank you.” I step from the car, and curtsy. “Sirs.”

“Could you at least try to like it here?” Reed’s lip curls in detest.