Page 25 of Rumor Has It

Chord laughs. “That would require him to think, so that’d be a hard no.”

“How’s it going, Hamilton?” I take Chord’s hand, shaking it.

He grins. “Better than you two unlucky shits.”

“And exactly who are you here with?” Riley stares at him.

“Yeah, we’re all fucked and not in the good way.” Chord downs his drink.

My mouth opens to answer them, when I suddenly lose my breath. Mackenzie floats through the door, wearing a deep green dress. It fits every curve on her perfect body, cut low, and falling in a puddle on the floor.

She commands the room’s attention, filling it with jealousy and gasps. She’s the epitome of grace and beauty. Mackenzie is so much more than she’ll ever know; she’s everything.

“Fuck.”

“Damn! That’s one fine body on that girl!” Riley exclaims.

Chord lays his hand on my shoulder. “You gonna be alright?”

“No”—I gulp—“and I don’t think I will ever be again.”

“I can believe that.” Riley chuckles.

“No, you don’t understand.” I turn to them. “Since she came into my life, I’ve never been the same, and I don’t want to be. I love her, and I can’t live without her.”

Chord drops his head, nodding. “You know I get it. I’ll never stop looking for Sutton.”

“Go the fuck and get her!” Riley growls. “We’re screwed. Ava will never look at me the way Mack does you. Go, get that girl!”

Bolstered by my friends, I get her in my sights and never look back. I straighten my tie, working my to her. My heart begins to beat rapidly the closer I get. I watch as her eyes flutter across the room.

Locking in a gaze when they meet mine, I run my eyes down her body and savor every exquisite inch. A smile plays on her lips by the time I’m standing in front her.

I desperately try to wet my lips; my mouth went dry the minute she walked in. She studies me, waiting on me to tell her everything she wants to hear. Her breasts rise and fall steadily, but the thrum of her heart is apparent.

She’s nervous.

“May I have this dance?” My heart palpitates with anticipation.

She cuts her eyes to Reed, who’s already throwing back drinks with his friends. “I’m not sure we should.”

“I’m damn well positive we should.” I hold my hand out, waiting for her to take it. If she doesn’t, I know I don’t have a chance. But if she does, I’m bringing down the house.

Her eyes dart to my hand, and my blood surges in my veins when her palm slides into mine. “Take care of me, Boone.”

“Don’t let go.” I clutch our hands to my chest, leading her to the floor. I spin her around, pulling her to me and holding her tight.

“You’re making my head spin.” She giggles.

I press my fingers into the small of her back. “You’re stunning.”

“And making me blush.” Her faces flushes. “Stop looking at me like that.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” My stomach flips. “I’ve always looked at you like this, Kenzie.”

Her breath hitches. “You have no idea how long I’ve waited to hear you say something like that.”

“I’ve always said things like that, but not with words.” I swallow past the knot in my throat; it’s now or never. “I may never be good with words, but I’ll always show you how I feel.”