Page 26 of Rumor Has It

“Will you ever tell me, Boone?” She wets her lips.

“Don’t you already know, Kenzie? Have I never given you reason to feel the way I do about you?” My hands begin to tremble. I know what I need to say, and now’s the time.

“Boone, come dance with me.” I curse under my breath when Marla interrupts us, but thanks to great friends, I’m rescued.

Riley grabs Marla’s hand, twirling her around. “Come shake that thang for me, girl.”

“I think you’re date is wanting you.” Mackenzie narrows her eyes at Marla, about the time I see Reed headed our way. Once again, we’re saved. Chord cuts him off.

I turn my attention back to Mackenzie, searching for my cue. “I need you to know, once I say it, you can never run from us again. I need you to promise me you’ll never push me away again, Kenzie. Because I love you, and I couldn’t take being apart from you again.”

Her eyes glisten, telling me all I need to know. “I promise…”

“Get the fuck away from her!” Reed rushes me, knocking me to the floor.

He gets the first punch in, but there’s no way in hell he’ll get another. I flip him over, not capable of controlling myself, and I hit him several times. Chord and Riley rush over, pulling me off him.

“Tell her!” I kick at him while he lays there, wiping the blood from his lip. “Explain to her why you’re doing this; tell her now!”

“What are you talking about?” Reed gets to his feet. “I’m in love with her. I told you that a long time ago, before you decided to go after her.”

“You’re a lying piece of shit. You’re only doing this to get back at me.” I seethe.

“Fine! I’ll tell her the truth.” He turns to Mackenzie, who’s face is wrought with pain and fear. “He’s right, I’m doing this to get back at him.”

Mackenzie backs away from us, her fists at her side. “I don’t understand. Why are you doing this to me, what have I ever done to any of you?”

“It’s him, Hatcher’s doing this to you! He’s the one that decided to tell us you liked him and he needed to get rid of you.” Reed stares at me. “He said you weren’t good enough for his family. I was enraged, and I couldn’t believe he would say such a thing. I was dumbfounded because I’ve been in love with you for years.”

“I’ll rip your fucking head off!” I spit at him, as rage fills me to the brim. “Don’t you dare believe him, Kenzie.”

“She doesn’t have to. You’re the one who never told anybody about her. You’re the one who’s embarrassed to have her around.” Reed winks, enraging me. “You’re the one who wouldn’t even bring her to prom.”

Mackenzie’s face falls, tears running down her cheeks. “All this time, I thought you were shy or nervous. How could I have been so wrong?”

“Kenzie,”—I step toward her—“look at me, listen to your heart. What does it tell you about me … us?”

She shakes her head. “I don’t know what to believe, Boone.”

“Well, I know he’s an asshole and he’s lying to again.” Reed sneers.

She presses her fingers to her lips and releases them. “Who did you come with, Boone?”

“He came with me, check the book.” I leer at Marla when she lays her hand on my shoulder, and I realize they’ve really played us.

“Hell no we didn’t!” I look toward Mackenzie to find she’s running out the door. “Mackenzie! Please, Mackenzie! Stop!”

“If you’ll excuse me, I need to go check on my date.” Reed smirks.

I want to go after her, I need to, but anger blinds me and won’t allow me to. I lunge at Reed taking every word he’s said, and pouring into the fuel of the fire that’s burning in me.

She’s left me… again.