Page 81 of Rumor Has It

“Maybe go, come back in.” I half shrug. “Tonight.”

“I can work with that.” He grins, coyishly.

I shake my head, rubbing against him. “Oh, hell no. You do not get to flash a boyish grin after playing that damn dirty.”

“Make me believe you, and I’ll fuck you all night long,” he growls against my ear. My thighs shake with the memory of him riding me like that once.

Our gazes lock. “You better be ready. I plan to make you beg me to never stop.”

“You’re on, Kenzie.” His smirk is so hot, I could come on demand.

I slowly open the door, not wanting him to leave, but knowing I have to let him. He slips out, walking to his car with so much swagger, I swoon. My heart thrums thinking of him, praying this is our second chance.

***

“He did what?” Maisyn’s voice bounces around the room.

I gawk at her. “Will you shush!”

“I’m with Maisyn on this one. No way do you have a hottie melting in your hands, just to shut her down.” Ridge’s forehead puckers. “Makes no sense.”

My mouth sets in a hard line. “Y’all are the worst best friends!”

“You wanted honesty, and we gave it to you. He backed off for a reason; that’s my opinion.” Maisyn’s mouth curves into a smile. “Did you say no?”

I scan the area for Rumor; no way can she be within earshot. “Fuck no! I was ready to nail his ass to the bed.”

“Hell yes!” She slaps my hand. “Get yours, girl.”

Ridge scrunches his face. “Seriously? Do I have to endure y’all talking about sex every week? Next thing you know, our periods will be synced.”

“The way you’re whining, I’d say you’re on yours.” Maisyn’s snark is as bad as his.

“I feel as though I’m dreaming. I’m afraid I’m gonna wake up, and he’s going to be gone.”

Ridge looks up at me. “Why do that? Why put that out into the universe?”

“Are you telling me you believe in that kinda stuff?” I quirk my brow.

His mouth twists. “If you’re asking if I believe in a higher power, yes. But I also think you can create your own karma.”

“Being back here has been surreal. I never dreamed we could have another chance, or any for that matter. I just can’t figure out why he stopped.” I bury myself in work, tired of talking about it. I have no doubt he wanted me, so why didn’t he take me?

By the end of the day, I’m frustrated and hot headed. Okay, so I’m pouting too. I mean, this damn thing has driven me crazy. I gather Rumor, walking her to the truck with her backpack in tow.

“Have you given any thought to your party?” I ask as she climbs into my truck.

She starts biting her nail, a sure sign she’s been thinking too much. Yes, she’s her mother’s daughter. “What’s a whore?”

“Where did you hear that from?” My head spins, anger pulsing through me.

She swings her legs, doing her best to not look me in the eye. “I just heard it somewhere.”

“Where, Rumor?” My tone is a little harsher than I want it to be, but this town brings it out of me.

Her chest rises and falls heavily. “Food Center, when I rode with Grandpa today.”

“That was their exact words?” I incline my head, prying it from her.