Page 192 of Next to Everything We Wanted

“Well, I think I’ll always be nervous, but you boost my confidence. Maybe we can—” Her phone buzzed in her pocket. She grabbed it before rolling her eyes. “Sorry. Caleb’s been bullying me over text.”

I chuckled. “Isn’t he too busy in New York to be bullying you?”

“Oh, trust me, he’s been busy.” She slipped her arms around my neck again. “Apparently, he and my friend Gracelynn dated. Again.”

“Judging from the past tense, it didn’t last long.”

“Because they’re lovesick idiots who pretend they don’t have emotions.” She giggled. “They’ll come to their senses soon. Just like we did. Though I think our story was a walk in the park compared to theirs.”

I held back a snort. “I don’t know, ours was pretty hectic . . .”

“Fine, ours was completely insane. But our struggles were still worth it.” She beamed at me, her amber eyes bright and beautiful. “You’ve helped me in so many ways.”

“And I’ll be here to help you with much more.” I brushed my lips against her warm temple. “For everything you need and want me for.”

She pulled me closer and kissed my lips. “I look forward to it. To every part of our story.”