Page 25 of Secrets We Fight

“What’s this?” he asked, pushing it off his papers with the eraser end of his pencil.

“Your new phone.”

His head snapped up, and he gave me a questioning look. “I already have a phone.”

“I know. This one is so we can text each other.”

“They have apps for that, you know?” he sassed.

I stared at him for a beat. “Right. I didn’t think of those, but I saw the phone and figured this could be our secret.”

“Our secret, huh?”

I spun his chair around so he was facing me and knelt in front of him. “I messed up. Big, okay?”

He leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest but didn’t say anything.

“I’m sorry for freaking out after our kiss. I should have handled things better.”

He let out a breath. “That doesn’t change anything, Rhett. We’re still in the same situation.”

I placed my hands on his knees and was relieved when he didn’t push them away. “True, but I decided the risk is worth it.”

“You decided?” He grunted a small laugh. “So, does that mean I don’t get a say?”

My shoulders slumped. While dealing with my own issues, I hadn’t considered the possibility he might have changed his mind about us. “Of course, you do.”

He lifted my chin with his finger. “Are you sure about this? You’re not going to get scared again?”

“I wasn’t scared,” I huffed.

He quirked an eyebrow.

“Okay, fine. I was. And I’ve regretted it every single day. I won’t lie and tell you it will be smooth sailing from here on out. I still have my career to consider, and we need to be careful. But I’m tired of pretending there is nothing between us.”

“I am pretty irresistible.” He smirked.

“Cocky too,” I teased before turning serious again. “So, did I totally fuck things up, or do you think you could give me another chance?”

He leaned forward and cupped my face with his hands. “Yeah, I can do that.”

Fallon pressed his mouth to mine, and the kiss was tentative at first, but when I traced his lips with my tongue, he slid his hands from my cheeks to the back of my neck and pulled me closer. My heart raced as his lips moved in sync with mine. For just a moment, I let go, and I didn’t focus on anything other than him. I didn’t worry about the forbidden nature of our relationship or what might happen if anyone found out about us.

I just enjoyed getting lost in his kiss.

His tongue tangled with mine as he explored every inch of my mouth. I moaned softly, and it seemed to spur him on. My body felt like it was on fire, and I couldn’t believe I’d been stupid enough to consider denying myself more moments with him.

Eventually, he pulled away and rested his forehead against mine. “I’ve got to get to practice.”

“Can’t you skip it today?” I kissed my way down his throat.

“Nope. We have a mandatory meeting after.”

I sat back on my legs. “So, not only did you get me hot and bothered, but I have to watch you work out for the next couple of hours?”

“Consider it your punishment.” He winked, and after one last peck on the lips, he stood to get ready for rowing.

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