Page 37 of The One

Now, there were so many things that got in the way of us hanging out. Many evenings a week, Rhett worked at his dad’s office, and with it being football season, he had practice and lifting after school. Besides that, my parents wouldn’t let up on my midnight curfew, and I couldn’t stay the night at his house under any circumstances.

The little time we had wasn’t enough.

I found myself constantly missing him throughout each day, craving the summer when he hadn’t been as busy.

Which was why, when I’d found out Rhett and his siblings were going to be left alone this weekend, I had come up with a fib to tell my parents so I could spend both nights at his house. I hated not telling them the truth, but I also hated the thought that a ton of girls would show up, who would want nothing more than to be all over the hottest guy at our school.

“Every word of that sounds so amazing.” I pressed my forehead against his. “I’m ready to go. Right now.”

His hands went to my face. “We still have a shit ton to look forward to this school year. It’s going to fucking rock, and I wouldn’t fast-forward time even if I could. That would mean I’d miss out on my last season of football and skip out on uswalking across the stage for graduation.” He nuzzled my neck. “I’m already dreaming about taking off your prom dress.”

I giggled as his lips tickled me. “You’re right. This is going to be the best year ever.”

“Make me a promise?”

“Okay.”

“You’ll stop stressing about us getting in.”

No matter what, I wouldn’t be able to relax until the acceptance letters were in my hand.

But I still replied, “I’ll try my hardest.”

The sound of shouting and laughter caused me to look outside. Penelope was in the pool, on the shoulders of the linebacker, and Rowan, Rhett’s little sister, was on the shoulders of the running back. The girls were trying to knock each other into the water.

“I love how they’re all outside, drinking their faces off, having a blast, and we’re inside, working on college stuff.” I took in his expression. “And you haven’t bitched about it once.”

“You wanted to get this done before Monday. This was the first chance we got. I’ve got all night to get hammered with those fools.” He winked.

Still, he hadn’t complained when I told him I wanted to finish our essays and applications before we partied. Not once had he tried to rush us through it so he could go outside and join his friends. He seemed perfectly content in here, with me, which made him my favorite person in the world.

And it made me love him even more.

“Just so you know, you’ve blown my mind.”

“Yeah?” His head cocked to the side. “Does that mean I’ve earned myself a beer? And some pool time?”

“Have you finished a single application? And your essay?”

He laughed.

I tapped his chest. “I know you think this is a riot, but let’s just get it done, Rhett. I don’t want to put it off any longer and miss the deadline—we’d be screwed.”

“You’re underestimating the power my father has.”

“That’s not it at all. I’m just hoping we won’t have to use him and we’ll be able to get in on our own. I want the admissions department to love me on paper. It’ll be the most rewarding feeling to know all my hard work has actually paid off.”

“That’s fair.”

“So, we finish, and then we go join the group.” I paused. “Cool?”

He smiled as he shook his head. “Lainey …”

“Yes?”

“Lainey, Lainey …”

“Yesss?”