Without skipping a single beat, he says, “Like he wants you to be his.”
There’s nothing I can possibly say to that. If I deny it, I’m blowing off his feelings. And if I tell him he’s right, he’ll never stop worrying about Carson. I wish he understood I don’t want Carson, even if there’s a chance he does want me. “You make me nervous when you get quiet.”
“Can I ask you something?”
“Is it about Carson? Because I promise you’re the only guy I want.”
“No, it’s not about him. I believe you when you tell me you don’t like him. I think it’s just harder because you live with a guy who’s not your brother. If he did want to date you, the possibility is always there for it to happen.”
“It won’t. I wouldn’t lie to you, Rhett.”
“I know you wouldn’t. It’s different this time.”
“How so?”
“I’ve never worried about losing someone before, especially when I just got her. It’s usually them trying to hold on to me—and that makes me sound like the biggest dick ever. But it’s always been true. I’m not used to being the jealous one.”
I thought I was the only one experiencing a relationship for the first time, but as it turns out, this isn’t how it typically works for him either. I didn’t even know Rhett knew the meaning of the word jealous.
“Please don’t let the idea of Carson mess us up.”
“I’ll try. Can I ask you one more thing before we put this whole conversation behind us?”
“Sure.”
Rhett reaches out and grabs my hand. It’s how I know we’re in a better place and that he’s accepting Carson for the time being.
“Why did you run away last night? You’re gonna give me a complex if you take off every time I kiss you.”
Again, I’m blindsided. I was hoping he forgot about last night. It’s been awhile since I had a panic attack, but as this morning goes on, I’m inching closer and closer. Between Rhett’s unexpected breakfast date, the run in with Carson, and trying to explain myself in a way he’ll understand, I’m overwhelmed again. This wouldn’t be so hard for any other girl—any other girl with experience and a normal family. “I’m sorry I ran away. It was nothing you did wrong.”
“But you’re not going to tell me why, are you?”
I shake my head. “You’d laugh if I told you. It’s my insecurities. That’s all.”
“I won’t laugh, Kinsley. I promise.”
I lean my head against the back of my seat, and while this is all new to me I know it won’t get any easier until we get on the same page. Right now, Rhett thinks I’m like everyone else—and I like that. But we’re doing the honesty thing this morning, which means I have to fess up, too.
There will never be an easy way to lead into this conversation, but as we pull into the parking lot at school, I need more time. I don’t want to rush through it. “I’ll tell you everything, but can we do it after school instead?”
“Sure, I’m still taking you home. You’re coming to my game, right?”
“Yeah, I usually go to all the games with Becca if I’m not working.”
“It’ll be cool having you in the stands,” he says, with a proud smile on his face. “What about the party after the game at Jake’s farm?”
“I’ve never been to a football party before.”
“Then this is the perfect opportunity to have some fun.”
If that wasn’t enough, he reaches behind his seat, and pulls out one of his game jerseys. “Will you wear this today?”
I was sure someone else was already wearing it, which is why I stare at the fabric in his hands, dumbfounded that it’s mine for the taking. He wants me to wear his number all day long—for the entire school to see. Showing up in his truck is a statement, but this, this is a declaration.
He takes my hesitation as not wanting to, stumbling over his words as he says, “You don’t have to if you don’t want to, but I’d like my girlfriend to wear it.”
“I wasn’t expecting you to ask me. In fact, I was pretty sure someone else already had it. I thought I was going to have to watch Mandi walking around with your number on her back all day.”
He shakes his head. “That’s not how this works. You’re my girl, so it’s automatically yours.”
“Then I’d be honored to wear it.”
He hands it to me with a smile on his face, and I slide it over my head. As he helps me pull my arms through the holes, I realize how much I like having something of his wrapped around me. It even smells like his cologne.
There’s no chance I’m blending in today. Today, the whole school will see I’m taken.
“WHAT ARE YOU wearing?”
I shove the last book I’ll need for the morning into my bag, and close my locker. Mandi’s standing next to me, looking as disgusted as ever. She was blessed with resting bitch face, making her even more intimidating than she already is. “What does it look like?”
I turn away from her, not caring what she has to say. It’s never nice anyway. She doesn’t let me get far before she’s by my side again, spewing more shit.
“That jersey was supposed to be mine this week. How’d you get it?”
“For someone who knows it all, you missed the memo. Rhett gave it to me this morning—in his car.”
“Why were you in his car?”
“Because he brought me to school.”
She laughs at me like I’m delusional. I try to walk around her, but she pulls on my arm, spinning me around. Poking me in the chest, she says, “Don’t get too comfortable, Kinsley. I’ll get it back next week, so don’t suddenly think you’re special. Rhett still loves me.”
“Keep telling yourself that,” I mumble.
“What did you say?”
“I said, Rhett is my boyfriend.”
This time, she jumps back like I set her on fire. “You have lost your mind, little girl.”
“Don’t you ever get tired, Mandi? Move on, let it go. Rhett has.” This time, I don’t give her a chance to respond. Instead, I leave her with her jaw hanging open, and hurry to my first period class before the bell rings. Today was the first time I ever stood up to her—and it feels amazing.
In fact, I’m still riding my high when my phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out, hoping it’s Becca letting me know where she is. Of all the days for her to be late.
Of course, I’m not that lucky. Somehow, word has even reached my brother.
Wyatt: Rhett Taylor, really?
Kinsley: What?
Wyatt: Rhett took you to school today? What’s his deal?
Kinsley: No deal. My car is in the shop.
Wyatt: Is Becca’s car in the shop, too?
Kinsley: No, smartass.
Wyatt: That’s what I thought. I don’t like it, Kin. You need to end whatever you started.
Kinsley: I’m not happy with you, either. I can’t believe you told every guy in this school to stay away from me, Wyatt. I’m so embarrassed. I’m not giving up Rhett.
As I walk into my photography class, twenty pairs of eyes are on me, inspecting me from head to toe. I can thank Mandi and Wyatt for making me late.
“Phone away, Kinsley,” Mr. Jasper says, when the bell rings.
I shove my phone in my pocket, effectively shutting my brother up. For the time being, anyway. Carson promised me he wouldn’t tell, which only leaves two people—Kate or Mandi.