Page 64 of When You Stayed
Perfection.
Royce pulled back first, staring up at me as if I had tricked her. Something pinched tight in my chest as I realized that’s probably how she’d view this entire thing.
“I stole that box, Royce, because you’d given so much of yourself to him…it wasn’t fair that he’d hand it all back as if it hadn’t ever mattered. I had lived vicariously through him for so long that I felt like they were my memories too. Those times you smiled, kissed him, gave him a picture of yourself, but you never gave one to anyone else. The times you would kiss him but stare at me. The times you didn’t think I saw you slide your panties down your legs when you’d wear dresses, so he could touch you. Did you know that Connor used me as a way to get away with it? His parents would always say yes to those late-night movies you’d tag along to, as long as I was down there with you guys. Did you really think I was unaware that he was fingering you under those blankets? I knew, Royce. I always knew, and I wanted the tiny gasps you let out. I wanted to see what your face looked like when he made you come undone. I was so obsessed with you, I was willing to steal every single scrap of whatever was left of you.”
Her eyes fixated on my throat, but I caught her lip wobble. “Ford.”
“My wild rose,” I whispered in reply before pressing my mouth to hers again. It was tentative, like a whisper of a kiss asking if she wanted this again. Her reply was to open her mouth and slide her tongue against mine.
Gripping her ribs, I pulled her against me right as a loud pounding on my front door broke the moment, forcing Royce to pull away.
“It’s Taryn.”
“If you two have killed each other, I’m gonna be so pissed!” A muffled yell came through the door.
I released her and then forced myself to take a step back. When she remained where she was, and then lifted her chin, a tiny piece of hope fluttered in my chest.
“I have to go.” She sounded like she wanted to stay.
I didn’t argue, just stood there staring. I finally kissed Royce Quinn, and now she was about to go home and put up walls, creating reasons why she shouldn’t have done it.
“Ford, I need to put eyes on my sister!” Taryn yelled again, which made Royce smile.
I liked seeing it, so I smiled back.
She glanced at the door before swiveling her head back to where I stood.
“Good night, Ford.”
My lip twitched. “Night, Rose.”
FIFTEEN
ROYCE
The ride homewas spent with Taryn talking a million miles a minute about how annoying Connor was. I stared out the window, absently running my finger over my lips.
I kissed Ford Ryan.
Ford kissed me. He cradled my jaw, pulled me close, and slid his mouth against mine.
“Are you listening to me?” Taryn snapped.
“No.”
She made an irritated sound. “Why was Connor even in town, has he told you?”
I shook my head. “Nope.”
“What’s with you? You’re acting weird.”
We were nearly home, which meant I could push Taryn off a little longer. I needed some time to be alone with my thoughts.
“Ford kissed me.” I picked at the shoebox in my lap.
Taryn swung her head over. “I had a feeling things were headed in that direction. Was it good?”
“Huh?”
