Page 69 of Strange Love
“That too,” he says, mischief glinting in his gaze. “But more importantly, we’re finally getting closer to our move.” He scratches the back of his neck, a trademark gesture when he’s deep in thought. “We should tell our parents,” he exclaims.
I can’t help but smile as I take in his excitement and contagious energy.
“It’s graduation day,” I remind him, gesturing to the cap and gown hanging on my door. “Let’s not overshadow it with anything too serious.”
He nods, considering my words before reluctantly agreeing. “You’re right,” he concedes. “It can wait until tomorrow. For now, let’s enjoy tonight.”
I watch as he walks towards the door, each step filled with anticipation for what’s to come. Before leaving, he turns back to me and plants a sweet kiss on my lips, then playfully smacks my ass. As I watch him leave, I can’t help but wonder how I’m going to make this decision that will impact both of our lives.
Corey’s arms encircle me as we sway to the pulsing beat of the music, his lips brushing against my cheek. The barn is alive with energy, packed with our classmates and their families for Kerri’s graduation party. I can’t help but be disappointed that the animals are safely locked away tonight— no chance of a repeat of the wild entertainment from a few weeks ago. I’d pay good money to see that debacle again.
“Can you believe we did it?” Corey asks, his voice barely audible over the music.
I turn to face him, remembering just a few hours ago when we stood on the football field in front of everyone and officially graduated high school. I never thought saying goodbye would be so hard, but then again, I never could have imagined all the amazing people and experiences I would have during the past year, especially the boy in front of me.
I wrap my arms around his waist and meet his gaze, getting lost in his beautiful brown eyes.
“You lied, you know?” I say playfully.
His brows furrow in confusion, “About what?”
“You told me if I dated you, my life wouldn’t magically be better, but it is.”
Corey’s eyes soften as he rests his forehead against mine, our warm breaths mingling in the small space between us.
“I love you,” he whispers, his voice full of emotion. Memories flood my mind, the first time we met, the sparks that flew between us, and how we fell in love amidst all the chaos.
His lips brush against mine for a brief moment before he pulls away, and I press my head into his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart.
“You’re not coming to Boston," he states with certainty. I glance up and see the sadness in his eyes. He knows my heart better than anyone.
I gaze back at him, my heart aching at the words I have to say.
“I can’t,” I admit, my voice trembling with fear. Corey’s expression falls, hurt etched clearly across his features.
“Let’s go somewhere quiet,” he says, taking my hand and leading me away from the noisy party. We find ourselves in our special spot in the barn, where we first gave into our desires and became one.
My vision blurs as I gaze at him, my heart heavy with the weight of the truth I need to share. His rugged features are etched with concern and fear as he looks back at me.
“I’m scared,” I confess, my words trembling as they leave my lips. “I don’t think I’m ready to leave this place.”
He reaches out and captures my hand in his, the calluses on his palm a familiar comfort against my skin.
“I understand, but you can’t let that fear hold you back forever, Ivy,” he says gently.
“I need time,” I admit, feeling guilty for not being able to push aside the nagging doubts in my mind.
“I don’t have any time to give you,” he replies sadly, the pain evident in his expression.
A pang of regret lances through my chest as I speak.
“I would never ask you to,” I promise. “I would never want you to give up your dreams for me.”
“But you became a part of my dream,” he says softly, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
Tears stream down my cheeks as I meet his gaze.
“Do you know how much I envy you?” I ask, my voice cracking. “You’ve known who you are meant to be since you were thirteen.”
