Page 21 of Rumor Has It

“Not at all, Boone. I’m just surprised you picked one that needs a leash!” I growl. I’ve spent almost every day of the last nine years with him and for the first time, I don’t know who he is.

He shifts, appearing relaxed and in charge. “Careful, you’re beginning to sound jealous.”

“Trust me, jealously isn’t the correct emotion for this.” I grind my teeth in hopes of distracting myself from the tears welling in my eyes. “Are you taking her to prom?”

“Huh?” His body becomes rigid. “Why would you ask that?”

“Everyone’s saying it, Boone. That’s all people are talking about, and that I’m a fool for trusting you.” I cross my arms, protecting myself from his answer. I know I’ve waited far too long to tell him how I feel, but it’s not easy for me to open up. Hell, I’m not honest with myself most of the time and with things like this always cropping up, no one should be surprised.

His tone deepens. “Where did you hear that? Tell me, right now who said it?”

“In the hallway, people were talking.” I straighten my hair, avoiding his eyes. Boone doesn’t scare me, it’s the thought of never being enough for him. My entire body begins to tremble with each passing minute.

“He told you, didn’t he? He’s made you believe him.” His hands begin to shake before he fists them. “You’re actually going to listen to him?”

“It doesn’t matter how I heard it; it only matters if it’s true.”

His jaw ticks, and I wait for what feels like a lifetime for his answer. “I asked you to go with me. I told you several people asked me, but I want to go with you.”

“What does that even mean? If I say no, you’re going anyway.”

“That’s not fair, Kenzie.” His face reddens. “I’ve told you everything.”

My chest tightens. “No, you haven’t.”

“What do you want from me?” His mouth sets into a thin line. “You push me away at every turn, and now you’re holding on?”

“Not anymore.” A myriad of tears streak down my torrid face. “I won’t hold you back from now on, Boone.”

He leans against his truck, looking calm and collected. The total opposite of me, as always. “I want to go to the prom, I’m tired of having to sneak around, and never going on a date.”

“I understand.” I wrap my arm around my stomach as his words cut deep, sinking in like a knife. “I hope you have fun.”

“Fine, whatever.” His jaw sets, as my heart shatters.

I spin on my heels, making a beeline to the bleachers. Yes, I know who’s waiting there, and I know I’m insane for doing this, but it’s time for him to stand up or let me know.

“Kenzie. What the hell, Kenzie?” Boone’s voice breaks on my name, and my heart ceases with them. “Mackenzie!”

“What?” I turn on him, glaring. “Isn’t this what you wanted? Isn’t it what you all wanted? I get it, I do. I’ll never be good enough, not for me or you.”

“You need to be damn sure this is what you want.” His eyes narrow.

I avert my eyes, afraid of what his will tell me. “You too, Boone.”

I shake my head, turning away from him, knowing if I stop now, I’ll never find the courage to do it again. I hate this. I don’t want to do it, but he left me without choices. Playing games when all he has to do is tell me how he feels. I suppose he just showed me.

“It’s time we both realize, I’ll never be enough for you. Besides, apparently Reed Thorton is the type of guy I deserve. He’s a low life in every sense of the word, and so am I.” I murmur to myself, not believing my ears, but feeling every word in my heart.

Boone needs someone he can be proud of, who will help him succeed, and that can see him though every step in life. Not just the ones when he needs a tune-up.

I can see my target up ahead, and the echo of Boone reverberates in the distance. I feel cold. Not physically, but as though for the first time since losing Mom, I feel utterly alone.

Although everything in me is telling me to stay away, I have to know if Boone and I are meant to be together, or is it just my heart so attached to him that I keep fooling myself into believing that one day he’ll fight for me.

I slow my pace, taking one last look over my shoulder. Boone’s watching, or he’s looking beyond to the person I’m walking toward. I hesitate when my breath hitches, hoping he’ll run to me. Wanting him to fight for me. Praying he’ll pick me.

I shut down when I lost my dad. No one could get to me or bring me back to life. Boone pulled me from the depths, slowly. He never rushed me. It was like he knew exactly what I needed. So, why doesn’t he now?

He doesn’t move, so I do. I turn, promising myself I’ll go slow and figure it out as I go. I belong, heart and soul, to Boone Hatcher. But I’m beginning to wonder if I’ll ever be enough for him.

“Hey, Mackenzie.” Reed’s shit-eating grin causes my stomach to roll. Then again, maybe it’s the thought that there’s no going back from here.

“Let’s get one thing straight: I’m not here for you, it’s because of him.” I beat back the tears with every word I speak, my world crumbling.

His eyes flicker behind me, and I know this is all a show to him, but right now, I don’t care. “He doesn’t deserve you.”

“You have no idea what anyone deserves.” My soul is shattered, and so am I. Boone hasn’t come after me, and I suppose after this, he never will.

“Haven’t you ever been told, all’s fair in love and war?” Reed’s smirk makes me uncomfortable, it’s unsettling for sure.

I swallow my pride, letting him know I’m not as dumb as he thinks I am. “Sure I have. I just need to figure out who’s at war and who’s in love.” I know exactly what I’m getting into.