We kiss even as we catch our breaths, and I’m not moving yet because I want to freeze this moment in time.
Declan and I…shouldtalk.
Weneedto talk.
Wereeeeeallyneed to talk, especially now.
We can talk later, though.
After I fucking have a little talk with Casey.
Because I want to know why, if Declan’sonlybeen with Casey, then how thefuckdoes he know these beautiful, perfect phrases?
I want to know how he knewexactlythe things my girl used to beg me for,literallyverbatim.
Not just reminding me of how she begged—I mean using theexactphrases in theexactways she always used to beg me, even from the beginning.
Somethingshebrought to the table with her,notsomething I taught her that she might have told Casey about.
I don’t know what Casey’s game is, but this isnota game to me andI’mplaying for keeps.
This boy is nowmine.
Like fuckinghellam I giving him back or giving him up without a goddamned fight.
Caseywas right last night that the old George is back.
But what she doesn’t know is how much of a bastard the old George is.
A bastard who damn sure plays for keeps.
Now that I have found a new reason for living, best friend or not, I’m not going to let Casey stand in my fucking way with Declan.
Life’s taken too damn much from me already.
It’s time for me to start taking back.
