"You don't have to tell me it back," he says. "I just—"
"Idoneed to say it back. Because it's how I feel. I love you, Dean. I wanted to tell you but I was afraid if I did, it would scare you off because of our agreement."
"I don't want the agreement. I don't want to say we're just friends or put a limit on where this can go. I want more. I want a relationship. I want to be able to call you my girlfriend. I want us to be a real couple, assuming that's okay with you."
"Um, let me think about it."
"Really?"
"No! Dean, are you kidding? I'd love to be your girlfriend." I lay back on my bed, smiling so wide my cheeks hurt. "I love you, Dean."
"I love you too."
"See you tomorrow, boyfriend," I say with a laugh.
"Tomorrow we make it official. No more pretending we're just friends. I'm going to hold your hand and kiss you in the hall when everyone's looking. Then I'm going to pin you against your locker and kiss you some more."
"I can't wait. Bye, Dean."
"Bye, babe."
I look up at the ceiling, a huge smile still on my face. I couldn't be happier than I am at this moment.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Dean
"Jacob, wait," I say, catching him before he leaves.
"What?" he says, standing at the door.
I go up to him, putting both hands on his shoulders. "Listen to me. You go to school and come home. No stops to get a candy bar. No going to a friend's house. No wandering the streets looking for stray dogs."
He rolls his eyes. "I haven't done that in forever."
"You followed a dog around last week."
"Because I thought he was lost. When are you going to let us get a dog?"
"Never. We can't afford it. Jake, I'm serious. Promise me you won't go anywhere but to school and home."
"Fine. Whatever." He turns to leave but I jerk him back.
"Promise me!"
He sighs. "I promise. Why are you acting so weird?"
"There's been a lot of crime around here the past week. I want you to be extra careful and don't let anyone in the house, even if you know them."
His brows rise. "I can't let Brook in?"
"Yes, you can let Brook in but nobody else. You understand?"
He nods.
"And if anyone approaches you, even if you know the person, don't go anywhere with them. Just run away."
He looks at me funny. "Why would I go with them?"
