Page 109 of Finding Storm

I don’t even know if what we’re doing is dating. We haven’t even slept together, for Christ’s sake, and here’s me, saying the guy could be my soul mate.

Yep. There’s been no sexy time.

We’ve hit second base, and that’s it. And even that is PG-rated. I’m talking hand-on-boob-over-clothing action and nothing more.

We kiss tons, but he hasn’t even once attempted to de-clothe me.

I think he’s trying to be respectful.

I’m ready to rip his clothes off.

Storm’s phone starts ringing. He lets go of my hand and pulls his cell from his pocket. He glances at the screen before looking at me. “It’s Beck,” he tells me before answering. “Hey, Beck. Yeah. Cool. Okay. That’s great.”

My stomach starts to sink.

There is only one reason Beck would call. Because the part they need to fix his car has arrived. Beck had to order it in. It’s arrived earlier than expected.

Just my frigging luck. When you want something, it takes forever and a day to arrive. When you don’t want something to come, it shows up early.

“Thanks, man. I’ll see you later.” Storm ends the call and pockets his cell.

Our walk has slowed to a stop.

He turns to face me. “The part for my car is in.”

And there it is.

I swallow down my feelings. Because I knew this was coming. Even if a little sooner than I hoped.

“That’s great news.” It’s awful news.

I smile up at him. It’s a weak-as-crap smile, and he knows it. I can tell in the way his brow furrows ever so slightly.

Pull it together, Stevie. Don’t get upset. This was always going to happen.

He was never here forever.

He has a life in LA. His band is there.

“Yeah … Beck said he’ll fix it today. My car will be ready … tonight.”

I love my brother, but I could kick him for being so damn efficient at his job.

I can’t speak because the words won’t come without the waterworks, so I force my smile bigger and brighter.

Storm pulls off his sunglasses and pockets them. His eyes look bluer than ever. They look conflicted. “Stevie—”

“This is good news, right?” I take a step back, putting some distance between us.

He frowns.

But distance is what I need to get through this.

“Your car being fixed means you can get back to LA. Which is good. It’s great. I’m happy for you.” I’m officially smiling the widest smile I’ve ever smiled. I must look deranged. But I’m desperately trying not to burst into tears.

Which is stupid.

I’m stupid.