Page 12 of Rumor Has It

“Tell me.” Mackenzie’s words break as if her heart is. “Please, just tell me what’s going on, Boone.”

And there it is. The hair raises on the nape of my neck. Mackenzie is the only woman who makes me nervous. Whether it’s a simple look or a flash of her eyes, my stomach knots with the sound of her voice.

But this is something different. It’s written in her face as I gaze at her; she knows. I’m not sure if she knows I’m trying to make her jealous, or I’ve gone too far and hurt her feelings.

“Marla Nelson asked me if I wanted to go,” I mumble. “And Michelle Toler might have mentioned it.”

The color in her face grows from a dusty pink to a fire engine red in two-point-two seconds. “You have got to be kidding me? You know what this is about, Boone.”

“It’s a dance, Kenzie. I know they’ll do everything to make us miserable, but we don’t have to let them get to us.” I rub the back of my neck. This isn’t going at all how I had planned.

“I just don’t know. They’re constantly trying to drive a wedge between us.” She chews on her nail, staring at the road ahead. I lean over, tugging her at her hand until she frees it.

“We’ll ignore them. I’ll a get a table with Chord and Riley.”

“I can’t believe you’d even think about it,” she mumbles.

“I can’t believe I am either, but I’d like to have this memory with you, and I want it to be a good one we’ll remember forever.” I shake my head. “It’s a dance, that’s all it is.”

She lifts her chin, defiance written on her features. “And if I don’t agree to go?”

“I don’t know, Kenzie.” I slump in my seat. “I know it’s ridiculous and cliché, but if you’re by my side, I know it won’t be so bad.”

“I’ll think about it; that’s all I’ll promise.” She purses her lips. “Only for you, Boone.”

“That’s all I’m asking.” I half shrug. “Call me crazy, but I want you to go to the prom with me. I’d love to show you off.”

She sighs heavily. “You’re gonna make one helluva attorney, Mr. Hatcher.”

“Thank you, Ms. Baker.” I lay my hand on the seat between us. “Now, feed me.”

“You’re such a dork.” She shakes her head, slapping at my hand. “How can anyone eat as much as you do?”

“I’m a growing boy; we need nourishment.” I flex my arm when she glances over, and does a double take.

“I can see that.” She wets her lips. “I am getting a little thirsty.”

I watch as she nibbles on her bottom lip, driving me insane. I twist in my seat, stretching my leg to give me a little more room before my zipper pops. “We can stop now to eat or wait until we get there.”

“I can wait, but it’s another hour or so you might starve.” She points to a bag sitting on the floorboard. “I brought snacks.”

I snatch the bag up, unzipping it. “Have I ever told you how amazing you are?”

“Ha! You’d never get anything else done if you did.”

“You’re just full of yourself today, aren’t you?” I cock my brow.

Her face widens with my favorite smile, and it’s as though Heaven’s smiling. “You act like you’re surprised.”

“The snark is strong today.”

“Always.” She winks, driving everything south of me wild.

I stare out the window waiting for her attention to turn back to the road. After a few minutes, I glimpse at her. I’m caught up in her beauty, and get lost in the moment.

Her hair dances around her face, caressing it with sun tipped tendrils. My heart clinches when I imagine her perfectly, pouty lips pressed to mine. When her mouth parts, so does mine, hoping to drink her scent in as she brands me hers.

“Boone?” Her nose twitches as she fight a smile.