“There’s you.”
“Yeah, well, I didn’t believe you about that either,” Lennon confesses. “Not that you didn’t . . . care, but that anything you felt about me would matter very much or very long. I don’t exactly have the best track record of people choosing to stick around. And, I mean, you’re Caleb Winters. You’ve got talent and money and opportunities and options. I was scared to find out what it would be like to compete against all that.”
“And all that’s changed? Because I came home for winter break like I thought you knew I would all along?”
“No,” she says softly. “Nothing’s changed. That’s the problem. I still feel the same way about you as I did before. Not telling you and not doing much about it . . . it didn’t make a difference. Figured I would at least be honest with you.”
“So . . . what are you saying?”
“I have no idea. This is my home. I don’t know if—or when—I’ll ever leave. And you have this whole other life now. I mean, I don’t even know if you’re single.”
“I wouldn’t have flirted with you earlier if I wasn’t single, Lennon.”
“There wasn’t a single time tonight I thought you were flirting with me, Caleb.” There’s a clear challenge in her voice, revealing a glimpse of the girl who kept me on my toes for four years.
“Oh, really?” I take a step closer to her.
“Really,” she confirms, pushing away from the post.
One more step, and she’s inches away. “I’m going to kiss you,” I tell her. “But you have to agree to something first.”
“Ryan didn’t make any demands—”
“Don’t be a smart-ass,” I inform her grinning face. “You have to agree to give me a chance. Give us a chance.” Any amusement slides right off her face. “Please.”
“And then what?” Lennon challenges.
I shrug. “I don’t know. I never claimed to have all the answers. I just want to figure them out together.”
She searches my face, giving no indication of what she’s thinking on her own. “Okay,” she finally says. I’m not expecting the rush. It’s a release, like finally letting out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. Reaching the end of a journey when I thought I still had a long trek ahead.
As promised, I kiss her, and it doesn’t feel like I’m doing so on a high school baseball field located in a small, snooty town. Lennon presses against me alongside the patch of grass I spent most of high school on, and for the first time, Landry feels like home.
The End.
Dear Reader,
Thank you so much for taking the time to read The Hard Way Home. I hope you enjoyed Lennon and Caleb’s story!
Please take a moment to rate or review this book. It’s an irreplaceable way to help me reach new readers, but more importantly, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
All the best,
C.W. Farnsworth
About the Author
C.W. Farnsworth is the author of four novels. She has always been a voracious reader, and grew up devouring books by flashlight under the covers long after she was supposed to be asleep. She primarily writes young adult and new adult romance, her favorite genres to read, often involving sports.
When she’s not reading or writing, her favorite hobbies include running in the rain, cooking elaborate meals, and drinking excessive amounts of seltzer.
Charlotte is a native New Englander, but attended college in New York, and now resides in Washington, D.C. Find her on Instagram @authorcwfarnsworth, Twitter @cw_farnsworth, and check out her website www.authorcwfarnsworth.com for upcoming book news!
Books By This Author
Kiss Now, Lie Later
Four Months, Three Words
Two Decisions, One Duty
The Hard Way Home Page 26
