A Love for Romance

by Kahlen Aymes

  Mathias came up behind me and grabbed my hair. “I knew you were sick. You’re such a fucking liar, Rem.”

  I wiped the back of my hand across my mouth. “I’m going to the nurse.”

  “I’ll go with you.”

  “No,” I cried a bit too loudly. “No,” I added softer. “They’re just going to send me home. It’s okay.”

  I grabbed my backpack and he watched me go inside. When I glanced back, he looked as helpless as I felt, and he didn’t even know yet.

  Once he did...I feared that look might never leave his face.

  “We’re moving.”

  The words were the final nail in my coffin.

  “W-what did you say?” I stuttered.

  “We’re moving,” my mom repeated.

  Everything spun.

  This couldn’t be happening.

  No.

  The stifling humidity of the summer heat made my clothes stick to my body. I was tempted to take my tank top off and leave myself in my bra and jeans, but I was still on school property, and I wouldn’t put it past one of the teachers to report me, even though it was the last day of school—and after school hours.

  Mathias’ hand was clasped in mine as we walked together.

  My heart beat irregularly in my chest.

  I had to tell him that I was leaving.

  I’d been putting this talk off—and the one about the baby—for weeks.

  But time had caught up to me and now I was left with no choice but to break the news.

  I figured I’d tell him about the move, and then baby. The move wasn’t as bad as the baby, right?

  “Mathias?” I spoke, stopping in my tracks.

  He stopped too and looked at me questioningly. “What is it? You’re not sick again are you? You’ve been looking a little pale.”

  “I’m fine, but there’s something I have to tell you...”

  He stopped and crossed his arms over his chest like he knew whatever was going to come out of my mouth was going to be bad.

  “What’s going on, Remy?” he asked. “Is this some sort of intervention? I didn’t drink that much at that party, I swear.”

  “No, it’s not about that,” I mumbled, thinking about the party we went to last weekend to celebrate school ending.

  I shook my head, tears clinging to my lashes. I never cried, so Mathias knew this was bad.

  “Rem?” he prompted.

  “We’re moving.” I choked on the words like they were something physical lodged in my throat. “We leave in a week.”

  “Moving? Where?” he asked, his dark brows furrowing into a straight line.

  “Arizona,” I squeaked.

  “Arizona?!” he roared. “Next week?! That might as well be all the way across the world!” He threw his arms in the air.

  “Mathias,” I said his name calmly, “we can do the long distance thing.”

  He shook his head roughly back and forth, his shaggy brown hair falling into his eyes. He pushed it back and slapped his baseball cap on backwards.

  “No. No. No.” He seemed to be in a state of disbelief. “You can’t fucking leave me.”

  I closed my eyes. He’d once told me he had abandonment issues. His dad had driven his car into a tree on a drunken binge and his mom was in jail. Even though his foster parents were great people, I knew he feared they’d grow tired of him and kick him out.

  “I’m not leaving you by choice.” I reached for him and he flinched away from my touch. “This is my dad’s job, I have to go.”

  A look of hatred settled over his face. “Just go then.”

  “Mathias—”

  “GO!” he yelled right in my face. “I always knew you would! I knew you were too good for me and that’s why I fucked Josie!”

  “What?” I gasped, taking a step back and clenched my heart like I’d been shot. Josie? Josie Miller? The girl that was always batting her eyes at him in our biology class? How? What? When? Why? We spent so much time together, I didn’t see how...

  “You heard me,” he seethed. “I fucked her, because you’ll never be enough for me.”

  Tears coursed down my cheeks at his cruel words. “You cheated on me?”

  I’d fallen in love with Mathias in a way I didn’t know you could at sixteen years old. I’d given him parts of myself I never shared with anyone. He knew everything about me, and right now he was destroying me.

  He nodded, his teeth clenched together. “Did you really think I’d settle for you?”

  I flinched. Those words were like a slap to my face. “I don’t know what I thought.” My voice came out as no more than a whisper. I was normally a strong girl, but right now all my strength had left me. I felt like a piece of me was dying.

  “She wasn’t the only one. There’ve been more.”

  He continued to drill holes in my heart.

  “How many?” I asked, gasping for air.

  “More than you want to know,” he spat.

  “I hate you!” I shouted, a sob cutting through my throat.

  “Good, because I hate you too!” he yelled back.

  “You’re nothing but a lying, cheating, filthy bastard, and I’m sorry for thinking there was more to you than that.” Then my hand reared back and connected with his cheek. My hand left behind a red imprint on his cheek.

  He nodded once, like he was agreeing that he deserved that, and then he turned and walked away.

  He left me standing there, crying in the school parking lot, as my entire world blew up in my face.

  When his body was nothing but a speck in the distance, I whispered, “You’re going to be a dad.”

  Then I fell to the ground in the fetal position and cried until a teacher found me.

  Remy and Mathias’ story continues in Never Too Late.

  Available everywhere.

  About the Author

  Hi. I’m Micalea. Ma-call-e-uh. Weird name, I know. My mom must’ve known I was going to be odd even in the womb. I’ve written a lot of books. Like a lot. Don’t ask me how many, I don’t remember at this point. I have an unhealthy addiction to Diet Coke but I can’t seem to break the habit. I listen to way too much music and hedgehogs have taken over my life.

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  To read other titles by Micalea Smeltzer and to learn about upcoming releases, please visit her website.

  Until Stars Forget To Shine

  by Amber Garza

  One

  “Are you sure you’re okay?” My best friend Grace asked.

  “Fine.” I pressed the phone to my ear and leaned over the deck railing. A cool breeze whisked over my body, carrying with it the scent of sand and salt water.

  “Then why did you run away?”

  I laughed. “I didn’t. I’m just spending a few days at the beach.”

  “Want me to join you? I can stick Brett on kid duty.”

  “You just want a break from your family.”

  “A few days without a whining toddler and a needy husband does sound amazing,” she agreed. “C’mon. We can have a girls’ week, just like old times.”

  It was tempting. “That sounds fun, but I think I need to be alone.”

  “See? You’re not fine.”

  “I am,” I said firmly.

  “It’s okay to admit you’re sad over your breakup with Alec.”

  “That’s just it. I’m not sad about it. I should be, but I’m not. I’m kinda relieved.”

  She sighed. “This is about Austin, isn’t it?”

  My stomach clenched, but I forced a light laugh. “My high school boyfriend? Nah, I think I’m past that.”

  “You and I both know Austin was more than just your high school boyfriend. And losing him the way you did was—”

  “I don’t wanna talk about it, Grace,” I cut her off swiftly, my pulse quickening. No way was I rehashing all this with her right now. “Dad and Penny are gone for a couple of weeks, and I’m going to spend that t
ime enjoying some peace and quiet. I need that right now, okay?”

  “Okay.” Grace’s voice was quiet, resigned. “You’ll let me know if you need anything?”

  “Yep.”

  It’s evening, and the beach was quiet, the air cooling down. Hugging myself, I walked down the stairs that led from the back patio down to the sand. My sandals sunk down until the grainy pebbles covered my feet. Near the water, I heard a squeal and a giggle. I glanced up. A teenage couple played around on the shore. He had his arms around her waist as he tickled her. I recognized that teasing grin. It reminded me of the one Austin used to wear.

  My heart pinched.

  It had been almost ten years since Austin’s death, but I thought about him often. I’d moved on, dated many men since. But there was still a part of me that missed my first love. Maybe I always would.

  Turning away, I walked down the beach. I didn’t have a destination in mind, but wasn’t surprised when I ended up in front of the beach house Austin’s family had owned. Memories of him lingered, and I shivered.

  I was so young the last time I’d been here with him. A different person.

  Reaching out, I touched the railing on the porch. Without thinking, I climbed the stairs and peered into the front window. It looked nothing like it had before. I felt equal parts relief and sadness.

  “What are you doing?” I flinched as a man came around the side yard, his eyes narrowed, his mouth a hard line.

  My heart thrummed beneath my flesh as I took a couple of steps backward. “Um...I’m sorry. I just...” Seriously, why couldn’t I talk? I’d like to say it was because of embarrassment, but I think it had more to do with how incredibly sexy the man was. “Um...” I sound like an idiot. Licking my lips, I glanced away from his dark hair and eyes, his tanned muscular body. Staring at the sand, I was finally able to articulate a full sentence. “I was friends with a boy who lived here once.”

  “Well, he’s not here now.” His tone wasn’t kind. It was rough, irritated.

  “Yeah, I know,” I answered quietly, my stomach dipping. This was stupid. I never should’ve come here. Glancing at the handsome stranger, I nodded apologetically. “Sorry. I’m leaving.” Head ducked, I hurried down the stairs.

  “What was his name?”

  I whipped around. “What?”

  “The boy who used to live here,” the man prompted.

  “Oh. Austin.” Odd how it still hurt to speak his name aloud.

  The stranger’s head bobbed up and down. “He must’ve lived here awhile ago. We bought the house from an elderly couple.”

  “Yeah. It was a long time ago,” I agreed, feeling silly. Not just for pining after a boy I’d known when I was merely a teen, but also for drooling over a man who was most likely married. His use of the word “we” and the fact that he was way too hot to be single gave that away. Not that I was surprised. Everyone my age was married. Sighing, I offered a weak smile. “Again, I’m sorry.”

  His only acknowledgment of my words was a curt nod and wary expression. Nothing about this guy was friendly. Yep, definitely married. And he probably thought I was hitting on him. Ugh.

  Blowing out a breath, I scurried back down the beach. When I got far enough away, I dared a peek over my shoulder. The strange man stood out on the deck staring out at the water. His shoulders were stooped, his lips curled downward, his gaze a million miles away.

  I knew that look.

  It made me wonder what demons he was wrestling.

  Were they the same as mine?

  “Table for one?” The hostess asked, her eyebrows raised in confusion, as if she assumed she’d heard wrong.

  “Yes,” I answered, my face flushing.

  The restaurant was filled with couples and families. Some of them looked over at me curiously, standing alone in a black dress and heels. Maybe this was a mistake. Seemed I was full of them today.

  I should’ve grabbed a fish taco or, better yet, gone to the ice cream shop. Dessert for dinner is acceptable on vacation, right?

  “How many in your party, sir?” The hostess spoke to someone over my shoulder. I moved out of the way. The waiting area was getting cramped, reminding me again how dumb this idea was.

  “Just one.”

  I inhaled sharply and spun around.

  The man I’d met at Austin’s old house was standing at the hostess desk muttering something to her. He wore slacks and a white collared shirt that looked amazing against his bronzed skin. I swallowed hard.

  When he caught me staring, he raised an eyebrow. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re stalking me.”

  It reminded me of something Austin would say. I smiled, even though I didn’t think he meant it in a playful way. “I was here before you, so maybe you’re stalking me.”

  “Says the woman who was peeking in my window this afternoon.”

  My body warmed.

  He smiled with amusement, as if enjoying my discomfort. “I’m Cole, by the way.”

  “Mina.” I stuck out my hand. When his fingers folded over mine, a chill skittered up my arm. With his black hair and dark eyes, his name fit him.

  “Miss.” The hostess stood in front of me, and I was a little annoyed at the interruption. “Your table is ready.” Her gaze flickered to Cole. “I’m sorry, sir, but it will be a little bit of a wait before we can seat you at the table you requested.”

  “That’s fine.” He offered a resigned smile and nod.

  I hesitated for a moment before speaking. “You can join me if you want.”

  His brows furrowed. “Won’t your date be upset?”

  Was he fishing? There was a flutter in my belly. Whoa. What’s that about? “No date. Just me.”

  “Really?”

  “Yep.” I would’ve felt lame if not for the fact that he was also here by himself. My gaze slid down to his hand. No ring. Huh.

  “You go ahead. I’m actually waiting on a specific table.”

  My heart divebombed. It wasn’t even a good excuse. “Ookay.” I threw the hostess a disbelieving look and then followed her to my table. It was in the corner by the window.

  “Can I get you anything to drink?” She asked after I’d sat down.

  “Red wine, please.” I wanted to leave, but my pride wouldn’t let me. For years, my dad brought Luca and me here on our first night of summer. I thought it would be nice to keep up tradition. Getting dressed up and having a nice seafood dinner had sounded nice, relaxing even. Clearly, I’d been wrong.

  When she brought my drink, I sipped it and glanced out over the restaurant. My gaze landed on the table where I’d spotted Austin that first day we’d met. Back then I’d thought he was a jerk, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.

  Cole was still in the waiting area. He was leaning against the wall scrolling through his phone. I frowned. That’s what he’d rather do than eat with me?

  After ordering, I noticed Cole being ushered to a table in the middle of the room. It was set for two with a candle glowing in the center. Curious, I watched as the waitress quickly brought over a bottle of wine. He hadn’t even had time to order. It was almost as if she was ready for him. He looked up, his gaze meeting mine. His lips curled upward slightly. Heartrate picking up speed, I turned my head.

  What was wrong with me?

  I came here to get over a guy, not meet a new one. And even if I was interested in meeting someone, it wouldn’t be Cole. He was rude and cocky, and clearly not into me.

  TWO

  The sun was hot as it beat on my bikini-clad body. A large brimmed hat sat on my head, shielding my face as I read my latest mystery novel. All around me were the noises of families talking, kids shrieking and people splashing in the water. But I tuned it out and focused on the book. I was a few chapters in when a shadow cast over my body.

  My breath hitched in my throat at the sight of Cole standing over me in nothing but swim trunks, his body glistening, his hair dripping water into the sand. Seriously? Why did he have to be so hot?

&nb
sp; “Enjoy your dinner last night?” he asked.

  “It was fine,” I responded, doing my best to look away from his muscular chest and six pack abs. It was a losing battle though. As irritating as he was, in this moment I felt nothing but attraction. Man, when did I become so shallow? Swallowing hard, I forced my gaze to the sand.

  “Mind if I join you?”

  “You don’t have a special spot on the beach you’re waiting for?” It’s a petty thing to say, and I regret it immediately.

  “I do, but it’s being used by a bunch of teenagers right now.”

  “Ah, so you thought you’d buy some time with me, huh?”

  “Somethin’ like that.” He winked.

  My stomach flipped. He reminded me so much of Austin. Was this what he would’ve been like as an adult?

  “Okay,” I answered.

  “Be right back. Gonna grab my towel.”

  Yeah, good idea. Maybe cover yourself up with it.

  As he hurried off, I took a long pull from my water bottle. I was burning up, and I didn’t think it was from the sun.

  He didn’t give me very long to gather myself before plunking down beside me...on top of his towel. So, no covering up then.

  “On vacation?”

  I nodded. “Staying in my dad’s beach house. He and his wife are on a trip.”

  “Does he live here year-round?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Not many of us do.”

  “Oh, so you’re here all the time?”

  “Sure am.”

  I thought about my life in the city. What would it be like to live at the beach? It’s something I’ve wondered about often since my dad moved here. Maybe if Austin hadn’t died when he did, I would’ve found out at some point.

  “I bought the house from an elderly couple.” He scratched the back of his neck. The muscles on his arm flexed. I couldn’t stop staring. “I didn’t know who owned the home before them.” When he turned his gaze to mine, my heart sunk. I knew what was coming next. “But after I caught you peering in my windows, I did a little digging.”

  Please don’t say it.

  “I know what happened to the boy. The one I’m assuming was your friend.”