“You better be available whenever I want,” she quips. “You’re supposed to be my ride or die, and you’re leaving me.”
Savannah leans against the bar and looks past me. “Are you actually sad because Delaney is leaving, or because you broke up with Easton?”
“You broke up with Easton?” Lennon gasps.
Tessa rolls her eyes. “He’s going away to college, and I’m not stupid or naive enough to think we can make the whole long-distance thing work.”
I tilt my head from side to side. In theory, it makes sense, though I can’t say I’m not the slightest bit disappointed. They may have had their ups and downs, but they were cute together. Still, once Tess’s mind is made up about something, there’s no changing it—ever.
“Well, good.” Lennon nudges Tess with her elbow. “You can be single with me this year.”
Sav points at her with a drink in her hand. “You’re only single because your dad won’t let a boy within fifty feet of you without threatening to rip his head off.”
She thinks about it for a second and then shrugs with a smile. “Weeds out all the pussies.”
“Speaking of pussies…” Tessa bites her lip as she eyes an older guy from across the bar. “Mine needs a change of pace. Excuse me.”
She slides off the stool and walks away, instantly getting the man’s attention. I roll my eyes at her crudeness, and Lennon’s brows furrow. “She does know we weren’t talking about vaginas, right?”
“She doesn’t care,” Savannah and I answer at once.
And yeah, I’m really going to miss this.
THE CONDO IS SPACIOUS, giving me more than enough room. It’s in a prime location right by the school, and the fact that it’s already been furnished the way I wanted is a huge benefit. Knox carries up the last box before putting it down and looking around.
“I can’t believe you got me to move across the country with you.”
I giggle. “Would you really have let me leave without you?”
“No, not a fucking chance.”
“Exactly.”
The two of us spend a few hours unpacking boxes and talking about how great it will be to live together. However, when I notice the sun starting to set, I grab his hand and pull him toward the door.
“Laney, what are you doing?”
I shrug. “I want to go for a walk.”
“Now?” he questions. “Can I at least eat first?”
“Nope. It won’t take long, I promise.”
As if he’s lost all ability to tell me no, he allows me to drag him down the stairs and out onto the street. I try to find our way by memory, since looking at my phone would only ruin the surprise, and thankfully, I find it.
“Why are you in such a rush?”
I turn to him and try to conceal my excitement. “Do you trust me?”
His eyes narrow. “Isn’t that my line?”
“Just answer it. Do you trust me?”
He pulls me close and kisses me just long enough to take my breath away. “With my life.”
“Okay, good. Come with me.”
Squeezing his hand, the two of us walk into the tattoo parlor not far from our condo. Knox looks confused as he scans the room, taking in the place. Finally, he gives in.
“We’re getting more ink?”
I shake my head just as a guy with a buzzed head comes over to greet us. “You must be Delaney.”
“I am, and this is Knox.”
He extends his hand, and my boyfriend takes it with a hesitant smile. “I’m Chris. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Yeah, you too.” His brows furrow as he looks between the two of us. “I’m sorry, how do you two know each other?”
“She got in touch with me a couple weeks ago. Told me you were looking for an apprenticeship.”
“Y-yeah, definitely, but I’m not sure I can afford it.”
Chris snickers. “It’s already been taken care of.”
Confused, he glances over at me, and I shrug. “My dad may have covered it. A thank you for saving his daughter’s life and all.”
I watch as realization crosses his face and excitement takes over. “You’ve got to be shitting me.”
“So, I take it you’re interested then?”
Knox nods rapidly. “Yes, abso-fucking-lutely.”
“Great. I’ll see you Monday morning at noon. Don’t be late.”
He thanks him, and after the two of us say goodbye, we walk outside and step onto the sidewalk. As I go to walk away, I’m pulled back and spun right into Knox’s arms. He looks down at me with nothing but respect and adoration in his eyes.
“You are a remarkable woman, Bambi,” he breathes. “I still think you could find someone far better than me, but I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life making sure you never want to look.”
The Rebel
I don’t play by the rules.
Never have, never will.
The second our eyes met from across the club,
I could feel a shift in the air—an overwhelming pull drawing me in.
One mind-blowing night is all it was, or so I thought.
Repeating my senior year may not have been the plan,
But finding out my one-night stand is my new teacher—
That’s something I never saw coming.
His gaze bores into me with the same intensity.
That body, those hands, I remember every touch.
I should stay away, but I don’t want to.
This time, all bets are off.
I’ll let him think he’s in control,
Until I bring him to his knees.
Passion and fire,
Forbidden and wrong.
Like I said, I don’t play by the rules.
Tessa Callahan’s Story.
Coming June 18, 2020
Preorder Now
Want more Knox and Delaney?
Check out this bonus scene.
Acknowledgments
Okay, so, when I sat down to write The Sinner, I never imagined the response to this series would be THIS incredible. I’m just a girl who likes to write books and enjoys sharing them with the world, and to see all of the heartwarming reviews and comments about my work is the best feeling. Therefore, the first person I have to thank is you. Yes, you—the reader. Without you, there wouldn’t be someone to read my books. Sharing my words is as amazing as it is nerve-wracking, and the only reason I can write full time is because of you. So, from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!
To my publicist, Christine Estevez, there are not enough words to thank you for everything you’ve done for me. You keep me on track. You motivate me to finish. You push me to be better. I’m so lucky not only to have you on my team, but to have you as a friend.
To Kiezha, my editor, you are incredible. Thank you for polishing this book baby and making it the best it can be. Without you, this would probably be trash.
To my favorite person, Kate Myers, Thank you for beta reading and telling me when something just doesn’t work. Your honesty and straightforwardness is something that I admire and appreciate. I love you.
To Melissa and Mercedez, Thank you for loving this book and these characters as much as I do. Your excitement and passion keeps me going. You’re both incredible and I’m so glad I have you.
If you’ve enjoyed reading this book, please consider leaving a review. And again, THANK YOU!
xoxo, Kels
About the Author
Kelsey Clayton is an internationally selling author of Contemporary Romance novels. She lives in a small town in Delaware with her husband, two kids, and dog.
She is an avid reader of fall hard romance. She believes that books are the best escape you can find, and that if you feel a range of emotions while reading her stories - she succeeded. She loves writing and is only getting started on this life long journey.
Kelsey likes to keep things in her life simple. Her ideal night is one with sweatpants, a fluffy blanket, cheese fries, and wine. She holds
her friends and family close to her heart and would do just about anything to make them happy.
Also by Kelsey Clayton
Sleepless November Saga
Sleepless November
Endless December
Seamless Forever
Awakened in September
Standalones
Returning to Rockport
Haven Grace Prep
The Sinner
The Saint
The Rebel (June 2020)
The Enemy (July 2020)
The Saint: An Enemies to Lovers Romance (Haven Grace Prep Book 2) Page 23
