“But we’re both going away to school in a few weeks, and, the pathetic truth is, I’m scared,” he offers me a small, self-deprecating half-smile. “I’m starting to realize, that if I kiss you, I won’t be able to stop kissing you. And I’m not sure I know how to be with you knowing there’s an expiration date.”
His gaze is open and vulnerable, and I’m struck by his honesty, by his declaration. My heart swells in my chest, and I wish his words weren’t true. But I know they are, and I know he’s right.
“I wish we could make summer last indefinitely, you know?” he says sadly.
I nod somberly. I do know. I really do.
“But I’m leaving for Boston in a matter of fucking weeks, and—”
“Did you say Boston?” I interrupt him, my thoughts running a mile a minute.
Noah frowns. “Yeah. BU.” Boston University. “Where are you going?”
A small smile plays on my lips. “Northeastern.”
Noah’s eyes widen, and if I worry he might back down from his emotional declaration, his brilliant grin is utterly blinding. “Northeastern...in Boston...”
I nod, confirming.
Noah and I stare at each other for a full minute. So many possibilities playing in both of our minds, and before I can say another word, his mouth is on mine.
He kisses me. His lips take everything he’s just sworn they wanted, making good on all of his words, making brand new promises all their own.
Noah Reed kisses me for the rest of the summer, and quite a bit more. And when August turns to September, he doesn’t stop kissing me.
And by fall, I know without a question in my heart or mind, that I want him to kiss me forever.
If you enjoyed this prequel to the Summer Souls series, you’re in luck! The series will be soon coming your way, and there will be much more Liza and Noah when the Lies in the Sand duet debuts, about Noah’s sister, Scarlett, and her own story of finding love by the sea.
About the Author
You can learn more about my work at daniellepearl.com, or follow me on social media.
In the meantime, check out the first novel in the bestselling Something More series, Normal, for FREE on all ebook platforms!
Single in Sitka
Katy Regnery
1
Amanda
Luke.
Mmmm.
Luke.
I stare at the four letters while some inner voice, no doubt hailing from the general area of my ovaries, repeats the name over and over again in my head.
Luke. Luke. Luke.
Strong. Masculine. Slightly old-fashioned.
It’s one of the cheaper ads, so there’s no picture, but I’m fairly certain he’s built like a lumberjack and hung like a horse.
He drawls in a voice that sounds suspiciously like John Wayne’s…