Out of Mind (Out of Line #3)(58)
Author: Jen McLaughlin

He moved inside me once, twice, three times, his grip on my hips so tight it almost hurt—but in a good way. He dropped his forehead against the shower wall, cradling me in his arms from behind. “Holy shit, you’re going to kill me.”

“Never.” I slid off him and spun around, wrapping my arms around his neck. “I love you too much.”

Grinning, he trailed his fingers over my tattoo. “I love you, too. The sun is always shining around you, Ginger.”

My heart warmed. “Indeed it is.”

And I had a feeling it would never stop.

Chapter Twenty-Six – Finn

Four months later

I climbed off my bike and hung my helmet on the bars, taking a calming breath and smoothing my hair as I did so. The crisp early September morning air smelled fresh, sending awareness through my veins. Waking me up. It felt renewing, almost. Since this was the start of a new chapter of my life, it felt fitting. These past few months with Carrie had been pure heaven. We fought. We kissed. We made up. We loved.

I never thought I could be so damn happy.

My phone buzzed, and I pulled it out of my pocket. Senator Wallington. Good luck, Finn. Let me know how it goes. Give Carrie my love, too. We miss you two already.

I smiled. We’d spent the summer with them, getting to know each other better. I could almost say that they actually liked me now. They got to see the “me” I was without the pain and grief. It had been good for us. Thank you, sir.

I still couldn’t believe how much he’d changed. But then again, we’d all changed. I sure as hell had, and so had Carrie. It stood to reason that he would have, too.

My phone buzzed again. Talk to you later.

“Who was that?” Carrie asked, smoothing her hair and coming up beside me.

“Your dad.” I slipped my phone into my pocket and offered her my arm. “He was wishing me luck.”

“Oh, that’s nice. I bet he—” She checked her phone and frowned. “Hey. I got nothing.”

I shrugged. “What can I say? I’m the favorite child now.”

“Only because you can talk with him in his study for hours about politics without getting bored.” She pouted, stealing a peek at me. “I had to escape. He can’t blame me. Even Riley left after an hour.”

I laughed. “That’s ’cause he’s not as cool as me.”

“I know it.” She wrapped her hand around my bicep. “But after we spent all summer living with them, I think my father really does love you more than me in some ways—and I love that fact, just for the record.”

“That’s not true.” I grinned. “Okay. Maybe it’s a little bit true.”

She smacked my abs with her free hand. “Ha-ha, really funny, fresh meat.”

“Hey, you promised not to call me that.”

She laughed. “No, I promised not to call you that in bed. I didn’t say anything about not doing it here. And I never promised not to laugh at you if you get lost on campus.”

“Brat,” I said, kissing her temple. I slid my bag higher on my shoulder and handed her hers. “Somehow I think I’ll be fine, though, with or without your help.”

“You think?” She smiled at me. “Are you ready for this?”

“Of course I am.” I rolled my eyes. “I’ve been on this campus since last year. What difference is taking a few classes going to make?”

“Tell me that when you’re buried in homework later this week.”

I readjusted so I could put my arm over her shoulder. “As long as you help me study? I won’t give a damn.”

“You know I will.” She wrapped her arm around my waist and hesitated. “You know…I was thinking.”

“Sounds dangerous,” I quipped.

She smacked my arm. “Stop it.”

“Fine. I’ll behave.” I grinned and yanked my bag up higher on my shoulder. “What’s up?”

“We’re going to be studying so much, and at the same school, so I thought,” she peeked up at me, “maybe I could move in with you? I mean, I practically live there now, but we could make it official.”

I stopped walking, my heart thundering in my ears. “R-Really? You want to?”

“I do.” She smiled up at me. “If you do.”

“Fuck yes.” I picked her up and swung her in a circle. “Yes! Are you sure?”

“I’m as positive as a proton,” she said, grinning.

“Me too.”

She laughed, and the melody washed over me, washing away any nerves I had—that I’d deny I had if anyone asked. I had her with me. What could ever possibly go wrong? She loved me, and I loved her.

Life was f**king good.

I kissed her, my mouth melding to hers perfectly. Which made sense, since she was made for me. I pulled back and grinned so big my cheeks f**king hurt. “If we weren’t on our way to class, I’d celebrate this with you my favorite way—naked and wet.”

Desire flared in her eyes. “Meet you out here at twelve for a nooner at home?”

“Yes.” I kissed her one last time. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

I looked to the left and sighed. “I have to go this way to my economics class.”

“And I go this way to trigonometry.” She backed away from me, our fingers still entwined. “Then tonight, we’ll tell my dad together? About us living together?”

I groaned, not letting go. “Do we have to? He liked me, but will he like this?”

“I don’t know.” She grinned. “But we’ll find out the best way possible.”

“Together.”

“Always,” she said, looking at me with so much love it almost hurt. “Now get your butt to class, freshman.”

“Yes, ma’am.” I let go of her reluctantly. “Look in your bag first, though.”

She reached in and pulled out a yellow rose. Grinning, she read the message. “I’ll miss you. Love me.” I’d ended the note the same way as I had the day we’d gotten back together. It was easily one of the best days of my life. She looked up at me, her blue eyes shining in the sun. “I’ll miss you, too. And I do.”

I blew her a kiss. “Stay in class and don’t wander off, since I won’t be watching you.”

She laughed and called out over her shoulder, “You worry about me too much. Good luck!”

“I’ll never worry enough when it comes to you,” I said under my breath, watching her walk away. She took my heart with her, but I knew it would be safe in her hands.