Library

Prologue

Titus

Iwasn't sure how long we'd been sitting on the floor of the library, tucked between the romance and fantasy sections, but in the back of my mind, the ticking of each second passing was like a bomb waiting to go off. We'd spent the first fifteen minutes in the little alcove just past the bathrooms but before the emergency exit, a spot that for some reason no one had done anything with and fit the two of us perfectly. I knew from experience that the taste of her wouldn't be gone until I brushed my teeth that night and the palms of my hands still tingled with the memory of all the silky skin under her shirt.

"I just want to be a mom," Noel said with a shrug, her lips tipping up at the edges. "Maybe volunteer to help old people fill out paperwork or something when I have extra time."

"That's your big dream?" I teased, leaning forward as I grinned at her. "To be a mom and help old people with paperwork?"

"I like paperwork," she replied, raising her chin in defiance. "It's like solving a puzzle. And I like the idea of taking care of my babies and our home. I know it's not cool or popular."

"Who gives a shit?" I shot back, making her laugh quietly. "I mean, you're a weirdo with the paperwork thing but I'm guessin' you'll make some confused little old lady very happy."

"What about you?" she asked, tilting her head as she played with a strand of hair that was brushing her cheek. "What do you want to do when you grow up?"

"Rocket scientist," I replied instantly. "No, physicist. No, I'm going to be an actor."

"Be serious."

"I dunno," I mumbled, chastised. "Maybe somethin' to do with writin'. I've always been pretty good at that, or maybe somethin' with computers."

"Like write books?"

"Or maybe journalism. I don't know. There's a pretty good computer engineering program down in Klamath Falls. That might be cool."

"You'd be good at that," she said with a firm nod. "I think you should do it."

"Which one?"

"Both," she said easily.

"I'll probably end up workin' at the garage." I reached up to scratch my cheek. "You know, family business and all."

"You have three brothers." She waved me off. "Let them do it."

"You're right." I nodded with a laugh. "Let them take over. I'll get a track scholarship, go to some big school, and live the dream."

"What about a family?" she asked, still smiling at me. "A wife? Want one of those?"

"You applyin' for the job?"

Noel snorted and her hand shot up to cover her face in embarrassment.

"You can just say it," I joked, sighing in mock desolation. "Sure, I'll finance that lavish lifestyle you want."

"Lavish?"

"Takes money to raise all those kids you're gonna have."

"How do you know I want a bunch of kids?"

"You said babies. Not baby. Babies."

"I could've meant two," she shot back.

"You didn't." I reached out and ran a finger down her jaw, dropping my hand when her face tilted, just barely, in my direction.

It was all we had. Stolen moments in the library. Quiet conversation about our dream lives. That first fifteen minutes of bliss before anyone came looking for the teenagers who'd disappeared into a hidden corner. Brief hidden touches.

None of that seemed to matter much. I was drawn to Noel Allen like a moth to a fucking flame. Ignoring her crazy ass parents and the fact that she couldn't even be seen with me in public was something that had become almost normal.

"I want at least four," she murmured, her eyes steady on mine. "You okay with that?"

I wobbled my head from side to side like I was considering it. "Only if I get you to myself for a couple of years first."

"Deal," she whispered happily, her eyes shining.

"Someday it's not gonna be like this," I promised, wrapping my hand around her ankle under the cover of her long skirt. "You and me are gonna walk down the street, holdin' hands and kissin' and doin' whatever the hell we want."

"Three more years." Her smile fell.

"Three years is nothin'."

"Anything can happen in three years."

"Not to us, sugar," I murmured, pulling my hand away as someone walked past.

"Don't you want to be out doing stuff?" she asked. It wasn't the first time. "You should be going to dances and dates and all that."

"I've done that. Wasn't as great as everyone says."

"You're going to get bored," she argued in frustration, looking past me at the clock on the wall. "You're seventeen. Don't you want to—"

"I'm happy right where I'm at," I cut her off, glaring.

"Fine," she grumbled. "But you'll tell me, right? You won't just stop coming?"

"Noel." I cleared my throat, taking in her long blond hair, the round cheeks with not two, but three dimples, the long dark lashes that framed her dark brown eyes. "I'll always show up, yeah? In three years when you turn eighteen, I'm gonna get you the fuck outta there."

"Don't swear."

"I'm gonna come to your house and you're gonna saunter out of there like some rock star, flipping your asshole dad the bird the whole time."

"Yeah right!" She giggled.

"They won't be able to stop you," I whispered, leaning forward to brush my lips over hers. Once, twice, before pulling back to a safe distance. "I'll fuck up anyone that tries."

"You promise?"

"I swear it."

"The day I turn eighteen," she confirmed, her eyes soft.

"I'll pick you up at fuckin' midnight," I confirmed roughly.

"Don't swear," she whispered, reaching out to run her fingers lightly over my wrist. She glanced up at the clock behind me and sighed. "I have to go."

"I'll stay here 'til I know you're gone," I murmured, swallowing hard. "You know I love you?"

"Yeah." Her cheeks grew rosy as she tucked her hair back into the bun at the base of her neck.

"No matter what," I called quietly as she walked away.

Her hand came out at her side, just barely. If I hadn't been looking for it, I wouldn't have seen it flashing the ASL sign for love.

As soon as she was out of sight, I scrubbed my hands over my face in frustration. I just wanted one fucking day that we could be alone, really alone, for more than a few minutes. I wanted to be able to talk to her louder than a goddamn whisper. Hold her hand without worrying that someone would see us. Kiss her like I wanted to, long and deep, without worrying that we were about to be caught.

"Three more years," I murmured under my breath, leaning my head back against the shelf. Three more years until we didn't have to hide anymore. Three more years until she'd be out of that nightmare of a house. Three more years until I didn't feel like a complete nut job, sneaking around a library just so I could see the girl I was in love with.

If my parents knew how sure I was about her, they'd lose their fucking minds. My brothers would give me endless shit. Hell, everyone I knew would think I was an idiot. We were teenagers and stupid and immature.

None of that changed the fact that when I looked at her, every part of me lit up. There would never be anyone else for me. Someday, Noel Allen was going to be my wife.

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