27 Truths: Ava's story (The Truth About Love Book 1) Read Online Free Page B

me back, I will forgive him because, after those three little words are exchanged, nothing will ever keep us apart.
    I look at my phone. It’s midnight, and he’s still not back, but neither are his brothers.
    I get out of bed and crack the window so I can hear when he pulls in. Then I lie back down and close my eyes, knowing this sick feeling in my stomach will be gone as soon as I see him look at me the way he does. The way he stiffens when I smile at him, like he is forcing himself to hold back all the lust and desire he has for me, knowing once we touch, he can’t control his need to kiss me, make love to me. The way his eyes dance between my lips, my eyes, and back to my lips. The way he says, “You still in this, Ava?” and my heart beats faster and harder. Knowing what comes next makes my core turn from fire to lava. The words come out raw, needy. They sound like gravel, and I internally cringe until I hear, “Let’s fuck.”
    The way he grabs the back of my neck and pulls me toward him. The way his hungry mouth takes my lips so fiercely they feel bruised for days. The way his other hand cups me, and I can’t hold back the cry that leaves my throat.
    “Hurry,” I say as he pulls my shirt up while kicking off his shoes and I unfasten his belt.
    “Hurry,” I plead as he one-handedly unhooks my bra and yanks it from my body.
    “Hurry,” I whimper as he pulls off my pants and thong, both in one swift move.
    “Hurry,” I say as my hands pull his shirt over his head and throw it to the ground.
    “Hurry,” I say as he pushes his pants down far enough to roll on the condom as I run my hands up his biceps, his shoulders, and link them together behind his neck.
    “God, I’ve missed you,” I say as he lifts me up, and I wrap my legs around his hips.
    He thrusts inside me fully, holding nothing back.
    “Yes,” he hisses as he pushes me up against the wall and takes me hard and fast with urgency and need.
    “Been too long,” he grunts as he moves his body, taking what he needs from me, giving me what I need from him.
    “Can’t hold back,” he grunts as his pace hastens.
    “Don’t you dare,” I whimper.
    He stills. It’s over too quickly, but I know round two is minutes away.
    ***
    I wake because I am freezing cold and look at my phone. It’s three in the morning, and I still can’t see his vehicle. I know it has to be there. I get up and try to get a closer look, but still, I can’t see. The sound of his engine and the lights in his truck must have been muffled by my dreams.
    I look down, hoping to see his footprints below my window, but I know the falling snow would have covered them.
    I close the window and decide it’s best if he thinks I ignored the pebbles or one loud whistle he’s always used to get my attention. Then he will know I am not okay with him dating here in our hometown. I’m not okay with him being with her of all people.
    I lie back down, still sick to my stomach, and try to fall asleep. I lie there for three hours before deciding to take a walk. It’s cold, and hopefully, when I come back in, the heat will help me sleep.
    I will see him today. It’s Christmas Eve.
    I throw on an Under Armor shirt and long underwear, layering them with sweatpants and a sweatshirt. Then I pull on wool socks and head downstairs.
    I look out the window to see that dawn has broken.
    I pull on my thin North Face ski jacket and shove my feet in my winter hiking boots then walk out the door.
    I don’t hate the cold, but you don’t just go for a walk at six in the morning on December 24 th in Central New York. It’s bitter cold, the roads are crappy, and living in the country, there are no sidewalks, so you’re on the curb. I know this since I’ve lived here all my life, but clearly, I wasn’t thinking when I decided to get up and take a leisurely stroll by Luke’s house to rid my anxiety that he isn’t home, try to expunge the nervous energy, and freeze enough to put myself to sleep. It