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  “No more will enter,” the zombie woman slurred at Ty. “Your torture begins this way.”

  She turned and pointed to a dark, narrow hallway. “Go now or they will come for you.”

  “Sorry I’m late,” Ty moved behind me and placed his hand on my hip. “I didn’t know there were four haunted houses in this town.”

  “You aren’t late,” I hissed, slapping his hand away. “You weren’t invited.”

  “You’d rather go through alone?” he asked. “Colton invited me about an hour ago and mentioned you needed a hand to hold.”

  “Well I’m not holding anything of yours.” I ducked down to fit into the dark hallway and began walking away from Ty. I couldn’t believe he had the nerve to show up like I needed him. Colton would get an earful later.

  Not realizing that I was the first to go through the hallway, I jumped back and screamed when the hall opened up and I was confronted with Freddy Krueger. I backed into Ty and screamed again.

  Ty wrapped his arm around my waist and leaned into my ear. “Are you sure you don’t want me here?”

  “Fine,” I leaned into his side. “But I’m still pissed about last weekend. And I’m pissed about this entire week.”

  “That’s fair,” he shrugged as if nothing had happened.

  We weaved through the haunted house, and I never let go of Ty. Clinging to his side, I could feel my anger begin to fade. I was thankful for the ghosts and goblins that reminded me I was only holding on for a short period of time. Entering the last room where the chainsaw men would scare us for a final time, I released his hand and headed for the door.

  I could hear the buzz of the chainsaw, but my desire to exit the room clouded out my fear. Once I found the door, I burst into the night air. Taking in several deep breaths, I reminded myself why I had broken up with Ty. There were reasons we weren’t together, and he would need to remember too.

  Wrapped up in my thoughts, I tripped on a rock hidden in the grass.

  Catching my arm and preventing my fall, Ty smiled. “Looks like you might still need me around.”

  “I’m fine.” I turned toward the parking lot and began walking toward Colton’s truck.

  I needed to get away from him in order to clear my head. Unfortunately, he wasn’t going to let that happen tonight.

  “Why is it so hard for you to talk to me?” he asked as he kept in step with me.

  “It’s not,” I rolled my eyes. “I’ve wanted to talk to you all week. You missed your chance.”

  “I know I was a complete pansy last weekend, and I’ve been a jerk all week.” He sighed and pushed his hands into his pockets. “It’s been weeks since we broke up, Bailey. When are you going to forgive me?”

  “Forgive you?” I stopped in my tracks, realizing we were at Colton’s truck. Turning to face him, I glared into his eyes. “You were forgiven the day it happened, Ty. I told you that. You just need to realize that I will never forget what happened. If you had stuck around last Sunday, you would have found I had a different answer prepared for you.”

  Turning toward the passenger door, Ty wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me into his chest.

  “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “From what I remember, I cried like a two-year-old who lost his favorite toy. It wasn’t my best night.”

  “So you thought the best move was to ignore me all week?” I glared in his direction.

  Before I could push away, his lips were on mine. Every emotion that I had held back for the past few weeks came flooding through our kiss. Running one hand up my neck, the other pressed against my lower back, we lost ourselves in the memory of what we once were. Ty’s ability to make me forget the world around me caused me to block out the approaching footsteps of our friends.

  “And all is right with the world again,” Lexy tapped the side of the truck just as Colton whistled.

  “Let’s go to the next haunted house,” Colton stated as if Ty and I kissing should be a normal event. “Ty, you can ride with us, and we’ll come back for your truck later.”

  Releasing Ty’s t-shirt that was gathered in my fists, I looked into his eyes. “This doesn’t change anything.”

  “Hmmm… I guess I have three more houses filled with goblins to try and change your mind,” he smiled as he opened the passenger door and I climbed into the truck. “Hopefully I can also prove to you that I’m not a cry baby.”

  I shook my head as Colton’s truck pulled out of the parking lot and drove toward the next haunted house.

  The next day dragged on as I attempted to block out the memory of Ty’s lips with old episodes of Friends. I had somehow made it through each haunted house without forgetting every reason I had for holding onto my stubbornness. Ty didn’t make it easy, never letting his hands leave my body as we weaved in and out of the dark mazes.

  It also didn’t help that Colton and Lexy encouraged Ty’s pursuit with loud and clear dialogue, or that I couldn’t shake away my grandfather’s advice.

  I heard my phone vibrate on my bedside table and leaned over to see a text message from Lexy.

  Field party tonight… Want to ride with us?

  Knowing what Lexy would want to hear, I typed back.

  I’ll meet you there. See you tonight.

  My phone lit up again in response.

  Okay, cool. See you there.

  Smiling because I had no intention of going, I continued watching Friends and napping for the next few hours. Once Ross and Rachel had broken up for the third time, I decided I needed to go for a jog. Sorting through my unorganized closet, I dug out my black running tights and pink fleece over-shirt.

  Stretching in the front yard, it felt good to be outside. The sun set as I started jogging in the direction of the park, and I was thankful for the darkness. I had avoided running to the park since my break up with Ty, and I had missed the familiar scenery.

  As I neared the park, I picked up my pace when I passed the Nevels’ house. My good mood lifted even more when I noticed Ty’s truck was gone. I wasn’t ready to face him again. Not until I was able to build up more resistance to his charm.

  After three miles, I turned into my driveway and slowed my pace to a walk. Focusing on the ground in front of my feet, I didn’t notice Ty’s truck or that he was walking toward me.

  “You weren’t at the party,” Ty stated as he continued my way.

  “What are you doing here?” I exclaimed. “You scared me to death.”

  “You said you would be at the party,” he continued, “and you weren’t.”

  “So, I changed my mind,” I shrugged, and attempted to walk past him.

  “You didn’t change your mind because you didn’t plan on going,” he stated in a matter-of-fact tone.

  “Why does it matter?” I demanded. “Why are you even here? Go back to the party if that’s where you want to be. Apparently drinking is your new thing these days.”

  Completely unaffected by my emotionless words, Ty paced forward until he was so close I could smell his cinnamon gum. “It matters because I went to that party to see you. It matters because I’m the only one fighting like hell to save this relationship. It matters because I’m getting really sick of your hot one day, cold one day shit. It matters because we belong together and your stubbornness is about to ruin everything that was good between us. It just…it matters.”

  Not able to move after Ty’s outburst, we stood nose to nose, breathing in the same air.

  “You know why it matters,” I could hear the break in his voice.

  “I know,” I replied with the only two words that found their escape.

  “Be my girlfriend again.”

  I could hear the pain in his words, and the only thing I could do was nod my head yes. He was exactly what and who I needed to be with, and my stubbornness was beginning to take its toll on every aspect of my life.

  “Really?” He stepped back in surprise but kept his hand on my waist.

  “Yes,” I sighed. “I honestly never wanted to break up. I
just thought it would be easier that way.”

  Ty wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me in for a long kiss. “I think we both proved that it wasn’t the easiest decision you’ve ever made.”

  He leaned his forehead against mine before leaning down for a kiss.

  ***

  Ty and I had been back together for several weeks, but nothing was the same as it had been prior to our breakup. We were awkward around each other, almost fearing that the other would leave at any moment. As soon as we felt like we were getting back to normal, a new rumor would circulate about us that would throw one of us into panic mode about our relationship.

  To make matters worse, my mother had invited the McCains over for Thanksgiving dinner. My grandmother had always cooked the entire meal, and my mom thought inviting more people over would distract us from what was really missing. Unfortunately, my grandfather had the same thought and invited the Nevels.

  I stood in front of my bathroom mirror and straightened my hair. This was going to be the most awkward dinner of my entire life. My ex-boyfriend, who I hated, would be sitting across the table from my boyfriend. Fantastic.

  The doorbell rang, and I slowly made my way down the stairs. I let out a breath when I saw that Ty had arrived first. Being in a room, alone with Jeremy, was the last thing I wanted.

  “Happy Thanksgiving, dear.” Mrs. Nevel beamed as she walked through the foyer, carrying a casserole dish. “Thank you for inviting us.”

  “Happy Thanksgiving,” I smiled. “Let me help you with that. You can join my grandfather in the den. He’ll be glad you were able to make it.”

  She handed me the dish, along with the pie Mr. Nevel carried, and disappeared into the den.

  “I’m not looking forward to today,” I sighed as I led Ty into the kitchen. “Maybe they won’t show up.”

  “You know they’ll show up.” he shrugged. “I’ll try and be on my best behavior.”

  “Yeah, me too.” I laughed and shook my head as the doorbell rang. “Just promise you will ignore my mom today. She’ll be on Team Jeremy.”

  We tried to ignore the approaching voices as we prepared the remaining food. Ty uncovered dishes, and I began to mash the potatoes.

  “Look who’s here,” my mother beamed. “It’s Jeremy, dear. I bet you two have some catching up to do.”

  “I think we’re good, mom.” I said without looking up. “I’ll bring some appetizers in the den so everyone can stay in there until dinner.”

  “I’m sure Jeremy would love to help you,” she nudged him.

  “Hey, mom. Have you met my boyfriend, Ty?” I said in my most sarcastic tone. “We don’t need any help.”

  “Don’t be fresh, Bailey.” She left the room, and Jeremy stood confidently in place.

  “Hey, man.” Jeremy stepped toward Ty. “I don’t think we’ve formally met. Other than the time you smashed my face in. I’m Jeremy.”

  “I’m Ty.” I could see the tension in Ty’s jaw. “It looks like you healed. That’s unfortunate.”

  Jeremy laughed and moved around the counter to stand next to me. “Maybe next time you shouldn’t hit like a girl.”

  “Okay,” I interrupted. “I’m not listening to this all day. We don’t want you here, Jeremy. Deal with it. Either shut up, or go in the den.”

  “Wow, Bailey,” he took a step back. “Since when did you grow a backbone?”

  “I would say it happened the day you screwed Jessica,” I quickly replied. “Now either shut up and put ice in glasses, or leave.”

  Too stunned to reply, Jeremy began to set out the glasses and ice. I was proud I had stood up for myself and could feel the internal smile that was pleading to show on my face. I looked up at Ty and saw him smiling.

  “You are so hot, right now,” he mouthed, causing my lips to curl into a smile.

  Maybe this dinner wouldn’t be so bad after all.

  On Saturday, I convinced Ty that we should leave the safety of my bedroom and attend a field party as an official couple again.

  It was a warm fall night, and I dressed in a fitted long sleeved navy dress and tall camel colored boots. Straightening my hair, I applied extra eyeliner and blush to distract from the dark circles under my eyes. Sighing at my appearance, I could see how the previous weeks of stress had worn on my body.

  Ty walked into my bedroom and sat on the end of my bed. He had a black baseball cap pulled low on his head and was dressed in blue jeans and a faded gray t-shirt. I could see his muscles through the thin material of his shirt as I walked toward him.

  Sliding my knee between his legs, I lifted his hat. “Hey.”

  “Are you sure you want to go to this party?” he asked, grasping the back of my knee. “We could just stay here.”

  “It’ll be good to get out,” I said, kissing his lips. “We don’t have to stay long.”

  Ty sighed as he stood up and grabbed my hand. “Let’s go then.”

  We followed three other trucks into the field and parked next to Colton. Grabbing my face before he opened his door, he kissed my lips as if he hadn’t seen me in weeks.

  “I love you,” he said, tipping his hat up and leaning his forehead against mine.

  “I love you too,” I replied, running my thumb across his jawline. “Let’s have fun, okay?”

  He attempted a smile and opened his door. We joined Colton and Lexy and sat on Colton’s tailgate. Watching our classmates laugh and joke, we kept to ourselves in order to avoid attention.

  As the night went on, and the beer cans began to empty, more people began to look in our direction. Austin walked over with too much confidence and stood right in front of me.

  “I’m glad you decided to come out, Bailey,” Austin slurred, grabbing my knee.

  Slapping his hand away, I attempted to ignore him. “Come and walk with me.” He stumbled another step toward me.

  I could feel Ty tense next to me, and I grabbed his arm. “No thanks, Austin. I’m good here.”

  Grabbing both of my hands, he pulled me to my feet. “I just want to talk to you. Ty won’t mind.”

  “The hell I won’t.” Ty jumped from the tailgate and stood between me and Austin.

  Austin laughed and pulled on my hands. “Come on, city boy. I thought you liked to share.”

  I ripped my hands from Austin’s grip just as Ty lunged for him. Stepping back, I watched in horror as Ty punched Austin square in the nose, and Austin stumbled back. Before he could react, Ty had him pinned against Colton’s truck.

  Colton and Holden jumped to Ty’s side and grabbed his arms. Pulling him back, Austin hunched his shoulders, holding his bloodied nose with his hand. Breaking away, Ty pinned Austin back by the shoulders.

  “Tell your friends the rumors end now,” Ty seethed through his teeth. “It’s been weeks of this shit, and I’m sick of it. Leave Bailey alone.”

  He released Austin and stomped toward the empty field. Sliding past the chaos, I chased after Ty, unsure where he was going. I caught up with him and kept up with his stride, following him until we were behind an old tractor that I was certain hadn’t operated since the 1950s.

  “Where are you going?” I asked, out of breath.

  He ran his hands through his hair before stepping back and landing a punch into the tractor. The sound of bone against metal echoed through the night and I jumped forward, grabbing Ty around the waist.

  “Hey.” I had never seen him this mad. “Calm down. It’s okay.”

  He placed his hands on his hips and closed his eyes. “No, it’s not okay, Bailey. We aren’t okay. I’m sick of the rumors. I hate watching what this is doing to you. You won’t talk to me. You barely touch me. You won’t eat. I don’t know how to fix this, Bailey. Just tell me how to fix this.”

  Walking out of my grip, Ty began to pace back and forth next to the tractor. “I could punch everyone at the party that’s said a single word about you.” He began punching the tire with such force that I was sure his hand would break, or the tire would blow.
>
  Unable to find words that would calm him down, I did the only thing I knew would work. Walking behind him, I placed my hands on his shoulders and leaned my head against the middle of his back, waiting until his breathing slowed and his arms slumped to his sides.

  I slid between him and the tire and wrapped my hands around the back of his neck. Forcing him to lean down, I kissed him. My lips parted so his tongue could enter, and the kiss was instantly full of the passion we had been missing the last few weeks.

  Ty placed his hands on my thighs and lifted me against the tire. My legs wrapped around his waist, and I continued to kiss him as if my life depended on it. Reaching down, I unbuttoned his jeans and released him from his boxers.

  “I want you,” I whispered into his ear. “Now.”

  Lifting the hem of my dress and pushing my panties to the side, he entered me as I threw my head back against the tractor. A muffled whimper escaped my lips, and I felt him kiss my neck as he continued move in and out of me. We matched each other’s movements until we had nothing left.

  “Baby,” he moaned.

  “Don’t stop.” I continued to move with him. “Please don’t stop.”

  He continued until I could feel him relax inside of me. Wrapping my arms and legs tightly around him, I kissed his neck until I found my way to his lips.

  “I love you,” I said, opening my eyes.

  He let out a relaxed smile for the first time in weeks and looked into my eyes. “I love you too, baby.”

  ***

  We walked into school on Monday, hand in hand. To our surprise no one winked or even looked in our direction. Arriving at our lockers, Lexy stopped searching through her purse and looked up.

  “Do you have any lip gloss?” she asked, reaching for my purse.

  “I think in the side pocket,” I replied as she pulled on the zipper. “Why is everyone quiet today?”

  “Oh, you haven’t heard?” She looked in her locker mirror and applied the pink gloss. “Apparently a freshman decided to lose her top Friday night at the party. Poor girl. She’s the new gossip now. You guys are back to being boring.”