Tia Williams

Genevieve was a child. She hadn’t even lived yet. Why did she get that kind of adoration, when Lizette had never experienced it? It wasn’t the order of things. It wasn’t fair.

“My mom told me. And you were young and scared and trying to be tough—and I promised you that you’d never go back. I promised. And she sent you back.” She gulped dryly. “Shane, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry for everything I said yesterday. I’m sorry for blaming you for all these years. For hating you. I hated you so much.”

“I know,” he said hoarsely. “Just come inside.”

“No, listen. I hated you only because…” Eva paused. “It was because loving you wasn’t an option.”

With a groan, Shane smashed his mouth against hers, kissing her into the door.

At some point, they toppled onto the bed together, still attached.

Hadn’t they always been?

“I love you,” said Shane. “Dramatically, violently, and forever.”

She kissed the top of his head, smiling brighter than the sun.

“I’ve always loved you,” he whispered.

“What a coincidence,” she whispered back. “I’ve always loved you, too.”

Eva loved Shane and he loved her. Nothing else mattered. Certainly not what anyone else thought.

With that, Shane wrapped an arm around her shoulders and kissed her temple.

Cece’s gasp was heard round the world. Et voilà, the Black book world’s new prom king and queen were crowned. She’d gotten her moment!

“Adulthood is a lie, Audre. We’re all just tall toddlers.”

“You and my mom aren’t just friends, Mr. Hall.”

“What? But we are.”

“Please, I’m not a child.”

“You are a child, though.”

“Only chronologically.” Insulted, she folded her arms across her chest. “Are you gonna be nice to her?”

“Nice?”