Perfect for You(34)

“Maybe this isn’t such a good idea,” I say.

“No. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it the way it came out.”

His expression is telling a completely different story.

I have to let him go. He has to know that there can’t be a future for him and me. I can’t let him think we have a chance when I know we don’t. As much as I think he and I could be great together under different circumstances, we can’t work now, and I won’t hurt him or Ash any more. I have to stop being selfish and thinking I can have them both. “Noah.” I pause, not sure how to continue. “I don’t want to hurt you any more than I want to hurt Ash. This thing between us, it isn’t working. It’s not good for any of us.”

“You don’t think I know that?” He walks away from me, stopping at the gate.

“I don’t think we should see each other anymore.” It’s such a lame thing to say, but I can’t let this go on any longer. “I don’t want to give you false hope. I love Ash.”

He turns back to me and his face softens. “You like me, Meg. I know you do.”

This is the moment of truth. I have to be strong. “Yes, I do. And if I wasn’t with Ash, I’d be with you. I know that.” As much as I hate admitting the truth, I know it’s what we both need to hear.

“I kind of hate him right now.”

“I’m so sorry, Noah.”

“It’s stupid, but I thought the crush you had on me…I don’t know. I guess I thought I really had a chance.” He shrugs. “But I’m too late. Not much I can do about it now.” He laughs but it’s completely forced. “I did try, though.”

God, my heart is breaking. I’m begging my feet to stay planted where they are because the rest of me wants to throw my arms around Noah. How can I feel this strongly for two guys at the same time? Is this even possible?

“I should’ve kissed you.” His words shock me. “I had so many chances. You gave me so many openings. I should’ve done it.”

“No, you shouldn’t have.” I take one step closer. “Noah, one of the reasons why I like you is because you’re confident but sweet. You push the boundaries with me, but you never cross the line. You’ve always left it up to me.”

“And you chose him.”

“If it helps, you didn’t make the choice easy.”

He nods, looking every bit as hurt as I feel. “Bye, Meg.”

I watch him walk away, knowing that it’s not only for today. This goodbye is so much more than that. And I can’t blame him. He really, truly cares about me. He wanted me to choose him, but I didn’t. I feel awful for hurting him. Especially since I always thought of Noah as the kind of guy who didn’t get hurt by girls. He’s Noah Turner, the guy every girl in school wants. And I turned him down.

“Bye, Noah.”





Chapter Sixteen


Ash and I spend the entire afternoon and evening together, and it’s exactly what I need. Part of me can’t help feeling bad about Noah. I did what I had to though. I know that. Still, it hurts. He’s a good guy, and in so many ways he could’ve been perfect for me.

Ash and I are at Horseshoe Lake having a picnic dinner I made for us. This was our favorite place to meet over the summer when we were supposed to be training for tennis and football. It’s in the woods behind the school, so we could drive to the school and then meet at the lake. It’s become our spot. I love it because the lake really is shaped like a horseshoe, so when we sit out on the grassy area in the middle, we’re surrounded by water on both sides. It’s beautiful, and it sort of feels like we are on our own little island away from the rest of the world.

“Thanks for dinner,” Ash says, after polishing off his second sandwich. The boy can eat. I’m not exactly a gourmet chef, but sandwiches I can handle.

“You’re welcome. I figure since our five-month anniversary is tomorrow and we both have school and practice, it would be nice to celebrate a little early.”

“I agree.” He shimmies forward on our blanket and kisses my neck. Yup, this is exactly what I need. He pulls away much too soon and I’m about to protest, but he takes a small wrapped box from his pocket and hands it to me.

“What’s this?”

“I can’t wait until tomorrow to give it to you. Right now seems better. Happy anniversary.”

“But I don’t have your gift with me.” I got him tickets to see the minor league baseball team he likes.

“That’s okay. I can wait.”

“You sure?” Why didn’t I think to bring his gift? The picnic is part of our celebration, so I should have the gift with me.

He kisses my cheek. “Open it. I really want you to have it now.”

I smile and tear the wrapping paper. The little black box makes my heart skip. No way. It can’t be a ring. I’m being silly. Ash wouldn’t propose. We’re in high school. Sure, we applied to the same colleges, but we aren’t ready for this. I’m not even eighteen yet.

“Something wrong?” Ash sits up a little.

“No. Just savoring the moment.” And catching my breath. I slowly lift the lid. A dark red stone shines in the fading sunlight. A garnet. My birthstone. And it’s not a ring. It’s a necklace. On each side of the garnet is a small diamond. Relief washes over me, but it’s quickly replaced with guilt. This is a huge gift. Not engagement ring huge, but still. It’s too much. “Ash.”