Forever Mine (Roommate Duet 0.5)(32)

“I’ll be there as fast as I can, okay?”

I meet his eyes and nod. “I know.” He bends and presses his lips to mine for a final kiss. “I’ll be waiting.”

“We’ve waited this long…what’s another few weeks, right?” He grins and winks, which has me nearly bursting into tears.

“All those years we could’ve been together,” I say, lowering my gaze. “I shouldn’t have—”

“Don’t you dare put all the blame on yourself,” he demands, tilting my head up. “We both messed up. I could’ve chased you, found you after I knew the truth, but I didn’t. Instead of dwelling on the what-ifs, I’m going to make sure we don’t make those mistakes ever again. Never letting you go again, Savannah. Never.”

As I nod, tears blur my vision, but I don’t care. I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him in for tight hug. “I love you.”

“I love you, baby. This isn’t goodbye because I’m coming for you as soon as possible.”

Cars honk at us, forcing us apart. A guy shouts at us to get moving because we’ve been in the “no parking” zone for over ten minutes. “You better go before you get a ticket or a fight breaks out,” I say between tears and laughter.

Hayden brings our mouths together for one last kiss. “I’ll see you soon, sweetheart. Don’t ever forget how much I love you. Forever.”

I smile against his lips. “Forever.”





Chapter Twelve





Hayden





One Month Later





I’m finally moving across the country to be with Savannah, and after all this time, it almost feels too good to be true. I’ve never lived outside California, and I’ve only ever visited New York once, so it’s a big change for me, one I should’ve made years ago. The university was actually fine with me working remotely with the expectation of recruiting some great East Coast players. My mother was supportive for the most part, and my father had his shitty opinions about it, which I ignored because he wouldn’t know what love was even if it slapped him in the face. The hardest part about leaving, though, is being away from Hunter.

I’ve been there for him as much as possible, acting as a father figure since our dad was always incapable. It’s been the most difficult thing so far. I glance over at him, and he’s wearing a shit-eating grin.

“I can’t believe you’re really doing this,” he tells me as he drives me to the airport. He volunteered to drive me since I sold my truck and to say our final goodbyes.

I look over at him. “Are you sure you don’t want me to talk to my landlord? He hasn’t leased out the house yet,” I offer one last time.

He glances over at me and shakes his head. “I can’t leave Brandon like that.”

“You mean you can’t leave Lennon,” I quip under my breath, but I know he hears me.

Grabbing the steering wheel with white knuckles, he keeps his eyes on the road and shakes his head. “It’s not like that.”

Denial. I’ve been there. I lived in that state of mind for ten long years. By the way he stills, I know he wants me to drop it, but instead, I keep pushing. “You know it’s not gonna get easier, right? Living with her. It’s just going to become harder. I know the heart sometimes wants what it can’t have, but—”

“Just stop, Hayden. The last thing I need before I drop you off is for you to lecture me about love. Let’s not forget you’re not an expert on the subject. Okay?”

Instead of getting upset, I let out a laugh, mainly because he’s right. “True. I just hate seeing you like this. I know how hard it is for you.” I give him a pointed look so he knows I don’t want to argue either, but I’m his big brother and looking out for him has been my job for years.

“I’ll be fine, and when I’m not, I’m bugging your ass,” he taunts, and the tension lifts.

“I’m only a phone call away,” I remind him. “But I’m three hours ahead, so just remember that when you wanna drunk dial me.” I chuckle, knowing he won’t give two shits about the time difference when he’s wasted.

Soon, Hunter pulls into the airport and parks. The last time I was here was a month ago when I dropped off Savannah. Remembering the look of sadness on her face has my heart lurching forward. I knew I’d be coming to her soon, but I wasn’t sure how long it’d take. I wasn’t wasting any time when I got everything in order to make the move.

Since most of my things were shipped to Savannah last week, I only have a carry-on and suitcase to haul with me. I get out of the truck and grab my things. Hunter walks around, and we exchange a smile and a big hug.

“I’m really gonna miss you,” he says, and I can hear the sadness in his voice.

“Only a phone call away, remember that. I’m here for you,” I tell him, and we pull apart.

“I’m not gonna be a pussy and cry, but I’m almost tempted.” He lets out a hearty laugh as he leans against his truck.

I shake my head at him and grin. “I’ll text you when I get there.”

“You better,” he says. “Or I might catch a flight and come kick your ass.”