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310 pages, ebook
First published June 20, 2016
I’ve moved on in some ways, but Presley… she’s everything. She’s the reason I haven’t been able to move forward in my life. I’ve tried to live, love again, but it never compared. She fucking ruined me.
“I don’t think we’re doing anything too fast. I think we’re just finding our way back to where we always were meant to be.”
“I want you. I want us.”
“I’ve always wanted you.”
I can't tell you if you're ready. I can only tell you that I've always loved you. I've always closed my eyes and seen you beside me. It was never over.
I’ve never stopped loving her. I knew I never had, but now there’s no way I can deny it. I’ve moved on in some ways, but Presley… she’s everything.
Before I can respond, my eyes look toward the bar. Everything stops. My heart. My breathing. My entire world stands still. Zachary Hennington stands there staring at me. He doesn’t move and neither do I. A tsunami of memories flood the room. Out first kiss, the first time we made love, the promises, the proposal, the love that filled our lives, and the pain when he left me. Not a muscle on him moves as he looks at me. I can see the questions pass between us.
Is that really you?
How are you?
Why are you here?
Why didn’t you call?
Why did you leave me?
Why didn’t you come with me?
Where have you been?
Do you feel this?
What does it mean?
“I want to see where this goes, and if it works, I want to take care of you. There’s a lot of shit we have to work through. This isn’t going to be easy, darlin’… I don’t ever want to hurt you.”
“I know you can’t promise that.”
“No, I can’t. But I can promise I’m not going away easily. I’ll wear you down. I’ll remind you that something the reward is worth the risk.”
When two people loved each other without inhibitions, the way we have, there is no chance of ever being the same again. The connection we share isn’t something that can be severed. I learned to love differently, and in this instant, my soul has found it’s way back to him.
“Kiss me,” I say in a hushed voice…
“Are you sure, darlin’?”
“I’ve loved you since I was twelve years old. You were my first kiss, my first love, the first man to touch me. I want you to kiss me, and I need to kiss you.”
“We’re not a normal couple. We’ve known each other forever [and] I’ve been in love with you my whole life. I know you better than you know yourself. Don’t you get it, baby? We’re made for each other.” He releases my hand and cups my face. “I know every part of you, love every part of you, and there’s no rush on my part, but I don’t think we’re doing anything too fast. I think we’re just finding our way back to where we always were meant to be.”
Considering the number of 5-star reviews, I started this book with gleeful palm-rubs and an idiotic grin, still, as I reached the 50% mark, I stopped and doubled back to the reviews. Did I miss something? Where are the feels? Am I missing the specific gene that rewards BS and idiocy? Can someone please help?!!
*Some spoilers*
Presly, a whiny entitled brat, is the female protagonist who blames everyone for the cards life dealt her and without once taking responsibilities for her own decisions.
Her husband, of 17 yrs, commits suicide because of their overwhelmingly dire financial situation and who does she blame? Him. How dare he lose his job and then take on more debt to sustain their lifestyle? Everyone always leaves, so she was certain he killed himself to get away from her.
And although she chose to marry her husband and have 2 lovely boys, apparently, only she was allowed some semblance of happiness because:
Zach, her first love, must be delusional for asking her forgiveness giving it was he who ended their relationship 17 yrs ago to follow his dreams of playing pro league? Also, Zach clearly never loved her otherwise, how could he even date another woman?
Lets not even start with her ungrateful attitude toward her parents, her brother, and everyone in her hometown: How dare her parents expect a thank you for opening their home to her and her kids? Don't they know she'd rather be homeless than return to live at their rolling hills 300-acre farm in "rural" Tennessee?
And would these hillbilly town people leave her be already; they have no right in wishing her and her kids well. Would her brother get over his resentment toward her "17 yr" absence, already? Yes sure she didn't call, write ,email or visit; but, doesn't he know Zach broke her heart "17 yrs" ago? Do you see a pattern? Perhaps this book should have been titled: "Say you'd have stayed with me 17 yrs ago."
Personally, I give a wide berth to people who feel entitled; are deficient in self-awareness or lack the ability to hold themselves accountable for their actions. I wouldn't want to spend a day with Presly and Zach should be grateful he had 17 yrs of peace because, their HEA is more like a HFN.
That’s the thing about young love in a small town-it never dies.
"It’s not because of you, Presley. It’s because it’s always been you."
"I’ll wear you down, Presley Mae. I’ll remind you that sometimes the reward is worth the risk."
"I’ve loved you since I was twelve years old, Zachary Hennington. You were my first kiss, my first love and the first man to touch me."