Free Love Heals All by Addie McKenna Page B

down !” I stood up and drew his arms down to his sides and looked him in the eyes. He was breathing heavily from that little episode, and I couldn’t blame him.
    â€œHow did you know?” I whispered.
    â€œUh, well, we sorta got bored, and Jonah suggested that we kinda eavesdrop on you guys and—”
    I cut him off. “Y’all eavesdropped on us?”
    â€œI didn’t want to do it at first, I swear. I’m kinda happy we did now, though, because you probably wouldn’t have told me,” he said, and I looked down.
    â€œYou’re probably right. I just didn’t want to see you hurt anymore after what happened and all,” I mumbled, a tear rolling down my cheek.
    He lifted up my head and wiped the tear away. “You know I’ll always be here for you, sweetheart.”
    I nodded and smiled. Then he kissed me. I love it when we kiss. It’s magical, like no other. It’s always just him and me in the room when we kiss—no one else.
    Then, of course, the camera click just had to ruin it.
    â€œDO YOU GUYS ALWAYS HAVE TO RUIN OUR MOMENTS?!” Hayes screamed.
    They all laughed. “Yeah, pretty much,” Bart said, holding his stomach.
    â€œThey’re fine—the pictures always turn out great,” I said, pulling Hayes into a hug and looking up at him, resting my chin on his chest.
    I guess you could say we had a mini staring contest, but then, it had to get ruined again.
    â€œI took one without the camera clicking!”
    We looked over to Bailey, who was holding up her phone and starting to giggle. “Oops?”
    â€œBut can you guys not confront her about it, please?” I asked, looking hopefully at everyone.
    â€œBut that butt scum needs to pay!” Bart said. He then looked at Carter in apology.
    â€œNo, guys, it’s fine. She’s a coldhearted slut who toyed with my heart for fame. I’ll get over her and find someone better,” he said, smiling bravely.
    I shuffled over to him in pain, because my back was killing me, and hugged him. “I’m sorry for ruining your relationship, C.”
    â€œIt’s all right, Auts, I should’ve seen the bad in her. I’m sorry for making you get hurt even more,” he said, kissing the top of my head.
    I shuffled back over to Hayes, who was now sitting on a beanbag, and sat on his lap with my head on his chest. He intertwined our fingers and kissed the top of my head.
    â€œSeriously, though, don’t confront her about it. If she hurts me more, she hurts me more, but don’t talk about it around her or anything. Got it?”
    â€œWhen she’s out of our lives, she’s dead meat. I’ll need a shovel, duct tape, rope, and a bridge,” Bailey said seriously. We all laughed and started talking, really getting to know one another even better.
    I found out that Abbie and Jordan are going back to California tomorrow, so Abbie can get back to cheerleading, and Jordan is going to try out for volleyball. Then Alyssa has to go back to New Orleans for extra school stuff.
    Hayes and I were quiet, just enjoying each other’s company. Then I decided I wanted to look over the couples, so I did.
    Bailey and Daniel were in the corner with Aly, and Daniel was singing songs for them to help pick which one he should do for a cover.
    Shaelyn and Nash were having a funny-face contest, and Nash was winning. I’m not surprised.
    Alyssa and Aaron were nowhere to be found. Probably on a walk or something.
    Cameron and Ella were sitting on the couch watching TV. Cameron’s arm was wrapped around her shoulders.
    Gabby, Tez, Jordan, and Alec were all talking and laughing with one another.
    Carter had gone out to the porch swing, I’m guessing getting some fresh air after the news he just got. I mean, his girlfriend had tormented one of his best friends. That’s something to take in.
    But Abby and Bart were a different story. They were out back