Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 71130 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 356(@200wpm)___ 285(@250wpm)___ 237(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 71130 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 356(@200wpm)___ 285(@250wpm)___ 237(@300wpm)
“Where are the other girls?” Jase asks, yanking my attention away from Kao.
The smile on my face trembles from the nervousness pulsing through me as I answer, “The girls are still out back talking about what they’re wearing to the prom.” Turning my gaze to Kao, I ask, “Can we talk?”
A slight frown forms on his forehead as he places his drink on the table. “Sure.”
I gesture to the front door. “Is outside okay?”
The other guys stare at us, and it makes me even more anxious. When Kao stands up, I spin around and hurry out of Jase’s place. I take the steps down the porch and head in the direction of the rock garden.
Lights make the backyard look like a fairyland, but I’m too busy trying to control my breathing to take in any of it.
Reaching the water feature that’s nestled between boulders, I swallow hard before I turn to face Kao, where he stopped behind me. His eyes shine like polished sapphires in the moonlight.
“So… uhm,” I struggle to think of the right words. I’ve practiced what I’d say a hundred times, and now I can’t remember anything.
Kao reaches for me, and his strong fingers wrap around my arm. “Are you okay?”
I nod and suck in a trembling breath. “Yeah, I just… I want to ask you something.”
Concern still darkens Kao’s features, and then an encouraging smile tugs at his mouth. “What can I help with?”
My eyes drift over Kao’s features, and once again, I’m left breathless by how handsome he is. Add how kind and caring he is, and it’s hard to believe he’s not an angel.
“Ah…” I stammer, “my prom is this coming Friday,” I begin. Wanting to do this right, I square my shoulders and lift my chin a little higher. “Will you go with me?”
For a moment, Kao looks puzzled, then a smile spreads over his face. “Damn, I was worried there for a second. Is that all you wanted to ask?”
I nod, fear that he’ll say no, making my eyes lock on his mouth.
“I’d be honored to, Fallon,” his lips form the magical words I’ve been dying to hear.
I let out a breath of relief as my mouth splits into a wide smile.
Kao still looks puzzled as he asks, “Have none of the guys from school asked you?”
“There were a couple,” I admit. “But I didn’t want to go with any of them. I want my prom to be perfect.”
Kao lets out a chuckle. “And I’m the only guy who will let you dress him up, right?”
I roll my eyes. “That’s not the only reason.”
“Well, let me know what I should wear and what time I have to pick you up.”
I grin at Kao, and unable to resist, I throw my arms around his neck and give him a hug. “Thank you. It means a lot to me that you said yes.”
Kao’s arms wrap around me, and it makes a kaleidoscope of butterflies flutter to life in my stomach.
With Kao by my side, my prom will be a dream come true.
A tear sneaks out of my eye and soon disappears into the bandage.
Since the prom, Kao’s been… my person.
I’m drowning in misery when there’s a knock at my door, and Hana walks into my room.
She takes one look at me then comes to give me a hug. “Hey, my friend.” Her voice is filled with compassion and love.
“Hey,” I murmur.
Hana pulls back and sits down next to me on the bed. “How are you holding up?”
I shake my head. I’d typically act strong around everyone. But with my family, Hana, Jase, and Hunter, I don’t have to. They’re the closest to me, and I don’t have to pretend with them.
“It… it hurts so much,” I admit, and a sob escapes my lips. I press the back of my hand to my mouth. Hana spent the whole night with me after the devastating conversation with Kao.
She wraps me up in a hug. “I don’t get it as well. Anyone could see Kao loved you. I wish I knew why he’s so distant with you.”
When I pull back, I unload all my heartache on my best friend. “I think he blames me for the accident.” A sob shudders through me. “I told him to take that route.” Shaking my head, I mutter, “If only I’d kept my mouth shut.”
Hana shakes her head. “It’s not your fault, Fallon. Don’t blame yourself.” She lets out a sigh. “Maybe Kao doesn’t want to saddle you with his disability. Then again, the transplant will give him his vision back. None of it makes any sense.”
“Or it could be the scars,” I gasp. “They’re hideous. No guy would want to be with someone who looks like me.” My chin trembles and more tears flow over my cheeks.
“Don’t, Fallon. You’re not hideous.” Hana pulls me back into a hug. “Your dad’s taking you to the doctor’s appointment, right?”