Read Online Breaking Free: A Living Again Novella by L.L. Collins - Free Book Online Page A

his chest heaving. His parents must be home. She smiled at him, reaching out and touching his lips with her fingers. They were slightly red from their kissing. Greer smiled back at her, and she swore that she melted even more. His smile was so gorgeous.
    Alexis linked her fingers with his and leaned over, kissing him softly one more time. She couldn’t help it. He grinned against her mouth. She pulled away and whispered in his ear, “I liked that. A whole lot.”
    When she heard the door open behind them, Greer whispered back, “I did, too, Alexis. A whole lot.”
    She turned to smile at his parents, who looked back and forth between them. “Did you guys have fun?”
    Greer looked at her, then turned away, his face reddening. The one thing he didn’t do was hide things. What you saw was what you got.
    “We watched a movie,” Alexis explained, trying to keep the giggle out of her voice. “And had some snacks.”
    Greer stood up, and she followed. He hadn’t said anything yet, and though she wasn’t worried about his parents being upset with her for kissing him, that didn’t mean she wanted it broadcasted right this second, either. His parents looked at him, waiting for him to say something. He hadn’t met their eyes once and was now looking at something over their shoulders.
    “Alexis shouldn’t drive home late,” he said. “I will walk her outside to her car.”
    Alexis looked over at his mom, who winked at her. “Sounds good, Greer. You make sure she gets in that car okay.”
    Greer put his hand on her back, leading her to the door. She realized that was the first time he had ever put his hand there while they were walking. Most of the time, they held pinkies. She watched him out of the corner of her eye as they walked outside. He had a small smile playing on those beautiful lips. He was a different person right now.
    When they reached her car, he stopped, looking shyly down at the ground.
    “Alexis, are you sorry you came over tonight?” Her heart clenched at his words. Why would he think that?
    “Greer. Look at me.” It took him a few seconds, but he lifted his eyes to hers. “No. A million times no. Tonight was the best night of my life.”
    He blinked, processing her words. “Best night of your life?”
    She nodded, reaching out her pinkies for his. He hooked his fingers with hers, then surprised her by pulling her flush to his body. “Alexis. We aren’t friends.”
    Her stomach plummeted to her feet. “W-what?”
    Greer picked up her hands and kissed each one. “I’m not good with words, Alexis. I’m sorry. What I meant was, we’re more than friends now.”
    Relief flooded through her, and she felt like she could cry. “Yes, Greer. You’re right about that.”
    “Are you my girlfriend?” She loved his bluntness. So many people could learn from his honesty at all times.
    “Do you want me to be your girlfriend, Greer?” He tipped her head back and did something she would’ve never thought he would do. His kissed her forehead softly, both of her eyes, then her mouth.
    “Do you like that? I’ve never done any of this before.”
    She smiled. “Yes, Greer. I like that a lot.”
    He smoothed her hair back off her shoulders, running his fingers through it gently. “I wanted to feel your hair. It’s soft. I want you to be my girlfriend, Alexis. But, I’m afraid.”
    “Afraid of what, Greer?”
    “I don’t know how to be a boyfriend. All those college boys that look at you, they would be a better boyfriend than me. They could understand more things.”
    “Don’t you understand, Greer? I don’t want those other guys. I’ve never had a boyfriend, either. So we’ll learn together. You’re my friend, ultimately. The rest of it is just a bonus. I don’t want to change you. I like you for who you are. Okay?”
    He nodded, looking at her shyly. “You’re my girlfriend.”
    Alexis knew better than to laugh, but that was her natural reaction. She never wanted him to think that she was