Read Online Regret Me Not by Danielle Sibarium - Free Book Online Page A

together, we leave together. We're together in school. Everyone has accepted us as a couple already. Everyone except maybe you."
    I sigh. "Do you have any idea how much you mean to me? You're my go to person."
    "Your go to person," he smirks and shakes his head, pulling his hand away from mine and placing it back on the steering wheel.
    "What's wrong with that?"
    "Nothing. I just hoped you saw me as more than that."   
    I swallow down the lump in the back of my throat. "I do. Right now, you're my everything and that scares the hell out of me."
    "Why?"
    "Because I don't want to end up like Jess. I don't want to lose my mind over a guy, even if that guy is incredible and amazing." I close my eyes, afraid to see his reaction. "Even if that guy is you."
    He takes his hand off the steering wheel and strokes my hair. "Who's to say you won't be the one to break my heart?"
    "For me to break your heart, you'd have to love me."
    "Exactly."
    My mouth falls open. Did I just hear right? My strong handsome boyfriend (I love that that's what he really is) could take a hit from three guys coming at him from all different directions but has a hard time saying I love you. He's just a great big softie. The shy sensitive act isn't an act at all, that's the real him. The him he said he could only be with me.
    "Brayden, I . . ."
    "It's fine. I didn't tell you so you'd say it back. I know you're a scaredy cat. I just wanted you to know how I feel about you."
    *
    The best part of Valentine's Day is the excuse it gives Brayden and I to gush all over each other. My morning starts with a text:
     
    Roses are red,
    Violets are blue,
    I can't wait to spend
    Valentine's Day with you.
     
    I send back an equally mushy and terrible poem.
     
    If my heart were made of chocolate,
    I'd break it apart in two,
    And hand over the larger piece,
    So I could forever be a part of you.
     
    Brayden's car waits for me in front of my house as it does every morning. As soon as I walk outside, he jumps out and opens the door for me. Brayden's brown eyes dance with excitement when I get close and he pulls me in for an extra-long hug. Usually I don't like when he hugs or kisses me in front of my house. I'm paranoid my neighbors have nothing better to do than spy on me. I swear I see the curtains move in the window directly across the street from us every time I come or go. It doesn't help that Mrs. Simpson, who happens to live in that house is the town gossip. Deep down I know they're all watching and waiting for that moment they can prove I'm just as messed up as my sister. But today I don't mind his public show of affection, I savor it.
    "Happy Valentine's Day, beautiful."
    "Happy Valentine's Day, Brayden."
    We don't talk much on the ten minute drive to school. Instead we smile and giggle at each other. A lot. For reasons I can't explain, we're acting like a couple of middle school kids holding hands for the first time.
    "Do you mind if I give you your gift when we're alone tonight?"
    "Of course not." Adrenaline shoots through my veins as I think about tonight. About being alone with Brayden in his house and what that means.
    We hang out in the hall, going over our plans, waiting for the first bell to ring. When it does, he walks me to class as usual, only today, he kisses me longer, and when I try to pull away he doesn't let me.
    "Relax." He whispers in my ear, "Today is the lover's holiday."
    I don't know how he manages it since he escorts me from class to class, but each time I return to my locker, I find a note inside waiting for me. Just one line written on a pink post it.
    You're the reason today is special.
    Not even chocolate can compare to how sweet you are.
    My heart is branded with your name.
    I'm not sure if he thought them up himself, or if he got them off a website. I don't even care. Each time he looks on, waiting for my reaction. I thank him with a hug and kiss. The notes make me smile, and I save each one, placing it neatly in my pencil case.
    "How are