"Do you have to leave?" I say through tears. "I promise I'll be home before you know it." That's a lie. It'll feel longer than what it actually is. And it will all feel like hell. "I'll be lost and...and...alone without you, Matt" I sob even harder. "Don't say that. You'll have Aunt Kathy and Jo. Trust me when I say this: they know exactly what they're doing. They've been through plenty of these before." I nod, not trusting my voice, afraid I'll break down again. His hand comes to my cheek as he wipes a tear that's falling. His arms then indulge me in a huge hug, his familiar cologne invading my nostrils. "STARKS! We're boarding!" I flinch at the fact that its time to let him go. He kisses the top of my head, "I love you." He whispers in my ear. "I love you too." I respond weakly. "I love you most." And with a final, hard kiss, he walks away from me. Kathy holds me and lets me cry on her shoulder as Matt looks back at me, and walks into the plane. ~~~ **This is an original story by @QuackingDuck. Any other publication of this story has been stolen** ~~This story contains mature content~~

"You know, it won't physically hurt you to be nice for once." I crossed my arms in front of my chest and groaned. "I don't want to take a chance." the corner of his lips lifted a little as he finished his sentence. "Well, you don't hear me complaining. The view of a someone so desperately working out is not a delight either." I retorted in a weary voice. "I bet it isn't." he narrowed his eyes at me and commented. Ugh.. Why is he so damn annoying? "You know what, just take your arrogant ass out of my room." I scowled at him, pointing towards the door. With small steps, he walked towards me. I took a step backwards when he neared me. He was invading my personal space, making me a bit flustered. The urge to push back his golden-brown hair covering his forehead was increasing with every passing second. "Gladly." he mumbled against my face and then walked past me out of my room. It took me a minute to calm down my racing heartbeat. ... He was a mystery, an enigma I wanted to solve. He was exhausting, he was infuriating, yet staying away from him was not an option. He was making me feel things I haven't felt before. Adam McArdle! Who are you and what are you doing to my poor little heart? ... #1 in GENERAL FICTION (23-05-2019) #1 in CHICKLIT (21-07-2019)