Read My Only Exception for Free Online

of what effect that bit of information might have —how far I might let that knowledge take me down the road that led to me being a broken version of my former self when he moved on. And I was still convinced he would.
    He was the one person I was sure could soundly break my heart... and the one person I wanted more than anything, despite that.
    Our eyes locked and held as I stood there in absolute shock, a world of other emotions swirling just below the surface.
    I’m not sure who moved toward the other first, or if it was both of us. One second we were a foot apart, and the next our lips were crashing together in an almost-desperate kiss. One that we’d both been holding back and depriving ourselves of probably since the day we’d first met.
    This time neither of us had been drinking.
    And holy crap, was it intense. Passionate and breathtakingly perfect.
    And it scared the living daylights out of me.
    Pulling away quickly, I looked at the ground, trying to gather my shattered wits. I looked up and he was watching me closely, probably trying to figure out my reaction to what had just happened.
    My voice was barely above a whisper when I finally breathed out, “I’ve got to go.”
    I quickly turned around, unlocking the white Infinity my father had given me the year before for my birthday, and hopping in. I took off without looking back.
    As I drove to my apartment, the scene with Braden replayed in my head.
    Whew , that had been.... a complete and utter mistake. And breathtakingly lovely.
    If only Braden knew how to have a relationship. But then again, even if he did, he’d be leaving to finish recording his album and touring, and I was certain he’d be way too busy being famous to worry about a girl he left behind in Wilmington.
    One of the many girls he’d left behind in Wilmington, actually.
    I gripped my steering wheel until my knuckles turned white. I’d have to be extra-diligent in making sure I didn’t let my guard down again with Braden.

    If only I wasn’t already half-way in love with him....

CHAPTER 6
     
    I slipped on an oversized t-shirt and climbed into bed. But not before I peeked out of my window to sneak a look over at Braden’s apartment. I had no idea what I was looking for. Maybe a girl or two leaving his apartment. Maybe some kind of confirmation that he didn’t have the feelings for me that he’d claimed.
    To both my relief, and disappointment, I recognized the cars parked in front of his building and there was no trail of girls going in or out that I could see.
    I settled back on my pillow and was just closing my eyes when my phone rang.
    I groaned when I saw that it was my mother. I considered not answering, but knew she’d just keep calling. I sighed and answered it.
    “Hello, Mom.”
    “Hello, Presley. How is school going?”
    I raised an eyebrow. My mother could care less about my grades. We both knew that, but I’d have to answer anyway. She’d probably be much more interested in hearing about how my latest manicure appointment went. My mother’s core beliefs went as follows: pearls go with everything; always smile, whether you’re talking to your best friend or your worst enemy; and putdowns given as compliments are an art form. That about summed it up, but she was my mom, and I loved her anyway.
    I had to stop myself from letting out an annoyed sigh. “Really well,” I answered. “Grades are good. I think I’m going to maintain my 4.0 GPA this semester.”
    “That’s good.” Her voice was so not interested. “How’s Wyatt doing? Do you get to see him often?” My mother was just not that interested in education. She’d gotten a good deal of money during her divorce from my father and had never really had to work. I think she pretty much thought that that was the only thing men were good for.
    And while I looked like a younger version of my mother, that was where our similarities ended. Our way of thinking was totally different. And that particular way of thinking