Promised (The Promised Series)

school. I swear you’re going to adore her when you meet her.” I defend Wyn.
    “Ok, ok. Calm down. I shouldn’t judge her on rumors I’ve heard about other people.” She pats my hand. “I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt, but you still need to be careful. Just because Wyn is accepting of you, doesn’t mean the rest of her family will be.”
    “I’ll be careful, Mom. You don’t have to worry about me.” I lean in and kiss her on the temple.
    “It’s part of my job as Mom.” She tells me as she pats my cheek.
    I lean back into her side and she un-pauses her show. I pull out my cell phone, telling myself I need to make sure Wyn made it home alright when I really just want to hear from her.
    Linc: Did u make it home ok?
    I expected her to ignore my text after the awkward way we left things in the car, but to my pleasant surprise, she responds immediately.
    Wyn: Yeah. U?
    Linc: Yeah. Sorry I didn’t say bye.
    I stare at the TV in a daze as I wait for her response. I hope she isn’t mad. It was rude of me not to say something before she got out of my car. But I was so shocked by what almost happened, I couldn’t. At least not until she’d already pulled away and that was too late.
    Wyn: I can’t blame u. I was a little shocked with what almost happened myself.
    Linc: Do u regret it?
    Wyn: Nothing happened 2 regret.
    Linc: Then do u regret it didn’t happen?
    Wyn: Linc!
    Linc: Wyn!
    Wyn: We agreed on being friends. What we almost did is not what friends do!
    Linc: Sometimes friends develop into something more. It’s called evolution.
    Wyn: If the cavemen evolved as fast as we are then they’d have been flying around like the Jetsons the day after they discovered fire.
    Linc: Hey I’ve always wanted one of those flying cars!
    Wyn: If you were here you’d see I’m rolling my eyes at you.
    Linc: Is that an invitation for me to come over?
    Wyn: Do you have a death wish?
    Linc: If I say I do will you save me from myself?
    Wyn: Goodnight Linc.
    Linc: Goodnight Wyn.
    “Honey, how about we tour a couple colleges. It’s good to keep your options open.” Mom tries to make it come out as a simple suggestion, but the poor throw pillow that’s slowly being torn apart in her hands shows her anxiety over my response.
    “Sure, Mom.” I’ll say anything to get her to spare the life of that poor, defenseless pillow.
    “Great!” She tosses the poor pillow across the room and jumps up. Realizing her mistake, she composes herself and casually says. “I’m bored with my show, so maybe I’ll go and look up a couple schools for you before bed.”
    “Ok. Good night, Mom.”
    “Good night, Lincoln.” She leans down and kisses my forehead and then turns and practically skips from the room with glee.
    Once she’s out of sight, I let my head fall back against the couch and ask myself out loud. “How did I get myself into this situation?”
    “Oh yeah, because I couldn’t keep my eyes off the beautiful brunette long enough to listen to the guidance counselor.” I answer my own question.
    “It was worth it.”
    “So worth it.”
    “I hope.” I breathe on a sigh.

December
Chapter 8 – Wyn
    ~I Can Give You Now~
    Linc and I spent the rest of November and the majority of December dancing around our feelings, or more accurately, lying about them. On the days we volunteered together, Dani covered for me so I could ride with Linc, but there were no more near kisses. We were attempting to be friends, well as much as our hearts would let us. Which wasn’t much because every time that gorgeous boy got near me, my heart would start playing a new, louder beat to remind me of who she wanted. To my relief and heartache, Linc cut back on the flirting. It hurt, but I kept telling myself it’s for the best. But the thought of him turning that swoon worthy smile on another girl, hurts more than I’m ready to admit.
    “I know we didn’t discuss…but I saw it and knew I wanted you to have it.” Linc stammers from the driver’s seat. It’s Christmas day and we’d both decided to volunteer at the local soup kitchen. For the most part, I decided to do it because I like helping people, like my grandma. But a small part of me may have suggested it because I knew it would be the only way I’d get to see Linc on Christmas. Ok, maybe it was a big part of me that wanted to see him today.
    “What are you talking about?” I ask, turning in my seat to see him better.
    “I got you a Christmas present.” He pulls a