Ruby's heart skipped a beat. Final net and a prom dress. She hadn't been this close to Vince Knockwood since the summer high school ended. The summer he broke her heart.

Vince had never wanted to be anybody’s ticket to nowhere, so he was glad he’d left when he had. The place had almost drained the life out of him all those years ago, but now he was stronger. In one respect, he could hardly wait to get back, if for no other reason than to show everyone that in spite of their attempts to break him, he’d really made something of himself. He smiled, just thinking about it. He was about to shake the foundations of sleepy little Seagate like it had never been shaken before.

Ruby looked up at Vince, the dark clouds hanging above him like an omen. She couldn't breathe. She fought the urge to reach up and pull his face down to hers. She wanted him, she couldn't deny it. Vince moved closer, reaching down to wrap his arms around her waist, and he pulled her to him. She felt her heart racing, that tingle she hadn't felt in so long surging through her body, every breath a struggle. He pressed his hard body tighter against hers. She closed her eyes and waited. His lips brushed hers ever so lightly. She opened her mouth in anticipation of his kiss. His firm hands moved farther down into the small of her back and she pushed herself into him even harder, feeling him respond, knowing he wanted her as much as she wanted him.

 "Vince," she whispered, "We…can't…"

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