Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 77287 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77287 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
“Not my fault you look hot when you snore,” he protests, shifting in my arms.
I clasp my arms tighter around him so he won’t wriggle away, and I breathe in his scent.
“I don’t want to leave this bed yet. Not ready for the rest of the world yet.”
He sighs, reaching down to grip my hip. “I’m not either. But I’m sure Kieran will at least be happy today when he gets that offer from the CEO.”
“I texted him before I went on the drive last night. He at least knows that something good is coming his way. But the rest of his problems are his own to fix.”
Weston runs his fingertips over the dip at the bottom of my abs, and I can tell by the look on his face that he’s lost in thought.
“Actually, there was a guy last year in Onyx who needed to work with a counselor. He was also taking too many pills, and he said the counselor turned his life around.”
“Really?”
Wes nods. “Kieran should talk to her. She’s part of the Crimson campus health center, so it should be easy enough.”
“You’re way too kind to a person who was flailing around wanting to knock you out last night.”
“Mm. Kieran just feels like things were unfair. And he’s right. I’d do anything to make up for that.”
I kiss the edge of his hair.
“I really like you,” I tell him.
My heartbeat gets a little faster just saying it. The sheer magnitude of how true it is.
“Wish the Sevan from last semester could see what you’re saying to me now,” he teases.
“That version of me didn’t know about your cock yet.”
He drops his mouth open in shock, but I just reach up and drag my thumb over his lower lip.
“Knew I was nothing more than a good dick.”
“No,” I tell him. “You’re also a good ass. And a goddamn beautiful soul, through and through.”
“Now you’re the one being too nice. I can’t handle it. When are you going to go back to glaring at me?”
“You can handle it just fine,” I tell him.
The sound of footsteps comes down the hall and a moment later, there’s someone rapping at Weston’s door.
“Yeah?” Wes calls out.
There’s a slight panic in his eyes, like he’s still freaked out by the idea of someone walking in and seeing us together in bed.
“Yo,” Rayne calls out from the other side of the door. “Pancakes or waffles?”
“Um, are the guys using the—”
“Yes, Weston, the guys are using the protein batter. Which I still think sounds raunchy. Protein batter.”
“Then I’ll have waffles,” Wes says.
“Healthy protein waffles coming right up, then,” Rayne says. “You okay, bro?”
“I’m fine. Just groggy. Going to shower, okay?”
“See you downstairs,” Rayne says as he walks back off down the hall.
I run my finger along the center of Weston’s chest, peeking up at him and holding his gaze. “You know… I’d proudly walk down there with you if you’re comfortable with it.”
He bites his lower lip. “Today?”
“Yes, today,” I say, leaning in to give him a small kiss on the forehead. “But am I sensing that you’re not ready for that?”
“I’m just overwhelmed,” he murmurs softly.
I squeeze the side of his body, giving him a nod. “Then we won’t do that. You can take all the time you need. Just know that I’d brag about you to every student on this campus.”
He pauses as he holds my gaze.
At first there’s disbelief in his eyes, but it slowly melts away as he realizes, yet again, that I’m not just playing some elaborate prank on him.
“I’d brag about you, too,” he says. “Thank you for being patient with me.”
“It’s worth it.”
“But I know I’m difficult,” he says.
“There’s nothing difficult about you at all. When you’re not near me I’m frustrated by it, Weston.”
“Don’t you love being alone?”
“I do. And being with you is still better.”
He moves in and kisses me quickly, like if he doesn’t seize the moment, I’ll disappear.
But I’ll be as patient as Wes needs, because I’m not going anywhere when being with him feels like this.
I perform a mini-Mission Impossible stealth act to get out of Onyx House without anyone seeing me.
Weston went down to the kitchen for his protein waffles a few minutes ago, and I put on my clothes quietly and start to walk lightly down the upstairs hallway. It would feel ridiculous if it wasn’t so fun, peering around corners to make sure nobody’s in view of the staircase as I make my way down.
And once I get to the reading room, which has a small door that leads to the side of the house, I know I’m going to make it out. I push the little arm chair to one side, get the door open, and step out onto Red Row.
It smells like rain.
The air is still humid, but the showers have stopped.