“I love to paint and draw. I also enjoy art history and would love teaching art someday. But I’m focusing on my business degree right now.” I dare a look over at Dad. He doesn’t seem upset.
“Well, if you like art history, you could work toward your Ph.D. and teach at the college level. A friend of mine is an art historian. He actually works as a curator at a big museum out east, but he was a professor for a long time,” says Jill.
“Wow, really? I’ve never thought of that.” Maybe Mom would see the potential of a Ph.D. and think more about it. This is something to consider. As I risk a glance at Dad again, I see him nodding as he chews on his food.
“We should talk more about all of that, sweetie,” my dad says.
“Really?” My heartbeat flutters in my chest.
“Yes. Really.”
I smile so big I think I might burst. I turn that dimpled smile right back to Alex. He’s the most awesomely spectacular boyfriend in the entire world. I rub my palm over his thigh under the table again, but I remember what happened earlier and pull my hand back quickly. I want him to know I appreciate what he did, but it will need to wait. After dinner, Alex and I walk Dad to his car. Alex and my dad exchange pleasantries about how happy they are meeting each other and how Alex hopes to see him at future games.
Then the most shocking thing happens. Dad reaches out to hug me and says, “I love you, honey.”
I know that he loves me, but I never hear those words from him. Nor does he ever hug me first. I hug him. No matter, I thank him for coming before assuring him that I’ll call him this week. It’s the first time in my life I’ve felt close to James Matthews. It’s a good feeling. As he drives away, Alex and I stroll hand in hand back to our dorm.
“Did you have fun today, Pix?”
“Yes, and my dad did too. Thanks for everything! Today was amazing!” And it was. I’m not ready for him to drop me at my door. I don’t think Alex is either. Instead of going up to my room, we walk silently to his.
“Are you tired, Alex?”
“A little but not too tired to be with you tonight, Stella. I have missed having you in my bed this week––even if it’s only to sleep. I seem to sleep much better with you in my arms.” He squeezes my waist. “Did I tell you how good you look in my jersey, Stella?”
“You mean my top?” I laugh at his scowl. “I know it’s a jersey, big man.”
“Big man?” he repeats as we reach his door.
Turning us, he pins me to the wall with his hands on either side of my face. Leaning down slowly, I close my eyes, waiting for his lips to touch mine. When they do, my entire body relaxes into his. My goodness, just a kiss is all I need to make me melt over this guy.
Pulling back slowly, his voice is deep, husky. “I like that you think I’m your big man.” Reaching behind me, he opens his door and pulls me inside. “You know, I love you in my jersey… but I’d prefer you out of it,” he says in a sexy drawl.
“Are you sure you’re not too tired?” There’s slight worry in my voice. I think I know where we’re headed tonight.
“Nah. I’m never too tired to love you, Stella.”
Love me? Huh? “What?”
“You heard me.”
“You, um, love me? We just met.”
“How long do you need to know someone before you know? I didn’t realize there was a set time period.”
“Alex, I’ve never been in love before. I’m not sure how it’s supposed to feel.”
“I think it’s just intended to feel good, feel right, princess.”
That term of endearment sends jolts into my panties. Standing directly in front of me, he touches my face as we stare into each other’s eyes, his expression revealing his feelings. He slowly moves his head closer to mine, and when our lips meet, I shiver. I’m not cold. It’s a different kind of shiver. It’s one of those that take over your body when you know something good is about to happen. I reach both arms up around his neck and pull him to me. He practically has to bend in half at the waist to make it down to me. There’s static electricity in the air. I want him. All of him. From the hardness that’s pressing into my stomach, I can tell he wants me too.
“Alex.”
“Yeah, babe?”
“I want you.”
“I want you too.”
