“If you want to give me something for my birthday, let me sleep.Please. I’m going back to sleep,” I grumble and use all the energy I can muster to turn onto my side with my back to him.
“Fine, we can sleep in a little longer,” he says with a smile in his voice.
The sound of his shoes thudding to the floor greets my ears before the bed dips under his weight. His heat warms my back, and his strong arm wraps around me.
“Happy birthday slash anniversary, baby. I love you,” he croons into my ear.
I love you too. I think the words, not sure if my lips actually move to say them. I drift off to sleep as he cocoons me in his warmth.
***
I wake feelinglike I’m in a sauna and wiggle around until I flip onto my other side. A smile comes to my lips as I find Bentley fast asleep behind me. I bounce my gaze across his face.
He’s such a handsome man. I say man because the boy I used to stare at has vanished. The stubble on his chin says it all.
His lashes are so long and full as they rest against his cheeks. His thick hair falls onto his forehead as his natural curl fights against the style he forces it into each day.
I drop my gaze to his lips. His lips are so sensual looking under his straight nose. I can’t help myself. I reach to brush my thumb across his brows.
“I can feel you staring at me,” he murmurs.
“Is that a problem?”
He opens his eyes, and they sparkle back at me. He tightens his arm around me and tugs me into his chest. I bury my face into his chest as he kisses the top of my head.
“No problem at all. Have you rested enough? Can we get ready to leave?”
“What time is it?”
He reaches into his sweats for his phone. “Almost noon.”
“Okay, okay, I’m up. Let me get up to shower,” I yawn.
“You should pack an overnight bag.”
I look at him through my lashes. “Oh really? What are you up to, Mr. Coswell? Where are you taking me?”
He turns onto his back and places his hands behind his head, showing off his muscled arms. I bite my lip as I look him over. Damn, this has been my boyfriend for a whole year.
“You’ll just have to hurry up and find out.”
“Ugh, give me about a half hour.”
I rush to grab my things and head to the shower. Bentley remains in my bed like he owns the place. I’m grateful when there isn’t a fight to get in a shower and get dressed.
My sophomore year has started off with way more challenges. I hate living in the dorms this year. Not only do I have a new roommate. I’m in a new dorm house. This one sucks.
Erica has mentioned getting our dads to get us a place off campus. She hates her dorm too. However, she’s happy to be here with me and Bent so she’s sucking it up for now.
Once I’ve showered, I head back to my room to get dressed. I find Bentley sitting on my bed with a frown on his face. My roommate is back and she’s sitting on her bed staring at Bentley with stars in her eyes.
“I’m going to be in the car,” Bentley says, standing.
He walks by me and presses a kiss to my forehead. I look up at him questioningly. He shakes his head and leaves without a word.
“Oh my God, I didn’t realize who he was the first time we met. You’re so lucky,” Robin gushes once Bentley is gone.
“I’ve known him all my life. I don’t see him the way everyone else does. He’s just Bent to me.” I shrug.
