Stay safe,
Abby Webber
My breath catches on a lump in my throat as I force the initial wave of panic down.
They’re looking for me, but my parents don’t know where I am. The only person back home who has any idea about my transfer is a nameless staff member who sent my transcript to WMU.
They won’t find me.
But still, I don’t know if I fully believe myself.
“What the actual fuck?” I mutter, more annoyed than scared.
Ian sticks his head out of the kitchen and raises an eyebrow before walking over. “What’s up?”
“My parents crashed a lecture at my old community college and asked if anyone knows where I am.” I swallow that lump in my throat.
“Shit. Are you okay?” Ian plops down next to me, and I drop my head to his shoulder.
“Yeah, I’m fine. They don’t know where I am—it’s just annoying that they aren’t giving up.”
“That’s good.” He slings an arm around my shoulder, pulling me closer. “But crashing a lecture? Your parents are kinda obsessed, not gonna lie.”
“Maybe you’ll be as obsessed with me one day,” I joke, trying to lighten the mood.
He chuckles and tightens his grip around me. “I’m already obsessed with you."
God, his constant affirmations never fail to make my heart flip. For the first time ever, I feel like Imatterto someone. Hell, this is more than that—Ian managed to turn a bunch of my insecurities around bylikingthem. My clothes, appearance, nerves, shyness, sex drive; things I tried to hide and change are what he tries to pull out of me.
“I’m kind of obsessed with you, too,” I say back. “Even if I’ve only said that toyou.”
He shrugs. “Again, I don’t mind. It’s still super early for you, so I’ll wait as long as you need to tell other people.”
Sighing into his hair, I stay silent. The thought of coming out still sends an initial jolt of panic down my spine, but realistically, what’s gonna happen if I go further?
Sabrina and Laura exist as they are. I’ve seen other gay couples doing PDA all across campus.
I’ll be fine, at least here.
“I think I could come out some more,” I say.
He tilts his head up, meeting my gaze. “Like to our friends?”
“No.” I pause to suck in a grounding breath. “I was thinking more, uh, public.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. I don’t want to hide you away.”
Ian smirks up at me, moving my hands down to his ass. “Ooh, I like possessive Callum. Sexy.”
I squeeze the firm muscle under my fingers. “You’remine,” I growl.
It’s meant to be funny, but Ian sucks in a sharp breath.
“Fuck,” he hisses. “I like this way too much.”
Hmm. Noted.
