The rest of the drive is silent.
I drive to a nearby park. I exit the jeep and walk around to the passenger side to open the door for Cocoa. Before Cocoa can make a move, I swing her legs towards me to step between them. The roses fall to the ground. I don’t know who moves first, maybe we met in the middle. Our lips crash together as we clutch each other as I grind between her thighs. My thirst is finally being quenched after almost six fucking months of dehydration. I end the kiss to grasp each side of her face.
“I love you Cocoa. I can’t live the rest of my life in this world not knowing where you are. I’m so sorry for how I treated you. The names I called you are unforgivable, but I want you to know that I’m becoming a better person. I didn’t fuck Victoria. I was going to, but I couldn’t go through with it. You are the only girl I want.”
“I love you, too, Maverick. I was so afraid I’d never see you again. I wanted to contact you, but you were so confusing. I didn’t know which version of you I would find.”
“I’ve been seeing a therapist and attending anger management sessions since moving to Minnesota. I did it so I can find closure, but I mostly did it because of you. I want to be the person you need me to be. I want you in my life. Can you forgive me?”
I kiss her lightly on the lips.
“Yes. Just promise me that you’ll continue therapy and anger management. You can’t overcome what you’ve been through in just several months.”
“I’ll do anything for you as long as you stay with me. I want to go to Los Angeles with you. I want to spend as much time with you as possible during the summer.”
“I’m attending Moody College of Communication, so I’ll be a three-and-a-half-hour drive from you. It’s only an hour by plane.”
A big smile spreads across my face.
“I know a lot of shit has happened between us, but let’s start over,” I say.
“I would like that.”
10 Months Later
“I can’t believe that, in two days, spring break will be over, and we’ll have to be apart again,” I grumble while I cuddle with Maverick on the hotel bed.
We traveled to Miami for spring break with Lo, Micah, Dee, Nix, Jamal, Kate, and Lucy. We’re having a great time and making memories. Saint decided not to come. Though we reconnected when I visited Los Angeles over the summer, our friendship hasn’t been fully restored, especially since Maverick came with me. They nearly came to blows when they saw each other. I hope that one day, we can move past this, but I won’t force the issue. I don’t think Saint will ever accept that Maverick and I are together. Lo and Micah have accepted Maverick for the most part, which makes me happy. I don’t think I would’ve survived losing their friendship, too.
Maverick and I had a rocky start, but now our relationship is stronger than ever. He sees a therapist twice a week near his campus and goes to an anger management group session once a week. He’s still fighting his demons, but he’s trying, and that’s what counts. John has continually attempted to reach out to him, but for Maverick, he’s already dead. Maverick is developing a strong bond with his family on his mom’s side. His uncle played an important role in Maverick’s healing. Tim is supportive, encouraging, and doesn’t cast judgment on Maverick over his sudden mood swings. Maverick and I spent the winter break with his family. It’s a home filled with love and laughter, everything Maverick was denied as a child.
Maverick chuckles. “We see each other nearly every weekend and sometimes during the week. Soon, school will be over, and we’ll be spending the whole summer together.”
“I know, but it’s still not enough,” I pout.
“You look so adorable when you pout,” says Maverick, kissing my forehead.
My head is lying on his chest while my fingers trace the hard ridges of his muscles. We’re naked, tangled in the sheets after hours of sex. I will never get enough of him. I slide my hand from his abs to grip his dick.
“Come on, you’re trying to kill me. We have to get a few hours of sleep before we face the day. You know they’ll all be knocking on our door soon.”
I groan loudly. “Let’s stay in bed all day.”
“You know they won’t let us do that.”
I drag my hand from his dick as I roll onto my back, sighing.
“By the way, tell Dee to stay away from Lucy. I see how he looks at her. She’s innocent and I don’t want him breaking her heart.”
“Hey, Dee and Lucy are adults, so it’s none of our business. What about Micah chasing after Kate?”
“Kate is a big girl, so she can take care of herself. She knows Micah’s a big man whore.”
“I think Dee really likes Lucy,” says Maverick.
I turn, propping my elbow on the bed then placing my head in my upturned hand.
“You really think so?” I ask, looking down at him.
