“We can take our time.” He clasps my face in his hands and peers deep into my eyes. “I never want you to feel pressured. All right?”
“You’rethe perfect one,” I say, dropping my mouth to his. His arms cradle me against him as we kiss, and I can’t remember a time when I felt this happy. I want to bottle this feeling and have it never end.
The next three weeks fly by, and soon we’re down to the last couple of days before we break for the Christmas holidays. Life has been crazy between studying for midterms, taking the tests,and finalizing my project for my tech drawing class. The fall soccer league is finished, and the school held a massive party to celebrate the Ryemont Raiders coming out on top. Callan was lauded as a hero, and it’s no lie to say he’s the most popular student at Ryemont High. Everyone loves him, and I can see why.
Indoor practice sessions are the norm now, and club games won’t start for a while, so Callan has a bit more time to spare, and we hang out every chance we get. We study for our exams together, and he brings me copious drinks and snacks while I’m burning the midnight oil to finish my project. Gym sessions are fun with Callan showing me different exercises to build a little muscle, which he says is super important for everyone.
Thor’s dad hasn’t been traveling as much, so parties are on hold, but I’m enjoying regular dates with Callan to the movies or out for food or simply going for a walk hand in hand at Whispering Lake. On occasion, we double-date with Renee and Thor or Gwen and Scott, but Callan prefers to keep me all to himself, and you’ll never hear me complaining.
My boyfriend still sneaks into my bedroom at night, and it never ceases to give me a thrill. While we’re making out like demons and enjoying exploring one another intimately, we haven’t progressed beyond kissing, touching, and oral sex. I’ve decided I want to lose my virginity on my eighteenth birthday, which is Valentine’s night, so Callan has told me to leave the planning to him, and he’s promised to make it special.
It’s hard for me to remember a time when he wasn’t in my life because he’s become such an important part of mine. Knowing we’ll be spending the next four years together is the icing on the cake. Callan ended up receiving scholarship offers from several D1 universities, and he discussed them at length with me, his parents, his coach, and his friends before decidingon Bennington Turo. I’m excited for the future and constantly pinching myself.
I’m so lucky Callan came into my life. He’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
I love him.
And I think he loves me too.
But we haven’t said the words yet.
I want to, but there’s a part of me that’s scared to voice it, in case it scares him away, so I’m living byMormor’smotto and just going with the flow, waiting for him to bring it up first.
“You are a million miles away, babe.” Callan grabs my ass while leaning down to kiss me, and I get lost in his lush mouth for a few blissful minutes.
“I can’t believe it’s Christmas already,” I say after we break our lip-lock, closing my locker and stuffing the last of my books in my bag.
Callan plucks it from my hands, swinging it over his shoulders as his fingers move to the zipper on my jacket. “Same. It’s crazy.” He tugs the zipper up my body before tweaking my nose.
“You must be excited to see Dara,” I say, sliding my arm around his back as his arm automatically curls around my shoulders.
“I can’t wait to see my brother. It feels like longer than five months since I last saw him.”
We walk down the hallway toward the doors, waving to friends as we go. “I’m looking forward to meeting him.”
“He’s dying to meet the girl whotamedme.” Callan chuckles before smiling adoringly at me. “His words, not mine.”
“I’m glad he’s here for your birthday. It’ll be cool to hang out with him.” Callan’s eighteenth birthday is the day before New Year’s Eve. A bunch of us are heading into Burly for dinner and going to a club that’s popular on weekends for its retro DJ night.We bought an extra ticket for Dara, so I’m hoping he’ll come with.
I’m cooking Callan a private birthday dinner the following night at his place while his family is over at my house. Mom had to work overtime on Dad to get him to agree, and I had to promise there’d be no funny business. He’s going to have to relax when I turn eighteen because I’ll be an adult then, and he’s just going to have to trust me.
“He’s going to love you, beautiful.” Callan holds out the door for me to exit first. “Don’t stress it.”
“I’m not. Everyone loves me,” I quip.
Callan slaps my ass. “That’s my girl.” He nuzzles my neck as we head toward the parking lot, pressing little kisses into my skin, and I love how free he is with his affection. For a guy who’s never had a girlfriend before, he’s a complete natural and easily the best boyfriend I’ve ever dated. “I love your confidence. You’re going to rule the world one day, baby.”
“I think you meanyou.” There is no denying Callan is destined for greatness. Squeezing his muscular ass, I feel a familiar desire stirring low in my belly. I exist in a near-perpetual state of horniness these days. My man only has to look at me, and I’m turned on. It’s a miracle I haven’t caved to sex yet, but I want it to be special for both of us, and anticipation only adds to the excitement.
“We’ll rule the world together.” He tightens his hold while steering me toward the end of the lot where my car is parked. We drove separately today as I’m heading into Burly to pick up the custom soccer cleats I ordered him as part of his Christmas gifts.
I rub my gloved hands together, my nostrils twitching as I smell imminent snow in the air. I hope I get my shopping finished before it starts coming down. Callan organized snow tires for my car weeks ago, but I don’t like driving in the city when it’s snowing or icy out. “What’s going on?” I muse,watching a crowd congregating around the area where my car is located.
“Let’s find out.” Callan’s expression turns serious as he takes my hand and we walk over to the crowd.
They part to let us through, whispering in a way that raises all the tiny hairs on the back of my neck.
“What the fuck?” Callan barks as my car comes into view.
