“You didn’t.” I shook my head. “The rules weren’t the problem. It was the fact that you couldn’t see a future past them.”
“I shouldn’t have started the relationship like that in the first place. God, if I could do it all over, I would.”
I stared at him and rolled my shoulders back to muster all the courage possible. “Weston, do you still want to be with me? For real this time. Still no bullshit butactualtitles.”
He shook his head in disbelief. “Of course, Covee. I’ve spent the past few months trying to come up with something huge and unforgettable. I have a whole document on my computer with ways to tell you I’m sorry, I miss you and that I love you.”
I froze. Every inch of my body felt numb for a good few minutes before suddenly, the world was louder. The wind blew through the trees and an animal hurried through the bushes. I could feel my veins pulse with nerves and messages from my brain.
Please, body, don’t faint. Just stay still and look calm. Don’t freak out over the fact that Weston still loves you.
Now he was staring. Taking me in with wide eyes full of fear and uncertainty. I should’ve said something. Anything and soon. Because confessing your feelings wasn’t easy. I would know because I was up next.
“Weston.” His name passed my lips like a plea and it was enough permission for him to come close to me again. He took my face in his hands and kissed me. His lips on mine were familiar enough to make me feel at home, but special enough to send a pulsing spark down my spine. He pulled me into his arms, tugging me close against his body. He was still firm underneath his soft clothing. My body relaxed against his, finding comfort in the curve of his arms around me. I’d missed this. I’d prepared myself for a potential goodbye. Now, with his arms around me, I never wanted him to let go.
When he pulled away from my lips to give me time to breathe, Weston wasted no second by planting kisses on my cheeks. I giggled as he worked his way down my neck and back up again. When his lips reached my face again, he kissed me gently before asking, “Cove?”
I gave him a quick peck. “West?”
“I don’t want to ever leave,” he told me. “But I still want at least one thing to stand. One of our rules to carry forward.”
I raised my eyebrows. “Okay?”
“Leave me,” he said with a serious tone. “When you don’t need me anymore.”
“I thought you were over being temporary,” I reminded him.
“I am. This is more about you being able to do and be whoever you want. Regardless of where I stand. I’m the type of person who picks a spot and stands. You know this.”
“It might be a defining trait,” I joked, and it earned me a kiss on the nose.
“I understand not everyone is like me. Covee, you’re kind. You’ll want to make this work despite needing something else. Something more. I will give you my all this time. But, since I didn’t give it on the first go, I’m still not sure if it’s enough.”
I nodded, understanding where he was coming from, but still a bit saddened he felt that way. “Okay. I never see it coming to that, but if it does, I’ll leave.”
Weston pressed his lips on my forehead. “Good girl.”
“I know you’ll be enough though,” I grabbed onto the bottom of his shirt to keep him close.
“You really that sure?” He wrinkled his brows.
I nodded. “From day one, all you wanted to do was get me to stop crying.”
He laughed. “No, I wanted you to cry. For a better reason.”
“Oh, that’s right.” I scoffed.
“And now that we’re on the topic…”
“Are we now?” I giggled, letting him pull me in for a kiss. He parted my mouth, offering a hint of tongue before pulling away.
“Let me eat you out, Covee,” he whispered against my lips.
There was no hesitation this time. No second guessing. No pit of nerves. I smiled and laced my fingers with his.
“Should we go to the library?” I suggested. “For old time’s sake?”
He shook his head. “I have a pile of blankets in the back of my truck and I also know a secluded spot right outside of campus.”
