I chewed on my lip, swallowing a moan before saying, “So hard that I dreamed of you at night.”
“Go on,” he murmured, trailing kisses across my collarbone. “What did I do to you in your dreams, Emmy?”
“Lots of things.” I gave him a coy smile.
He tucked his fingers under my chin and held me still so I wouldn’t look away when he asked, “What kind of things?”
“You know… the dirty kind,” I whispered, earning myself a heavy kiss that involved plenty of tongue. He sucked on my bottom lip to remind me of exactly what I’d been missing.
“Is our plan still on?” he asked, pulling away to give us a moment to breathe.
I nodded. “After graduation next week, I’m yours.”
“All mine?” he asked in a low voice as he brushed his nose against mine.
“All yours,” I promised.
“How do your folks feel about that?”
I let out a sigh. My mom and Kai hadn’t warmed up to the idea of Dakota and I dating like I thought they would. Dad actually loved him for me, which was great since he did a lot of advocating for us during family dinners. My sister, Naia, would finally be home for the holidays for the first time in years. So, she’d have to pick a side soon. All of them wanted what was best for me, of course. Still, dealing with their opinions was annoying.
Dakota took note of my silence and concluded, “You haven’t told them you’re moving in, have you?”
He pulled back a little to read my expression.
I shook my head. “I have. My mom doesn’t like it. My dad… well, he doesn’t like the idea of his youngest daughter shacking up but he likes you enough so the approval will come.”
Dakota relaxed a bit. “Okay. I get that. And I’m going to work harder on impressing Kai and your mom. Naia too when she gets here. They’ll love me.”
I smiled, touched by the determined look on his face. “Don’t worry about them. I love you enough for all of us.”
“I’ll get them to feel comfortable,” he insisted and placed a kiss on my nose. “I’ll show them I’m going to keep you safe and provide for you. That’s their issue, right? They’re worried I can’t protect you.”
“They’re worried you’ll break my heart,” I corrected. “Because they know how much I adore you. And we all know what happened the last time my heart was broken.”
He smiled and nodded. “I have no plans on breaking your heart, Emmy. And even if I did, I don’t mind a sign. Hell, why stop there? Rent out a banner at the stadium. Use my card to do it. And when I run on the field, let the thing flash for the entire game.”
I laughed at the thought and he smiled along with me.
“I wouldn’t dare ruin your reputation,” I promised.
Dakota’s NFL teammates and fans loved him. During his rookie year, he was the reason his team scored a winning touchdown that got them out of a three-month slump. Everyone called him the team’s lucky charm. Now, that the team was on a roll, he was the star on merchandise and often went on daytime TV for interviews. Much like me, people were mesmerized by his contrasting dark outer appearance and sweet personality.
Nowadays, Dakota spoke openly about his experiences with assault. His confession inspired other athletes to come forward. The next generation of players would undoubtedly feel more brave knowing they weren’t the only ones.
He also started a community garden in the city, a place that previously lacked a decent amount of trees. The garden earned him a cover on a celebrity gossip magazine. His charming smile earned him the title of hottest bachelor in the NFL.
“Besides, your fans would burn me at the stake,” I reminded him.
“They’d have to get through me first, sweetheart.” He kissed me, taking his time and parting my lips to show me he was serious. And I didn’t doubt him for a second. I knew this man would go to the ends of the earth to keep me safe because I’d do the exact same for him.
“Hey?” He pulled away for a second. “You said your dad didn’t like the idea of you shacking up?”
“He’s old-fashion that way,” I murmured while combing my fingers through his hair.
“Can I tell you a secret?”
I raised a brow. “Of course.”
