It led me to Blake, and led me to growing into a better person. It brought my person.
The worst thing to me isn’t being kicked off the team anymore, or even getting kicked out of school; it’s losing this man in my arms.
And as long as I’m able to live and breathe, I’m going to keep that from happening.
He’s what is important, the only thing that matters to me.
My Latte Boy, the grumpy face who changed my life forever.
Epilogue
Blake
Five months later
“Are you sure this looks okay?” I huff, adjusting my graduation cap.
“It’s fine. Stop messing with it.” Cooper chuckles, grabbing my hands and bringing them up to his lips, pressing a soft kiss on my knuckles.
It’s always the simple touches that get me going. “Stop it, you’re going to make me pop a damn boner before going on stage in front of hundreds of people.”
“All I did was kiss your hand.” He gives me a sly grin.
“You damn well know how you affect me.” I glare up at him. My mood is a bit off today, but I’m trying to stay positive the best I can. I don’t want my sour mood to ruin Cooper’s day. He worked hard to be here.
“Fine, fine. I’ll keep all the kisses for after the ceremony. Better?”
“No,” I mumble. “Because I don’t want to wait. I love your kisses.”
“Pick one, Latte Boy. Kisses or no kisses.” He wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me close to him. I groan when I feel his semi pressing against mine.
“Kisses.” I lick my lips, a new wave of arousal hitting me. “Always kisses.”
Cooper cups the back of my head, placing a soft kiss on my lips. I hum with satisfaction, chasing his lips as he pulls away. “We better go find the girls and get our seats.”
Cooper takes my hand in his and together we search for our friends.
“Blakey, Coopy!” Val followed by Lexie, Tabitha and Ellie start heading towards us. “I can’t believe we’re really here. Graduating college. We’re adults heading out into the big, bad world. It’s kind of terrifying.”
“If anyone should be afraid, it’s the rest of the world. You’re going to be running wild now.” Lexie gives her friend a watery smile.
“No crying!” Val warns. “I do not want to mess up my makeup. And there’s nothing to cry about, we’re going to be living in the same town. We’re going to see each other all the time.”
“Yeah, but it’s not the same. I’m used to seeing you everyday. All of you.” Lexie turns her tear filled eyes on me and Cooper. A wave of emotion hits me. These girls are my best friends. I’ve come to love all of them, and I can’t see my life without them. I understand how Lexie feels. It’s going to be a bit of an adjustment.
“No matter where life takes us, we’re going to make sure we take time for one another, okay?” Cooper pulls Lexie in for a hug.
“We better.”
“Come on,” Ellie says, looping her arm through hers. “We have to go find our seats.”
The girls start walking ahead of us and we follow a few steps behind.
“So, I was thinking.” Cooper leans in and lowers his voice.
“Oh no, that can’t be good,” I mutter.
“Ha-ha.” He chuckles. “No really, I’ve been thinking a lot about our lives and what comes next outside of college.”
