I pushed off the wall with my hand and retorted, “That might be true, but I’d rather take a chance on a man for whom marriage and children are possible. As you said, I shouldn’t live in the ‘what-ifs,’ and that’s what I’m doing.” I lowered my voice. “Don’t be mad, please.”
Grey didn’t speak for what felt like an eternity before he finally replied, “Then give him a chance, Darren. He’s who you wanted from the beginning, and I let my jealousy get in the way of our friendship. You don’t have to say it because I know last night was special and meant to happen. But now, we move forward. I’m still Grey, your best friend, forever down for you. We’re good. Now, get off this phone and make sure he didn’t leave your ass because you’re talking to me. See you tomorrow.” Although I could hear regret, I sensed his resolve to accept my decision as he clicked off his cell.
I inhaled and exhaled, feeling light that I would still have my friend and a possible love.
WHEN I ENTERED THEsuite, Carter stood on the balcony staring into the night. I slid my arms around his waist and hugged him from the back. “It’s my birthday. This is the only day you can’t be mad with me.”
He grunted but didn’t move away from me or shrug me off him.
“You’ve been vulnerable with me, and now it’s my turn.” I squeezed between him and the rails and looked up at his unsmiling, handsome face. “For as long as I can remember, I’ve never been the girl a boy chooses. Maybe I’m not pretty or sexy enough or too smart for the typical man. So, I wanted to be different this summer. Be freer. Be sexier. I love myself and think any man would be damn lucky to have me. But we live in a world where intelligence and wit aren’t as important as a pretty face and a tight bod. I also live in a world where my parents are still disgustingly in love, and my older brother and sister are happily married. And there’s me, the hopeless romantic who can’t seem to get a man. I probably sound like the biggest loser, and that’s okay because it’s my truth. I’ve been lonely, hoping one day to meet someone who can really appreciate me and share my dreams. I think you might be that person. You might be my person.”
Carter’s stoic expression didn’t change, though he gripped the rail on either side of me, trapping me within his sinewy arms. “The fact that you can’t see what I see is fucking crazy. Trust me, if a man ain’t stepping to you, it’s because he doesn’t think he’s good enough foryou.” His dark gaze swept my body. “I mean...Iwon’t say I don’t appreciate that you have been hitting the gym regularly or showing off your body more. But you already know I was feeling you last spring.”
My heart soared, standing on that balcony in the arms of my very own chocolate dream—a dream I had to see until the end. I tilted my head flirtatiously and took a leap of faith. “If you guess what I’m thinking, we should be together.”
He promptly replied, “You want to wear that pink dress I bought you. Then you want me to take my girlfriend out for her birthday.”
Grinning so hard my cheeks started hurting, I teased, “Your girlfriend’s birthday is today too?”
“Yep.” Carter’s lips finally curved before he kissed me. Tantalizing slow without his tongue. The taste of my lingering gloss, margaritas, and him.
When he stopped the sweetest kiss I’d ever had, I curved my arms around his neck. Carter shook his head with a wide grin. "What am I getting myself into? Hell, do you know what you're getting into? Got to be in the stands cheering for me, helping me study, waking up early with me for practice, and sexing me at least once a day. You sure you want to be mine?"
I caressed the soft hairs on his nape. "With everything in me."
And just like that... on my 21st birthday, I had sex for the first time and finally had a boyfriend. I couldn’t picture a better moment. For once, the stars were aligning for me.
I should’ve realized it would be short-lived.
