“I know, babe.” I run my fingers up and down his back. “It won’t be that long.”
“Anytime is too long.” He pauses. “I’m sorry I’m being so clingy.”
“Hey, don’t worry. I like knowing you’ll miss me, and it’s nice to have someone to come home to.”
“Really?”
“Yes, now can I have that kiss?” I try again, and he smiles before lowering his lips to mine.
“I’ll miss you.”
“Me too.”
I sneak one more kiss and pull myself from his arms. He doesn’t leave as I walk through pre-check, and I give him a wave before he’s out of my sight.
My heart clenches, and while I feel so pathetic that I’m this hung up on a guy, I can’t wipe the smile from my face.
17
WHIT
This suuuucks.
I miss Daddy, and it’s only been a few hours since I left him at the airport. What am I going to do for however long he’s gone?
What if he isn’t back before I leave for New York? Maybe I should just cancel.
Nah, I miss my mom and sisters, but not my dad. I could go a few more months or years before seeing him again.
I sigh and throw myself down on the couch while I decide what to do.
I could go out, but I don’t have anyone to go with me, so that would be boring.
I’d go see a movie if there was anything worth seeing, but I’m tired of superhero movies. I could sum all of them up in two sentences. “The bad guy’s going to beat the hell out of the good guy, and when it looks like the good guy couldn’t possibly take anymore, he beats the hell out of the bad guy and wins. The end.”
The gym it is then.
“Hey, man. Would you be able to spot me?” I look up at the large man who’s walked over to the mirror where I’m doing biceps curls. “My friend can’t help because he’s too weak.” He points over his shoulder at a slim man, but I wouldn’t call him weak. Slim guy flips his friend off, and he laughs.
“Sure, I got you.”
He clasps my hand in a strong grip. “Awesome. I’m Bailey.”
I wipe my face off with a towel and follow him to the bench. “Whit.”
“Good to meet you. This is Jordan.”
Jordan gives me a fist bump. “Hey. Thanks for helping. I’m not weak like Bailey said, but I can’t press as much as this beast, and I’m scared his Da— boyfriend will be upset with me if he gets hurt.”
Bailey winks at me. “He’s very stern.”
Jordan was going to say Daddy. I’m almost sure of it, but that would be rude to ask, so I leave it alone and stand behind the bench.
“Okay, what’s our goal today?”
“Three seventy-five,” Bailey says proudly, but Jordan jumps back in.
“Three sixty.”
