The Senior (College Years 4)

I chuckle. “You’re the one who got me to follow you down here, Princess. Don’t forget that.”

I feel a buzzing in my back pocket that can only be my phone. Reaching for it, I check out the screen to see an unfamiliar number. I put my phone away and return my attention to Ava. “I’ve missed you so damn bad.”

“You were just with me last week.” There’s amusement in her tone, thank God.

“Yeah and I kind of fucked it up.”

“So did I,” she admits, hanging her head, her fingers tightening on mine. “But we can fix this. Fix—us.”

“I know we can,” I whisper against her neck, feeling her shiver. “I’ve been a complete asshole to you, Ava. I hate that I’ve hurt you.”

She dips her head to the right, a little sigh leaving her when I kiss her neck. “All I’ve ever wanted is your support. I give it to you unconditionally, no matter what. That’s what I want in return.”

“I’m here for you, baby. Whatever you want, I’ll give you.” As much as I can, considering the intense football season. My focus is always Ava, but right now, football is really fuckin’ important to me.

She knows this. And she understands it too. Look at her family. They live and breathe the sport.

I squeeze her hips when she remains silent, savoring the feel of her pressed against me, her ass rubbing my growing erection. Doesn’t take much to set my body off when it comes to this woman, and having her so close is a total distraction.

As in, all I can think about it is getting her naked and in that massive bed.

“Eli.” Her voice is so soft, I can barely hear her.

“What baby?” I rest my mouth at her ear, nibbling on the lobe.

“I want to spend the night with you,” she admits, her voice low.

Sexy.

My body tightens in response. “That’s all I want too.”

Ava turns in my arms so we’re facing each other, those big green eyes twisting me up inside as stares up at me. “I want it to be good between us again.”

“It will be,” I say with confidence. How can it not? All is right in the world. I’ve got my girl back in my arms and we’re on the same page.

“I’m sorry if I’ve been stubborn,” she murmurs.

I can’t help but chuckle, leaning in so I can rest my forehead to hers. “That’s all I’ve ever been. I’m the one who should be apologizing. Over and over again.”

Her face is full of wonder. “Who are you and what did you do with my Eli?”

My chuckle deepens and I give in to my urges, kissing her.

She opens to me immediately, her tongue meeting mine and it’s on. I drop my hands to her ass, squeezing and kneading as our kiss deepens. She slides her hands up my chest, circling her arms around my neck and I haul her in closer.

As close as I can get her.

Ava moans my name and fuck. That’s all I need to hear. I run my hands up, beneath her shirt, ready to start stripping her—

My butt buzzes again, and I go still.

So does Ava.

“Is someone trying to call you?” she asks, her lips moving against mine.

“Ignore it.” I kiss her again but she pulls away so our gazes meet, her brows lowered in concern.

“You should check who it is.”