Always You (Love Hurts 1)

Chapter Twenty-Three

Dalton

I hadn’t slept at all. I’d spent the whole night with her in my arms, watching her sleep. She looked so peaceful, so relaxed. So innocent, as though nothing in the world could touch her. Thoughts invaded my head, all about her and what she was doing to me. It was like I was scared to go to sleep just in case I woke up and all this was only a dream.

Just before five, I woke her. The sun was coming up, and I knew if we left it any longer the risk of us getting caught would increase. She stirred, but didn’t rouse. I smiled and leaned over to her, my lips touching hers. This time she smiled, her eyes opening and gazing up at me.

“This is a nice way to wake up,” she mumbled, stretching her body. I ran my hand under the covers, gently stroking her breast. She smiled again, lifting her mouth up to meet mine.

“It’s getting light outside. You’d better go,” I said, not bothering to hide my disappointment. If I could’ve held her captive in my bed all day, I would have.

“Yeah, I know,” she grumbled, fishing around for her clothes. “I can’t wait until I don’t have to sneak off. I just want to be able to lie in bed with you.”

“I know,” I muttered. I reached for her arm, pulling her back down onto the mattress.

She laughed, letting herself fall over me—her hair over my face, her lips slammed against mine; I couldn’t get enough of her.

Hours, days together—none of it was enough. A lifetime with her wouldn’t be enough.

She struggled away from me, laughing. Her cheeks flushed red. Her green eyes narrowed at me as she put enough distance between us so that I couldn’t reach out to her again. I shook my head and chuckled, watching her dress. Fuck, she was so sexy. Standing there in her mismatched panties and bra, trying to figure out what way around her top went—every part of me ached for her.

She bit her lip and smiled at me as she wriggled into her jeans. With one last kiss, she was gone. Out the door, and into the night. I fell back to sleep, imagining she was still there with me.

***

Friday’s classes went by quickly. After work, I went home, having a few hours to spare before I was due at Layna’s. I’d missed the last couple of dinners having been with Wrenn, and my non-appearance hadn’t gone unnoticed. Layna had joked that if I weren’t at this one, she’d come looking for me. I didn’t doubt that she would.

I had a theory that Mom had been speaking to her. Mom was worried about me, but then again, she was always worried about me. Especially since Dad had died. Mom spent nearly all her time invested in taking care of me and making sure I was okay.

I dug out my phone and dialed Mom. I felt bad that it had been a few days since I’d spoken to her. Knowing how much she worried, I should have made more of an effort. She answered on the fourth ring.

“Hey honey,” she said warmly.

I closed my eyes and pictured her smile. “Hey, Mom. How are you?”

“Good. Busy, but good. How are you, how’s work?” she asked.

“Fine. Almost over, and then I’ll be back home.”

“And I can’t wait,” she replied. “Have you applied for any jobs for next year?”

“Not really. I was thinking of doing my elementary certificate. I don’t think I’m cut out for teaching teenagers.” I chuckled.

“I was always surprised that you went high school instead of elementary,” Mom agreed. “If that’s what you want, then do it.”

“Yeah. Maybe I will.”

After ending the call with Mom, I thought more about the next year. The more I thought, the more I realized that’s what I wanted to do. I grabbed my laptop and navigated my way to Boston University’s courses website.

Fuck it. I’ll do it. I clicked Apply Now, and spent the next twenty minutes completing my application for the post-graduate course that was due to start midyear. It felt good, like I had a plan. I knew where I was heading for once.

Just as I was about to shut my computer down, an email from Cam

popped up.

Hey man,

I got a freaking job! Finally! It’s a year-long contract for next year in a decent public school in Farisbrook. Guess I’m growing up, huh? Time to start acting responsibly, and curb the drinking and late nights. Good thing I have a few months to clean up my act ;)