“I didn’t have dinner with Mom. I lied.” I look up at him as he sits up.
“Why?” Levi’s face grows angry. He crosses his arms.
“I actually went and saw my advisor. She told me something very interesting.” I bite down on my lip to hold back the smile.
“First, why would you not tell me that you’re seeing your advisor? Second, what was it?” His voice is not as stern as before.
“I didn’t want you to worry, that’s why I didn’t tell you. The second thing is,” I trail off my sentence and stand up. My mouth is dry, and I need something to drink. I head to the kitchen. I hear Levi get off the couch and follow me.
“Smarty, what did she say?” I don’t look at him as I chug the bottle of water I got from the fridge.
“She told me about the overload of classes that I’ve been taking.”
“And?”
I look at him. I take a deep breath and blurt it out. “I graduate in December. I can start law school in January. I’ve already talked to them. I just need to pay for the tuition.”
Levi’s eyes grow wide, and he scoops me up in his arms. “Are you fucking kidding me right now?”
I shake my head. I’m a little unsure if he’s happy or not. Levi grabs the back of my neck and kisses me hard. He gently bites my lip, and I instinctively moan. When our kiss finally breaks, I’m out of breath and my lips are swollen.
“Are you happy about this?” I ask as he sits me back on the ground.
“Smarty, I don’t think I’ve been this happy for a while. You’re going to be in Pittsburgh in a couple months, instead of seven months. Hell yeah, I’m ecstatic.” He kisses me again. “Wait,” he pulls back, “did you think I wouldn’t be?”
“I wasn’t sure.” I step back from him.
“Presley Marie McCarthy.” Levi steps closer to me, cupping my face. Levi has never said my full name. Ever. “I love you. I love you more than anything else in this world. Please don’t ever doubt that. This is just the universe telling us that we can’t stand to be apart for long.”
I feel the tears on the brim of my eyes. He’s right. How could I have doubted him? “Thank you, Levi, for loving me.”
He leans down and kisses me again. “We need to celebrate.”
“Does it involve us being naked and some biting?” I tease him.
“Nope,” he smirks at me. I pout my lips at him. “Stop that, Smarty. We’ll do our celebrating later, but you haven’t spent much time with Trevor or Marley, have you?”
“I’ve been busy.” The truth is, I’ve been depressed like a lovesick puppy since the beginning of the semester.
“Liar,” Levi calls me out on my lie, as he reaches for his phone from his pocket. “I’ve got an idea, so go put on my favorite boots of yours and get ready for a night on the town.”
“Fine,” I sigh. I really wanted to spend the night alone with Levi, but he hasn’t been out much since everything has happened, and I understand that. Plus, it’s been forever since the four of us hung out together.
I slip my boots on, the ones that Levi loves, and then go into the bathroom to fix my hair and makeup. I can hear him talking, to who I assume is Trevor, and then he comes into the bathroom with me.
He wraps his arms around my waist and kisses my neck. “Ready?” He whispers, and his hot breath sends a shiver down my spine.
I turn in his arms and peck his lips. “I’m ready to be naked with you,” I say honestly.
“Later. Come on, everyone is waiting.” He grabs my hand, guiding me towards the door. I pick up my purse and phone on the way out.
Levi drives us downtown, and for a moment, I don’t know where we’re going. Until I figure out that we’re going to a bar. He parks the SUV and holds my hand as we cross the street.
The bar isn’t busy, which surprises me, but I scan the room to see if I know anyone. I thought I’m just going to see Marley and Trevor, but to my amazement, along with them, I see my parents and Victor. I’m in shock as I notice that my parents are in casual clothing. I didn’t think my dad even owned a pair of jeans. All five of them are laughing at something as we approach them.
“Presley.” Marley wraps me in a big hug, then I’m passed around to everyone else for hugs.
“Okay, why are we here? Levi wouldn’t tell us,” Victor inquires.