Defend

“Finals will be here soon, Brent. I need to pass them so I can graduate this semester. I don’t need my hot and sweet boyfriend distracting me when I need to spend all my time outside of class and work studying.”

“For the next two and a half weeks?” he asks skeptically and with a touch of disappointment. Before I can answer, he says, “Wouldn’t my house be a more ideal place to study than a noisy dorm on campus? I can leave you alone.” I raise an eyebrow, not sure if I believe him. “I wouldn’t fuck with your school. Two and a half weeks is a hell of a long time and I’m protesting.”

I smile simply because he’s switched over to his don’t-argue-with-me tone. “I’ll think about it.”

“Don’t think. Just bring your butt over to my house tonight and every night after that.”

“I’ll think about it,” I repeat, lifting up to kiss him on the cheek. “I’ll see you tonight. I love you.” The thrill I get from saying those words and seeing Brent’s face light up, to see him smile as if I gave him whatever it is he’s been asking the world to give him, is absolutely crazy, but I love it.

“I love you, hon.”

A knock on his door ends the magical moment that seems to come every time we say those words to one another. The timing is good, though, because I do have to leave and Brent should get back to work. Regardless of whether I do my studying at his house or on campus, the time between here and finals are going to be the longest of my life.

I spent my time at Brent’s studying. He’s very persuasive when he wants to be. The problem is I didn’t take any time to look for an apartment. Brent, always one with a solution, told me to bring my stuff to h

is house for the time being. I’m sure that will go over well with Kayla when she finds out, even though I’m not moving in.

“Will you quit pacing? I’m sure you did great,” Brent says.

“We’re sure you did too,” Ronnie agrees from the next bay over.

I’m hanging out at the shop while I wait for final grades to be posted; that’s the only for sure way I know if I’ll graduate this Saturday. “Thanks,” I say more to Ronnie and Peter than to Brent, but only because their support is more unexpected.

“Are you walking?” Brent asks, referring to the graduation ceremony.

“My parents would kill me if I didn’t. I don’t care either way. And you know, I’m feeling a little sick.” I try refreshing my browser on my phone again, but I’m still missing grades from all but one class.

Brent laughs. “That’s because you’re nervous about your grades. Give me your phone and go in my office. Lay down and take a nap.”

“A nap?” I exclaim. He can’t be serious.

“Yes, a nap. You’ve worked yourself to death the past couple of weeks. Go rest. I’ll let you know when they’ve been posted.”

I am thoroughly exhausted, but I’m also so anxious, I don’t know if I could sleep. Brent holds his hand out expectantly. With a sigh, I hand over my phone and disappear into his office. I hope I pass all my classes. The thought of having to stay one more semester makes me sick to my stomach. But as I rest my head on the pillow, my eyes droop closed and my worries disappear.

Kisses on my neck and cheek and forehead rouse me awake. “Honey, time to wake up and go celebrate.”

“Time to go home?” I mumble, not ready to wake up yet. “What time is it?”

“Almost six. We’re the only ones here. For someone who wasn’t tired, you sure did sleep a long time. Come on. I’m buying you supper.”

I sit up and run my fingers through my hair. “We’re going out to eat?”

“Didn’t you hear me? We have to celebrate.”

My eyes widen as it hits me. “I passed?”

“Every single one.”

I throw my arms around him. “I can’t believe it! I’m done! It’s over!” My mouth finds his and I kiss him as if he gave me the good grades himself. This is surreal. I can’t believe I’m finished with college. All the suffering and schoolwork is over and now I can forever relax. “Where are we going?”

“Wherever you want as long as I get to shower first.”

“Then let’s go.”

I’m glad we stop at home because that gives me a chance to change and freshen up. While I’m waiting on Brent, I also text my parents the good news. Brent walks out of his bathroom with only a towel wrapped around his waist.

“Hey, come here.”