“A little. I just... I never thought we’d get here and now we are and I’m so happy, I am. But—”
“You’re worried I’ll hurt you again.” Shame washed over him. “Wait here.” Jason dropped a kiss on my head before disappearing down the hall.
I stood there, arms wrapped around my waist, wondering what the hell could be so important he had to abandon me.
When he returned, he had that sheepish look again. “Jason,” I said, “what did you do?”
He was holding a white plastic bag. “I was trying to think of a way to show you I want this. That I’m serious about this.” He motioned between us. “So I got you something.”
I peeked over, trying to see what was in the bag. But nothing could have prepared me for the Penn hoodie he pulled out.
“I wasn’t sure of your size.” He handed it to me. It felt soft and heavy in my hands.
“I don’t understand...”
“Well, you’re going to need one come next fall.” Nervous energy radiated from him. “I have one too, but mine’s black.”
“You’re telling me you got us matching hoodies?” My heart swelled.
“Well, yeah.” He lowered his face, rubbing the back of his neck, looking up at me through thick dark lashes. “Isn’t that what couples do?”
I had no words.
None.
I think Jason had stolen them all right around the time he completely stole my heart.
“I know I said I don’t want you there, at Penn, but I was just lashing out. Of course I fucking want you there.”
“Four years, that’s a long time.” I smirked. “What if things go south and we have to be around each other all the time?”
“Not possible.” He hooked his arm around my neck and pulled me flush against his chest. “I already told you, we’re endgame. So if you have doubts, I suggest you run now. Because I am locking you down for the next four-and-a-half years at least.”
“Only four-and-a-half years?”
“When I enter the draft, I might need to cut you loose.”
“Works for me, dating a pro football player isn’t on my list.”
His fingers dug into my sides, tickling and pinching. My laughter spilled freely, filling the space between us, the remaining cracks in my heart.
“I fucking love you.” Jason’s hand curved around my neck. “I never thought I needed anyone. But I need you, Felicity. I need you so much it hurts.” He pressed his head to mine, breathing in sharply.
“So take me,” I whispered.
“Yeah?” His eyes were wide and full of wonder.
And hunger.
So much hunger, my legs turned to jelly.
“I’m right here, what are you waiting—” The air whooshed from my lungs as Jason hoisted me over his shoulder and carried me up the stairs, ignoring my cries for mercy.
Inside his room, he slowly lowered me to the floor, letting every inch of him press up against every inch of me. We stood there, our eyes locked on one another’s, neither of us saying a word. Simply soaking up the moment.
Eventually, I broke away, moving deeper into the room of the most complicated, most gorgeous guy I’d ever laid eyes on.
It was just as I expected. Dark and manly. Slate gray walls with splashes of black and chrome. The bed was drenched in black sheets with silver flecks. It reminded me of a storm. Alluring and mysterious from a distance, but deadly if you got too close.