One-Eighty (Westover Prep 1)

I kiss her on the lips with the promise to call her later before heading up to my own room for the night. This is the first time I can remember them actually raising their voices at each other, but from the way Peyton rolled her eyes when they got home, it’s more than a regular occurrence.

I plug headphones into my ears, letting my music blare until enough time has passed to call Piper.

I call three times over the course of two hours.

She never answers.Chapter 34Piper“What happened last night?”

These are the words Dalton greets me with when I knock on his door shortly after his parents drive off for the day.

“Happened?” I tilt my head in confusion.

“You didn’t answer your phone. I called like a million times.”

I roll my eyes, stepping past him into his house. “You called me three times.”

He’s glaring at me when I turn back in his direction.

“I went home, took some nighttime headache medicine and passed out.”

His eyes soften with my admission, and I know he’s been worried about me.

“And I woke up this morning feeling like a million bucks.”

“I thought something bad happened. I was worried.”

“I’m fine.” I raise on the tips of my toes and press my lips to his.

“Are you here to tutor? I thought Peyton was done.”

“I’m here to see you.”

“It’s early.”

My smile falters, now realizing that his hair is a mess, and he’s only wearing a pair of low-riding basketball shorts. My mouth waters at the sight of the muscles laced together down his torso.

“Did I wake you?”

“The doorbell did,” he grumbles.

“Then come on.” I grab his hand and tug. “Let’s go back to bed.”

I squeal like a lunatic when he scoops me up in his arms and runs up the stairs with me. Thankfully, neither Peyton nor Preston’s door swings open. We’d have to end this really quick if his little brother comes out wondering what we’re doing.

“Mmm,” I moan when he tosses me on the bed that’s still warm from his body.

His sheets are a mix of his cologne and body wash, and the combination makes my skin tingle.

“Don’t make sex noises in my bed, Piper.” Dalton shuts the door, making a point to flip the lock before turning back to me.

“Where else would I make sex noises then, Dalton?”

His eyes narrow as my hands roam over the top of his blankets.

“You’re frisky this morning,” he says with a smile as he stalks toward the bed.

“I had an amazing night of sleep,” I remind him.

“But we came back up here to go back to bed.”

“You can go back to bed if you want.” I sit up on his bed and snap my tank top over my head, tossing it to the floor with a grin when his jaw hangs open.

“Where’s your bra?” he asks after swallowing twice.

His feet are planted halfway across the room, but I’m no longer worried about whether he wants me or not. The erection forming in his shorts answers that question.

I’m also no longer concerned whether he’s really into me or if he’s playing some long, drawn-out prank. I married him in my dreams last night, and when I woke up this morning to the sun shining and the birds singing outside, I didn’t roll my eyes at the ridiculous thought. I dressed quickly and ran over here, finally ready to begin working on our happily ever after.

Thoughts of joining him at the same school, living in the same apartment while in college no longer worries me. I felt the sincerity in his words the other day. He believes every word that came out of his mouth. It wasn’t a ploy to get into my pants or a practiced speech just because he thinks I wanted to hear it. He said those things because he meant them.

And Lord, help me, I want everything he offered. I want it all. I want it today, tomorrow, and every other day thereafter.

“It’s at home,” I tell him with a wicked grin. “Probably tossed on my closet floor. Do you want me to go get it?”

I twirl a lock of my hair, and I know he’s watching it go around my finger, brushing against the side of my breast with every rotation.

“Am I being too presumptuous?” I bite my lip, knowing he loves when I do that. “Do you want me to get dressed and leave?”

“N-no. It’s just…” His hand skates over the top of his head, and I can tell he’s trying to get his breathing under control. “I didn’t think this was going to happen. What is actually happening right now?”

His eyes lock on mine, and I should give him credit where it’s due. I know it must be extremely hard for him to look away from my tight-tipped breasts to focus on my face, but somehow, he manages it. It only makes this decision that much easier for me because I know it’s the right one.