Nothing But Trouble (Malibu University 1)

“I wasn’t,” I say to him later, when we’ve both caught our breath and we’re staring at each other, making up for lost time. His head comes up and his expression sparks.

“I wasn’t with anyone else,” I confess. “I love you. I couldn’t be with anyone else.”

He falls onto his back, arms spread wide, and exhales harshly. “Hate to sound like an asshole but is it okay to say I’m relieved?” He chuckles.

Not really when I think about it. I’m definitely relieved that he hasn’t been with anyone else.

I straddle his lap and his hands skate up my thighs. Then he pushes my hair aside, watching me like it’s the first time he’s ever seen me. “Move in with me.”

It takes me a minute to shake off the surprise. “You want us to live together?”

He sits up and hugs me. “I’ll be here another semester, and then there’s medical school.” I’m about to speak when he explains. “Not for surgery, for psychiatry. I want to specialize in addictions.”

The smile is involuntary. I brush my fingers up the side of his arm, remembering every dip and curve. Slide them into his hair. “I think that’s amazing.” Tears of joy sneak down my face.

He wipes them away. “I can’t see anything, feel anything without thinking of you. I love you. I love you beyond reason. I want a lot more––but we have to start somewhere.”

I don’t have to think twice. “Okay.”

“Yeah?” His lips part into a breathtaking grin.

“Yeah.”

Reagan seals it with a kiss. One that speaks of hope, of second chances, and new beginnings. I don’t know what the future holds and neither one of us harbor any illusions that it will be easy. But I know I don’t want to face it without him. Because, although he started as nothing but trouble, he’s become everything and more. And, God, do I want a new beginning with him.

I want it all.