She sat up. “You didn’t.”
“Yeah, I did. We can go where you want to go.”
She groaned. “I know they don’t have the best football team, though.”
“So, it doesn’t matter so long as I’m with you.” He kissed her neck but she covered his mouth with her hand. “Laylah?”
“We’re not going to my college.”
“And why the hell not?” he asked.
“Because, I’m not having you give up your dream for mine. I checked out your college. They have an amazing literary program. I also did some extensive research and they even have workshops for writers. It’s an amazing opportunity.”
“But it wasn’t your first choice. It wasn’t on any of your choices.”
“That was before I had you. Now I’ve got you and I need to keep you happy.” She kissed his lips. “And this will make us both happy.” She nibbled on her lip. “I don’t know where you see us being in five years or even ten, but when I look, I do see us together. I don’t want you to resent me.”
He cupped her cheek. “How could I resent you?”
She rolled her eyes. “You won’t if you get to have the life you always wanted as well.”
“Those dreams, they happened before I even realized you were the woman for me.” He took her hand, pressing kisses to her knuckles. “I love you, Laylah. I won’t ever resent you. I promise.”
“Does that mean you’re going to stop arguing with me and accept that I am right?” she asked.
This time, he rolled his eyes. “Will it make you happy?”
“Yes.”
“Then, yes, I will call and make the necessary arrangements.” He cupped her cheek. “You’re the only one I want though.”
She offered him a smile. “Good. You’re the only person I want to be with. Forever. No questions asked.”
“Laylah, I love football, I do, but you’re my everything.”
Silence met his declaration.
“I think we’re kind of scaring our parents.”
Her mother was still pissed at him over the skipping-class incident. He didn’t know exactly how to win her trust, but he figured loving her daughter and showing his devotion would help.
As for his parents, they loved to see him settling down. According to his father, having a girl clearly agreed with him, and he couldn’t deny it. He was so damn happy.
He loved Laylah and wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. All he could see in his world was a future with her.
“What would scare our parents is if you came back pregnant.”
She burst out laughing and he joined her. “Damn, you’re so bad. Do you think we should tease them with it? Let them suffer a little bit?”
He kissed her lips. “Do you want to have kids?”
“Someday. You know, when I’m not eighteen and thinking about college and the future.”
“With me?”
She looked at him. “What are you saying, Blue?”
“That I want it all with you.”
“Well, maybe we should just consider living together at college. How does that work?”
“It’s a start.” But it wasn’t enough. He did have a plan though, one he intended to implement soon.
****
“I’m going to be hanging out with the guys this weekend. Is that okay?” Blue asked.
Laylah looked up from her study books and frowned at Blue. “Yeah, of course.” It was odd for him to ask but then, since they’d been going out, he rarely left her side. Their weekends were often spent over at each other’s houses and when he had away games, he always called. They talked well into the night, about everything and nothing.
He’d become a constant.
A loving constant.
In the matter of months, he’d made her very addicted to him, all parts of him, not wanting to give him up for anyone.
“What are you going to be doing?”
“This or that. It’s nothing for you to worry about.” He got up from his bed and moved toward her.
Tilting her head back, she accepted his kiss with a smile. “Why are you being so vague?”
One of his hands moved to cup her breast. “I’m being vague?”
“You know you are, but I don’t mind. Becky wanted to hang out. It has been a long time since we’ve been together. It’ll be kind of fun.” She put her textbook away and opted instead to make love to her man.
That weekend, though, as she stood at one of the few remaining video stores around with Becky—who loved the outdated store—trying to pick a movie, she couldn’t help but wonder what he was up to.
“Do you think it’s normal for guys to go out and do … guy stuff?” Laylah asked.
“I feel like this is a trick question.” Becky put the latest horror back on the shelf and turned toward her. “Come on, you’re supposed to be helping me.”
“I am.”
“No, you’re not. You’re moaning about Blue. Trust me. He’s fine. He’s doing guy stuff. You’re totally supposed to be paying attention to me.”