Finding Our Way (Finding our Way 1)

Excitement bubbles up inside me as I realize what a big deal this could be. Photo Journalism is my dream and an opportunity like this will be great for my resume.

The three of us are still chatting non-stop when we get back to the condo where the guys are waiting on us. My dad pops some champagne when he hears and Nate hugs me tight. Bryce surprises me by picking me up and spinning me around the room with his head buried in my neck. When he sets me down, the look of pride gives me chills.

We celebrate all night and even call Quinn on speakerphone so everyone can congratulate her. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve so we doubt any submission will be reviewed for at least a few days, but even being considered is awesome.

When everyone goes to bed, I lay in my room daydreaming. This vacation has turned out better than I could have imagined. My door opens slowly and Bryce slips in quietly. Our eyes meet and he smiles widely.

“What are you doing?”

“Coming to bed.”

“In here?”

“Yep.”

He slides in next to me and pulls me close. “I can’t sleep down the hall knowing you’re so close. It’s driving me crazy. You belong in my arms.”

“Bryce, what’s happening here?”

“Right now or big picture?”

“Both. I’m really confused. I told you, we’re good. We’re friends again.”

A flash of disappointment crosses his face. “Right now, we’re going to sleep. I’m going to hold you all-night and sneak out in the morning. Big picture is still a little blurry. I’ll have more answers for you closer to my graduation. But the end result is you in my life. I know there’s a lot of ground to cover and there’s a lot to do to heal your wounds, but I’m going to do it. And in the end, we’ll be a lot more than friends.”

“That’s a lot of presumptions on your part. I’m a different person now, not the girl that worships the ground you walk on anymore.”

“That’s a good thing. When I looked back and realized I didn’t want a life without you, I decided it was time to worship the ground you walk on. And it’s going to be fun getting to know the new Devon. I suspect she is a lot of the same but now with more sass.”

I stay quiet and think about all he just said. “Bryce?”

“Hmmm?”

“Is this big picture of yours a long term strategy? Maybe something I should know more about?”

“Yes, it’s a long term strategy and I’ll tell you more when I can.”

“I have a date.”

His body goes rigid and he rolls us so he is half on top of me. “Excuse me?”

“When we get back from the Orange Bowl in January. I have a date. Not sure why I’m telling you, but some of the things you are saying have me so confused. You sound possessive and determined to have me in your life, but haven’t really given me much choice i

n the matter. Just a few days ago, we hadn’t seen or spoken in forever. And now, you are talking about long term strategies. It’s only fair to tell you, while you plan your life, I’m going to live mine.”

The intensity of his stare sends shivers down my body.

“Cancel the date.”

“No.”

“Cancel the fucking date, Devon.”

“No!”

“Don’t test me, babe. I’ll get creative.”

“Why?”