"You are so sexy," I growl.
My orgasm hits fast and hard, and I have no time to bite into any pillow before it shakes me. I’m still lost in it all when I hear Dani cry out.
I rest my chin on the crook of her neck, and after a few minutes, she says, "This was..."
"Intense," I finish for her.
"I hope Hazel's earplugs work," she says, giggling. "We should get dressed, though." She collects our clothes from the floor, and we put them on fast.
"Stay with me," I say.
"Okay." She lies down again. "There's plenty of space for both of us." A loud bang comes from the corridor, followed by the sound of someone throwing up. Another few minutes pass in silence, and then she asks, "Have you heard from Gabe lately?"
"No." My heart stings as I feel her tense beside me.
"Maybe that means he's just dropped the whole thing."
"Yeah, maybe," I say evasively. Or maybe not. James is having him watched, but so far, nothing. He hasn’t made an appearance since that morning weeks ago, but I know him. He won’t give up. Not while he’s free, anyway.
"So, how come you didn't stay at the party in your room? How could you say no to that?" she asks, in an obvious attempt to change the subject.
"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else but here. I love you, Dani."
"I love you, too,” she says. I smile against the back of her neck, giving her a tight hug. She falls asleep, but I remain wide awake, thinking about Gabe and everything that can go wrong.
Whatever happens, I will not let her go again.
Chapter Thirty-Three: Dani
My parents visit me on campus the weekend after the most hellish exams week, which means I have to skip the lazy day at the beach I had planned with Hazel. Chase, who was looking for a way to make up for ditching her last week, offered to keep her company the second I bailed, so I don't think she was too disappointed. They took off for the beach this morning. One hour ago, I received a text from Hazel with strict instructions to get rid of my parents at seven o’ clock at the latest. She and Chase were invited to a party off-campus and she immediately agreed on mine and Damon's behalf. I never thought I'd say that, but a college party feels exactly like what I need right now after exams. When I text Damon about the party, he sends back, Bring it on, along with an emoticon of a champagne bottle. I guess he needs to let loose a bit, too.
My parents arrive at noon, and I show them my room and the campus, then we watch one of Stanford's drama groups rehearse Romeo and Juliet for two hours. We end up in the cafeteria for an early dinner.
"Why is this place so empty?" Dad asks as we take our trays to one of the numerous empty tables.
"It's the weekend and exams are over. Most people are on the beach. Except for Damon. He's working."
"James is not going easy on him at all, is he?" Mom shakes her head as we sit at a table.
"The two found each other. Two workaholics," I say.
"You should save Damon while you can," Dad points out.
"Says the recovered workaholic
." I smile at him, loving seeing him relaxed and happy.
"Better late than never."
"Speaking of workaholics who found each other, I don't know what to do with James and Serena. They left their entire wedding organization to me."
"Mom," I admonish gently. "You love throwing parties. Don't act like you're not enjoying that James and Serena pretty much left you to your own devices."
"You just wait for it." Mom's face splits into a contagious smile. "The wedding will be epic."
"Epic, huh?" I wonder where my mother's picking her vocabulary from these days. "Dad, your food is getting cold."
Dad draws in a deep breath as if bracing himself to eat what's on his plate. His food consists of steamed broccoli and fish. I didn't even know the cafeteria had this kind of food. As my mom goes on and on about the wedding, I watch my father glance over his shoulder, and then under the table with a guilty look in his eyes I know only too well. He hopes to find a way to get rid of his food. I press my lips together.