This is Love by (Checkmate Duet 2)

“I was a dumb kid,” he says, “running on hormones.”

I chuckle, agreeing. “Well, I’m not so sure much has changed.” I know my words catch him off guard, but he reaches for my hand and ignores my comments. I don’t know if this is going to be the end of whatever we had, or…

“You know you’re going to have to learn to trust me, now that we’re together.”

His words stop my thoughts, and I’m immediately silenced.

I look up and see a smile spread across his face, his fingers gripping mine tighter.

“Oh?” My brows rise. “We’re together now?”

“Well, yeah. Do you see any other girls walking around here?”

I burst out in easy laughter. “Give it a few days. I’m sure they’ll be here in no time.”

“Guess I deserved that.” He grins, rubbing the pad of his thumb over my hand. “You know you can trust me, Viola.” His voice sounds sincere. “I may be a lot of things, but I’ve never lied to you.”

He’s right. Travis King may be a lot of things, but he’s not a liar. He’s always been honest and straightforward about everything. Even when his honest words weren’t what I wanted to hear.

“So, Mia being naked in your backseat?” I cringe at saying the words aloud again. “Nothing happened between you two?”

“Viola?” He places his finger under my chin and locks his eyes on mine. “Do you trust me?”

He’s not exactly answering the question, but deep inside, I do trust him. Remembering what Drew said back at the hospital, Travis would never betray him.

I nod.

“Good, because I’m not sharing you with anyone else.”

“You can’t just be a caveman and claim me,” I tease as his thumb lingers over my bottom lip.

“Sure, I can. You’re mine.”

Goose bumps.

His words send shivers down my spine at how genuine his words sound. It’s everything I’ve ever wanted to hear him say.

But I won’t give in that easy. At least not right away.

“Come closer,” he says.

“You aren’t the boss of me, Travis King.”

He smirks, knowing damn well I’m full of shit. “I think we both know that’s not true. I’ve had you counting until you lost your voice.” His lips turn up, obviously very impressed with himself.

“So arrogant.” I sigh. “Some things never change.” I shake my head, trying to hold back a smile.

“And some things do,” he says, cupping my face. “No more games.” He rubs the pad of his thumb over my cheek, and I nearly melt into him. If he weren’t injured, I’d be ready to strip all his clothes off.

I nod in agreement. “No more games.”

I know we’ll eventually need to have a conversation about that night and talk about what all happened, but I also know I trust him. Even after all the hurt, anger, and heartache, Travis King will always be the boy I loved as a child.

He pulls me toward him, pressing his lips to mine. It’s nothing like our previous kisses. This one is slow, soft, and passionate. I don’t push for more because I know he’s using every ounce of energy to kiss me.

I pull back, even though I don’t want to. Sitting next to Travis, I make sure to avoid touching or putting pressure on him.

“Since I’ll be dropping by between classes, there need to be some rules.”

He grins slightly. “There’s the V I’m used to.”

I roll my eyes at the V comment. “We have to act like nothing’s changed in front of Drew. And while you’re hurt, no sex or sexual innuendos or making sexual comments.”

He groans. “You’re just like the nurses at the hospital. No fun.”

“You mean they didn’t turn to mush at the Travis King charm?”

“Nope. Wouldn’t even let me get to second base.”

I roll my eyes again and fight the urge to curse and kiss him. “How rude of them.”

“But at least I’m back home with my own private nurse.” He winks. “If there’s going to be this no sex rule, can you at least provide other accommodations for your patient?”

I throw my head back and laugh at his ridiculousness. “I’m starting to wonder if they missed something when they did your brain scan.”

He pulls me closer again, but winces before our lips meet.

“You need to rest.” I press a hand softly against his chest. “Take some meds and get some sleep. I’ll be here when you wake up.” I smile, and he smiles, too.

I watch as he grabs his medicine bottle off his nightstand and takes out a couple of pills. He swallows them down with some water and settles against the pillows, adjusting his ice pack before finally settling in. Once his eyes flutter closed, I carefully scoot off the bed and lean down to kiss his cheek. Just as I’m walking toward the door, he speaks up, stopping me in my tracks. “I love you, Viola Fisher.”