She’s All Mine

We had some hurried, passionate sex when we got home, then we made slow, sweet love. Exhausted after, we lay in bed talking about the life we dreamed of having together, one Tank said we would have as long as that’s what I want. There’s no doubt in my mind that he’s my future. We both know life isn’t that easy, especially Tank. His opening up to me last night about his childhood meant so much to me. I would never understand how someone who came from so much pain and suffering managed to still be such a sweet man. He’s going to make a great father one day.

I’m so thankful to Patty, the woman who gave him a home. I’ll forever love her for that. I haven’t even gotten to meet her yet, but I know I will. Tank promised her we would meet up today or she said she’d be showing up here on her own.

Tank reaches down, grabbing his own shirt and pulling it over my head. “We’ll get you all moved in later.” He turns, finding some boxers and sliding them up his thick thighs. My eyes follow the path. Who knew thighs could be so hot? Then again, everything about Tank is hot.

“I don’t have much,” I admit. He grabs my hand and pulls me from the bedroom. I pretty much brought what was salvageable, I think, back to our dorm room. Clothes and books are the bulk of my belongings here at school. Even at home I don’t keep a lot besides my childhood bedroom set. I didn’t take much with me when I went off to college. I hated my bedroom. Everything was so perfect and almost staged in our home, even my bedroom. I didn’t want anything from it and I sure wasn’t going to go knocking on my parents’ door right now for it. None of it even felt like it was me. I’ve haven’t been living here for a day and I’m already more at home than I’ve felt in my whole life. It only goes to show you it’s not things that make a home beautiful.

He stops walking to turn and look down at me. “You know I got you.” This is the tenth time he’s brought this up. He hates the idea that I’m beholden to my parents in any way.

“Yes, Tank.” I roll my eyes. “I know you got me,” I laugh. It doesn’t matter either way. I’ll get a job, do whatever. All I care about is being with him.

“What do you want for breakfast?” he asks as he picks me up and places me on the counter.

“What is your specialty?” My stomach makes a loud grumble. Before he can answer me, the doorbell rings. My eyes flick to the door. His mom must have gotten impatient. Though it might be later than I think it is.

I’m barely dressed, my mind rushes to remind me. I clearly look like I’ve been up all night having sex. My anxiety is elevated beyond reason. I can’t possibly meet her looking like this.

My eyes search the room for the clothes that Tank pulled from me when we got into the house last night. I run my fingers through my hair to try and fix it. I don’t notice that Tank has already walked over to the door and is currently opening it. As soon as the door cracks, I hear a scream.

“Brownies!” I jerk my head up at my roommate’s code word for danger and see Liv trying to get past Tank. When she realizes this is an unattainable feat, she drops to the floor and crawls straight through his legs.

I burst into laughter. “What are you doing?” I ask through the giggles that have overtaken my body. I’m not even sure my words are decipherable at this point.

“Gave my men the slip.” She pops up from the floor. Tank looks at her like he doesn’t know what to do with her.

“Clothes, big man. Put some on you. The A-Team can get jealous.”

Tank shakes his head before letting the door fall closed and heading to our room. He’s mumbling something about women climbing buildings.

“The A-Team?” I ask. I know she’s talking about the Audley twins, but I’ve never heard her call them that before. Her smirk tells me I’m not so sure I want to know.

“Yeah. ‘Cause they tag-teamed me last night.” My mouth falls open. “Get it? A-Team.” Even as she says it, her cheeks turn pink. She puts her elbow on the counter. Tuesday jumps up and gives her the side eye.

“Looks like I’m not the only one.” She reaches out and tugs on my hair. I bite my lip. I did have a wild night, but it wasn’t a team. One Tank is all I want or need. “We talked on the phone for almost an hour yesterday and not one peep about being in the same building as me. I have to learn it from Levi and Zeke.” She shakes her head. “I mean, the A-Team,” she corrects herself.