I end the call, unable to carry on any longer with him. After I stuff the phone into my pocket, I jump down the stairs, taking them two at a time until my feet hit the hardwood floor in the living room. Harker and Sadie are on the couch making out. Both of their heads snap in my direction.
“I’m getting my girl back,” I say with a crooked grin. “Wish me luck.”
“Good luck, Colonel.” Harker tips his hand to his forehead and gives me a mock salute like we’re still at York Military Academy.
“You guys are weirdos,” Sadie says with a chuckle.
Ignoring her, I leave the house and blow past Ramon, who’s parked out front in the black Escalade. I’m done with my dad and all of the privilege that comes with his lifestyle.
Briana chose me.
And now, I’m choosing her.
I run across campus like I’m on fire without stopping to talk to anyone who tries to steal my attention. No one and nothing matter more than Briana right now. I have to tell her how I feel and what I just did. She has to know the money will never be more important than her.
When I knock on her door, no one answers. I try a few more times, pressi
ng my palms to my knees as I bend forward to catch my breath.
“Shit.” I stare down at my shoes and shake my head. “This is just my luck.”
“What’s just your luck?” Briana’s voice snaps me back to reality. She pokes her head out the door that I didn’t hear her open. “And why are you out here talking to yourself?”
“I thought you weren’t home.” I blow out a deep breath of air, relieved to see her beautiful face, and smile. “Can I come in?”
Her smile mirrors mine as she steps to the side to make room for me to enter.
“I knew you wouldn’t cash the check,” I confess as I shut the door behind me.
She leads me into her bedroom and sits at the edge of the mattress, staring up at me. “Your dad can buy anything he wants. But he can’t buy me. I’m not for sale.” She pats the open space next to her.
Sweeping her into my arms, I press my lips to hers. “I love you, Briana Bloom. No one ever chooses me.”
“I know,” she whispers. “But this time, I did. I meant what I said, Julian. I will always choose you.”
“You sure you can handle dating the poor Julian Rivers? I’m not sure what that looks like now, but I can promise we’ll be happy together.”
She chuckles, brushing her fingers along my chest. “I don’t need money to be happy. I never did.”
Taking her bottom lip into my mouth, I suck on it. “That’s what I’ve always loved about you. I love you so much, Bri.”
“I love you, too,” she says in a hushed tone. “So, what happens now?”
“I don’t know,” I admit.
“Do you even know what it’s like to work for a living?”
I tap her on the arm. “Hey, don’t be mean.”
“I’m not. Just stating a fact. Rich people don’t know what it’s like to work like a dog for very little money.”
“I’ve worked before.”
She raises an eyebrow at me. “Uh-huh. And where was this? And please don’t tell me about your caddy job at the country club your dad owns.”
“Okay,” I sigh. “Then, I won’t tell you about that.”
“I’m waiting,” she says, pressing her lips together to stifle a laugh.