“There’s nothing you can do, though if you’re not home by tomorrow, I’m finishing up this last exam and am driving to you. I don’t care that you’re eight hours away. I’m over this. And after this last class, we really have to figure this out. It makes no sense that we have two places, not unless we can divide and conquer. Maybe I can travel with you?” I pose it as a question, but I’m really not going to let this continue.
“You’d do that? Are you sure, babe?” I hear the hopefulness in his tone, and I know this is the right decision.
“Absolutely. There’s a reason I can do my job wherever I am.” My mind is already in overdrive thinking about being with Rhett all the time.
“You’re fucking perfect, Selena.” I wish he could see the smile that’s plastered on my face.
“I’m not sure about that. Thinking I’m just me. Probably more of a selfish reason than anything,” I reply truthfully.
“I like when you’re selfish, in more ways than one.” My legs clench in response, knowing that tone and what it does to me.
“We both like that, more than anything.” My voice is achy and filled with desire.
“Not gonna start this when I’m not there to finish it. Kick ass on your exam tomorrow, like I already know you will, and call me when you get out. See you soon, Lena,” Rhett tells me, giving me all the encouragement I could ever need.
“Thank you, and fingers crossed we’ll get to see each other tomorrow.” We hang up the phone, me sucking it up and staying chipper even through the emotions that seem to have me up and down so much lately.
Seventeen
Rhett
Selena didn’t know it, but when she called me last night, that was the last day I had to be eight fucking hours away from her. Which is why I’m at her place now, waiting for her to get home. I’ve got a trick or two up my sleeve when it comes to celebrating that she’s finally finished with her college exams. Sure, she hasn’t graduated yet, and when that happens, I already know the party that will ensue with both of our families along with Raven.
The cake I ordered is on the counter, along with the dinner I was able to hurry up and cook. Pasta with shrimp in a creamy sauce. It’s one of her favorites, well, supposedly, if what Raven says is true. It took me calling my mom, asking her for help, and then I got to work.
“Oh my gosh, what is this? I can’t believe you’re here!” I heard the keys turn in the lock just as I am finishing plating our food.
“Yeah, baby. I am.” My arms wrap around her waist, and my lips meet hers. Tears are pouring down her cheeks, and there’s no way I can stop them, not when all I want is a taste of her. All the late nights, practically sleeping in a damn barn to make sure the horses were acclimated, it was worth it to have Selena in my arms. The paycheck didn’t hurt either, though it gutted me last night when we spoke.
“I’m so glad you’re home, but I thought I’d be driving to you.” Lena’s lips leave mine suddenly, and I’m not too thrilled with that.
“I was able to leave earlier than was planned and wanted to surprise you.” I’m not going to tell her that I was up until one o’clock in the morning after we got off the phone, going over the horses another time, finally getting the all clear from Mr. Mackenzie, our now former client. And if he calls again, all the money in the world wouldn’t make me want to work with him again. That guy can kick rocks, he won’t be worth the hassle a second damn time. I went back to where I was staying, sharing a bunk house with more ranch hands than what we employ on our ranch, now that I’ve quit running them away in an attempt to get Laney and Creed together. What can I say? Those two were a pain to finally get together. I grabbed a few hours of shuteye, then it was another early day, hopefully the final one. As soon as I got on the road, the call I made back home let everyone know I was off fucking limits for the rest of the week. The last time I took a vacation was years ago, so I was overdue.
“This has got to be the best present ever. I’m still in shock you’re home, and is that dinner I smell?” Her stomach growls as she waits for me to answer.
“Yeah, it’s dinner. It’ll get cold if we don’t eat it soon. Got some good news for the both of us, baby,” I coo softly. Her tears have stopped. A big-ass smile that I love is now plastered on her face.