“Thanks for watching out for Jo,” I tell Natalie.
Her smile is faint. “She’s my best friend. Of course I’m going to watch out for her.” A fierce gleam fills her gaze. “Tell me you chased after Bryan and beat his ass.”
I chuckle. “Nope. Joanna let him walk. I bet that hurt more than an ass beating from me.”
That fucker is lucky I didn’t beat his ass. He deserved it for what he’s done to her. Joanna needed to stand up for herself and tell that asshole to leave her alone, and I think—hope—he finally got the message.
If not and he comes back around, then I’ll give him the ass kicking he needs.
“You were so strong, saying what you said to Bryan,” Natalie tells Joanna. “I’m so proud of you.”
Joanna’s trembling, overcome with emotion, I’m sure. “Thank you.” Her voice is thick with tears.
My girl is brave. I’m so proud of her.
“You need to go to bed.” I kiss Joanna’s cheek, my lips lingering for a beat too long. “I know you’re tired.”
“Please.” Natalie rolls her eyes, reaching toward the side table by the couch and holding up her AirPods case. “Looks like I’ll need these tonight.”
I chuckle, Joanna leaning into me, and we wish Natalie good night before I lead my girlfriend—the woman I’m in love with—back to her bedroom.
It feels so good to think like this. To admit my feelings and just live in them. I love her. She loves me.
Life is fucking good.
Once we’re in her room, she sags against me, and I can feel her weariness. That argument with Bryan and our life-changing conversation took everything out of her. With gentle hands, I begin to remove her clothing, stripping her of her coat and hat. Smiling when I trace the eighty-eight on her right cheek. It’s faded, smeared from her tears, but it still feels good, knowing she wore my number today. Representing me.
I hope I made her proud. We almost lost that game.
“I’m going to take care of you,” I murmur, tugging at the hem of her jersey T-shirt. “Let’s get you undressed, baby.”
“Are you trying to get into my pants, Maguire?” She’s half-joking, her lips curved into a barely-there smile.
“Definitely.” I grin. “But only so we can climb into bed and fall asleep.”
Her disappointment is palpable. “Please tell me you’re going to strip too.”
“Hell yeah.”
Once she’s down to her panties and that’s it, I’m guiding her beneath the covers, pulling the comforter up to her chin. She watches me with wide eyes as I efficiently strip, until I’m wearing nothing but my boxers and climbing into bed with her. I grab hold of her by the waist and haul her in close, spooning her from behind, my face buried in her fragrant hair. She snuggles against me, resting her arms over mine, her ass nudging my cock.
It stirs to life, the horny fuck.
“I still can’t believe Bryan showed up.” Her voice is scratchy. “Why would he try to convince me we should get back together?”
“Because he realized he lost you and he regretted his every choice.” I squeeze her tight. “I understand where he’s coming from. Now that you’re mine, I never want to lose you.”
“I’m glad we broke up. If not, I would’ve never met you.”
I push her hair aside to rain tiny kisses along her nape. “The best thing that ever happened to me is Bryan ending it with you.”
She keeps her head bent, her breathing shallow. “You really mean that?”
“When it comes to you, I mean everything I say. You’re the best thing to happen to me. I’m on top of the fucking world this semester, and that’s all thanks to you.”
“You had something to do with it,” she says wryly, and I tickle her ribs, making her squeal. “What? It’s true.”
“Yeah, but only because of you. You inspire me.” I kiss her hair. “You believe in me when I don’t even believe in myself sometimes.”