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ChapterEight
KEATON
“Somehow I feel like I’m fifteen all over again,” Elsy says as she looks over my shoulder to the car parked on the street.
We’re outside her apartment, and it’s late, but I didn’t know if it was a good idea if I went inside with her. As much as I want to go into the place I’ve watched her make a life, I’m worried that I’m pushing my luck. I’m calm, but what happens if something sets me off and we’re in her small space? I want to be around Elsy every second of the day, but I have to walk before I can run.
“Is it because my parents are in the car watching us?” I give her a small grin, and she laughs.
“I think that’s exactly what it is.” She peeks around me and waves at my parents, but I ignore them.
After Elsy and I talked for a little while in her room, we decided she needed to go join the party for a little longer since her parents went to all the trouble. I kept close to her while she said hello to people I didn’t know, and I tried to stay out of the spotlight. It was worth it just to watch her up close all night instead of on a screen.
When most of the guests left, she said she was going back to her apartment, and I asked to take her home. My parents had a limo out front and offered to give her a ride. I was hoping Elsy would refuse, but she’s always loved my mom and couldn’t say no.
Now here we are standing in front of her building, and I’m thinking of a million things I’d do to her if I took her upstairs. I have to remind the both of us why that’s a bad idea, so I change the subject.
“I have something for you,” I say, and she perks up at that.
“I told you I liked my present before.” Her cheeks turn that pretty shade of pink that’s the same color as her pussy lips.
“Okay, maybe I can come up for a minute.” I start to walk to the door, and she grabs my arm.
“Hold up, big guy. You said something about a present, remember.”
I turn her around in my arms, and she laughs again. God, I don’t know how I made it so long without that sweet sound.
“All right, but hear me out, okay?”
“This sounds ominous.” She raises an eyebrow as she takes a step back and holds out her hands. “Gift. Now.” When I stare at her, she shrugs. “Okay fine, please.”
“Close your eyes.” I wait, and she sighs.
“So bossy.”
When she finally closes them, I reach into my pocket and pull out the small black velvet box. I place it in her hands and then wait as she slowly opens her eyes. I watch as the look on her face goes from playful, to shocked, then to confused.
“Key,” she says softly and then swallows hard. “What is this?”
“It’s your birthday present, but you can’t open it yet.”
“Is this…?”
“For six years, I thought about this moment, dreamed about it, really. But then I worried that maybe you never did that.”
“Keaton, I—”
I hold up my hand to cut her off. “It’s all right, sweet girl. You don’t have to say anything. This is a gift, and no matter what, it’s yours. Tonight, I want you to know how serious I am and what I’m willing to offer if you can wait a little longer on me. I’m not good enough for you yet, but I promise one day I will be. And when that day comes, if you'll have me, then I’m yours.”
“Now you’re going to make me cry.” She smiles as a tear falls down her cheek, and I pull her close to me so I can wipe it away.
“Just keep that safe for me until it’s time.” I curl her fingers around the box and kiss her knuckles. “I love you, Elsy.”
When I touch my lips to hers, it’s different than before. This time it’s not a firework that cracks open like our first kiss, or even the sensual desire from earlier today. No, this one is the real deal and the kind of kiss that comes around once in a lifetime. This kiss means forever, and I feel it when my heart wraps protectively around her.
“Wow,” she says when we finally break apart.
“Me too,” I agree and give her a big hug. “So I’m going to see you tomorrow?” I ask, but it’s really not a question.
