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I bite my lip, knowing I shouldn’t say it. “I beat him at chess.”
“No,” she gasps.
“Yeah, I did.”
“Kudos babe.” She shakes her head at me. She nods over her shoulder, swiveling her board toward the shore.
We paddle towards the shore and catch one more wave, where he awaits me. Meeting him halfway as he walks toward us, I grab the collar of his shirt and pull him in for a kiss.
“Y’all are weird. I’m out, Lawson is waiting for me in the car. I’ll see you tomorrow, Victor.”
Victor rests his hands on my hips and waits for me to say something.
“Thank you,” I whisper.
“For what?”
“You came through for me today by doing exactly what I needed. I haven’t had that before. It was nice.”
“Of course, Collins. I’d do anything for you. How about we swing by your place, pick up a few things, and head to mine? I’ll make you dinner, then naked dancing under the sheets. I have to work tomorrow and will have to get up early.”
I lean up on my toes and kiss him again. “Okay.”
How can I say no after everything he did for me today?
Victor swipes my board up, and we take the long track back to my truck. We head to my house for a few things, then to his for the night. I’m not sure what is happening between us, but I know I like it.
The fancy apartment looks nice as we step inside. Compared to my place, this open floor plan is three times larger. He immediately heads to his immaculate kitchen to make dinner. Granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances flow seamlessly among bamboo cabinets. It’s bright, and large with natural light that flows through the floor to ceiling windows.
“Make yourself at home. Bedroom is that way.” He points down the long hallway.
He doesn’t look up, rather he continues pulling food from the fridge and cabinet.
His bedroom was immaculate, but as I walked around, I couldn’t help but notice how empty everything felt despite its extravagance. It’s deprived of any personality. It’s slightly sad, and there is already enough sadness for today. I toss my bag on the chair in the corner. My fingers dig through the matted pile of clothes I combed off the floor, and I pull out a ratted old t-shirt and some boy shorts. I toss the pile on the edge of the bed for later when I notice his pajamas neatly laid on the dresser opposite the bed. Royal blue silk with white stitching. These pajamas look like they have been pressed, there isn’t a wrinkle in sight.
Needing a breath of fresh air, I walk to the balcony and lean over the banister, listening to the waves and people enjoying the water. A family plays in the surf and I can’t help but think how lucky they are. The mom and dad swinging a child through the surf and the unblemished and contagious giggles from all three. A silent wish that they never have to endure what I have.
Arms wrap around my waist and a chin rests on my shoulder.
“Dinner’s almost ready,” he whispers.
My head dips and rests against his temple, just bathing in his embrace. His thumb rubs against my side and a twinge of uneasiness settles in my stomach.
I am falling deeper, faster, and boldly in love.
I try to tell myself, “Enjoy the surf, Collins, because this can’t last.”
Chapter 14
Collins
Ifind myself waking up alone in bed the next morning. His side of the bed is neatly made, with a note resting on the pillow.
First, he made half the bed while I was in it? Second, a note?
“I had to be at the office early. You looked beautiful sleeping in my bed and I didn’t want to wake you. I’ll text you later. Tell your girl I said hi!”
That last sentence makes me swoon. He acknowledges my girl.
