AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yeah, I actually have a place nearby.”
“You do?” Now it’s me that has a slack jaw. I can hear my rapid heartbeat over the crowd, which has now quieted down.
“Thought you lived in the city?” I can feel my heart bursting. “Living here was… temporary.”
“Turns out, I like the quiet.” His eyes narrow a bit like he’s trying to communicate with me. “My house, it’s not far from here and permanent.”
“Permanent?” I need this confirmation.
“Permanent.” He gives me the validation I’ve desperately wanted all my life.
The entire room has fallen entirely quiet and even if they are talking, I can’t hear them. I only see him.
“And I found an auto shop for my car. There is also an incredible fruit stand with the sweetest pineapples. There is this surf spot I’ve visited almost every day this week. I’m getting better at surfing you know.”
“You suck at surfing.” I interject.
“It’s in the heart.” He places his hand over his heart, tapping his fingers against the hard planes of his chest.
“I guess it is.” He makes a fair point.
“Christ! Kiss her already,” Massey yells.
“Y’all are weird! Collins, man up and get your dude,” Lawson screams behind her.
I look back at my family, who are now standing. Lawson has his arm wrapped around Massey, her face full of love and hope. Leland has his arms crossed, making him look bigger than normal. But my brother tips his head to me, encouraging me. Whispers in the crowd lead to a few whistles. My face burns bright red, and everyone is following my family’s lead. I am suddenly nervous.
I turn back just in time to watch Victor hopping over the table and jump off the stage. He throws the microphone from my hands. His lips slant to cover mine and it is pure bliss. He steals my breath, like he’s done before, only this time it feels like home. The worry of the world falls away with every kiss. I never knew I could miss someone’s physical touch before him.
He pulls away slightly, and the world comes crashing back. I look around the room again and feel a shift in the air. There is a lightness, replacing the hurt and anger. People are clapping and cheering for us.
“Come with me.” Victor grabs my hand to lead me outside.
“What about them?” I nod back to the table.
“They are not my problem anymore.” Without looking, he continues to pull me toward the doors. “Just come with me. I’ll tell you everything!”
He lessens his grip and I willingly let him drag me out of the building. On the way down the aisle, I throw my keys to Lawson and he waves to me. My heart is bursting at the seams at this very moment. Rushing out of the double doors and out of the building, toward my future. Whatever that may hold, as long as he is with me.
Chapter 21
Collins
Victor drives us to his place. Passing through the center of town, opposite direction of my house, and venturing toward the other side of the island. Rounding a curve, we reach a less congested area, and he pulls into a cement-covered driveway before it turns into gravel. Weaving down the long stretch, he parks the car at what appears to be a massive home. Well, by my standards anyway. It’s too dark to get a good look at the house entirely, but from what I can see from the dimly lit lamps from the large windows, it’s a plantation style home. The house is a darker color and surrounded by lush vegetation. He stops the car and turns toward me.
“I’m really glad you’re here,” he expresses.
I bite the inside of my cheek. “Me too. Show me your new place.”
Hope blooms in my chest and matches the look in his eyes. Victor rushes around the car and opens my door. Engulfing my hand in his, he pulls me to him. Stealing my breath as his lips tenderly touch mine.
Because of the darkness outside, I can only make out the kitchen, living room, and dining room inside. The main area is an open floor plan concept. Light rustic hardwood floors throughout. A beautiful feature to draw my attention to the sage green cabinets in the kitchen. White marble countertops with a gray accent swirl throughout, making the surface appear larger. The whole back of the house has retractable doors. Big window doors that will give an unobscured view of the sunrises and sunsets. Specks of color from throw pillows and blankets brighten the large room. It’s not the vibrant bursts, but a subtle calming charm instead.
“Oh, wow.” I walk to the middle of the open room and look around.
“Do you like it?” he cautiously asks.
“It’s amazing.” I take in all the beauty of the home. “I mean, from what I can see.”
