Page 46 of Hooves & HeartStrings

Even though we talked things out, I can tell she’s still holding back. I tell her I love her all the time, but she hasn’t responded with those words back. The only time I’ve ever heard her say them was in a moment of anger on a voicemail. I want to hear them from her sweet lips and then tell her I love her too before kissing her until we’re both breathless.

I haven’t pushed her though, and I won’t. If she’s not ready, then I’ll wait until she is. Because I know we can be so much more than we are right now. She just needs time.

One thing we haven’t had a chance to do yet is go on a proper date. Yes, we’ve hung out at my uncle's house and watched movies over the summer, or went to get drinks at the bar she worked at, but I want to do something with her where we can have fun, get away from the stress of the past few months and just enjoy each other.

“You busy tomorrow?” I ask Marley as she steps out of her dorm room.

She gives me a funny look but takes the coffee I hold out to her. “Umm, not that I know of.”

“Good, because I’m going to kidnap you for the day.” I grin.

“Oh, we’ve gone from stalking to kidnapping now?” She laughs and god, I could play that sound on repeat.

“I mean, it’s been effective so far, why not take things a step further,” I tease, wiggling my eyebrows.

“You're crazy.” She smiles in amusement and we start down the hall.

“Only for you.” I take her hand in mine, hers small and soft. Who knew something so simple as holding hands could make me feel so many things?

“So, if you're stealing me away for the day tomorrow, where are you taking me?” she asks.

“Somewhere fun,” I promise her. Honestly, I don’t have a clue if it will be fun. I saw this trend online and the couples in the videos seemed to enjoy it. I’ve never really dated before. But dinner and a movie seem too basic for our first date. I want it to be something memorable.

“Okay.” She smiles. “I can’t wait.”

The rest of the day goes by like normal. I go to class, engaging actively in lectures and discussions. Between classes, I find time to study, review notes, and work on assignments. At lunch, Marley and I spend some time together, sharing a meal, walking around campus, and chatting about our day.

It’s evening now and we’re just heading back to her dorm after hanging out with our friends, playing games, and watching a movie.

When we get to her dorm. I wrap my arms around her and press my forehead against hers.

“So I’ll see you tomorrow? A surprise date for the most beautiful woman I know.”

“You have to say that.” She giggles. “I’m your mate.”

“I don’t have to. I could reject you,” I tease.”

She smacks my chest. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“You’re right I’d be a stupid son of bitch to do that. You’re mine.”

The way she bites her lip has me swallowing a groan. Stepping forward, I pin her against the wall. She gasps, tipping her head back to look at me. Cupping her cheek, I bring my lips down to hers.

“Have a good night, Marley,” I murmur before kissing her deeply. She whimpers and god, it gets my blood pumping. I want to drag her into her room, throw her on the bed, and feast on her until she shatters. I want to slide my cock into her and make her back arch off the bed as she’s overcome by pleasure.

But I don't, not wanting to push.

“Night,” she whispers, sounding out of breath from my kiss.

Leaving her there, it’s like leaving a piece of my heart. One day, we will get to the point where we will never have to spend the night apart.

* * *

As we walk hand in hand down the street, my nerves are wreaking havoc on my stomach. Marley is looking around curiously like she’s trying to figure out where we might be going.

So when we stop in front of the thrift store, I'm not surprised to see she looks confused. “Are we going thrifting?” she asks, a little smile twitching on my lip. Fuck, I forgot she mentioned she loved doing that.

“Ah yeah. Kind of.” I scratch the back of my head. “After.”

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