Page 117 of Escaping Our Reality

We shared a couple of short texts, but each time, he said he just needed some space, needed to get some clarity. He didn’t even talk to me when he picked up his truck the day after our fight.

And now, here I am, about to stand up on this stage and give a speech to the graduating class, and he’s not even here to see it. How can I forgive him for this? I look over at my family. Dad, Mom, Uncle Ray, Aunt Teresa, Holt, and Raylee. Even the Conways are here—Ridge, his parents, and little brother, Cullen. Dad’s typing on his cell phone. Not surprising.

My throat starts to tickle and I pray I don’t cough. Or worse, cry.

How can he not be here?

The audience applauds as my name is called and I walk to the podium. I open the folder that holds my printed speech and the words blur across the page. Taking one last scan of the crowd, my eyes catch someone by the back door.

His face is in the shadows, but I don’t have to see his face to know it’s him. I would know that body anywhere. I bite back a smile. Everyone here is dressed like we’re at a fashion show in Paris, and he’s wearing cargo shorts, a T-shirt, and flip flops. I’m surprised the school officials let him inside. He must have snuck in.

His presence steels my courage, fills my body with renewed hope. Everything is gonna be okay. With him. With us.

Licking my lips, I give my graduation speech.

***

Raylee nudges her way closer to Ry. “So, you won’t set me up with your brother. Maybe you have a cousin who looks somewhat like you. Distant relative?”

Ry doesn’t have to answer. Holt saves him. “Come on, Raylee. Stop being stupid. I’m starving.”

My cousin pushes off the car, giving me a swift hug and kiss. “You were brilliant. I’m so proud of you.” Jumping in the car with Holt, they drive off, leaving Ry and me alone in the mostly deserted parking lot.

He’s so damn gorgeous. Even sexier than the first time I saw him. The green T-shirt he’s wearing makes his pale green eyes even brighter. He pulls the ballcap down low on his head, blocking out the sun. “She’s right, you were brilliant.”

“I was afraid you wouldn’t come.”

“I’d never miss it. I’d never miss saying goodbye to you.” He clears his throat and plants his fingertips on his firm waist. “When does your flight leave?”

“Not for six hours.” I press my body against his, replacing his hands with my own. The band of muscles on his stomach feel even tighter than they did just two weeks ago. Has he been working out more than normal? “Why don’t you come over? Give me a proper goodbye. I know a lot of things that can be done in the three-and-a-half hours before I leave for the airport.”

He smiles softly but doesn’t say anything. He’s still a little mad. I can see it in his eyes. Read it on his face. Feel it in his touch.

I nuzzle against his neck, breathing his scent. “I know you’re still mad. And you have every right to be. I’ve thought about it a lot. Every point you made was valid. But don’t make up your mind about anything until after we meet with the academic advisor, okay? Just hear him out. There’s no point in making a decision unless it’s an informed decision. Okay, Ry?”

He nods. “Okay, Lulu.”

I snake my arms around his neck, pulling him down to me. “We’re gonna be fine. Everything is gonna work out. You’ll see.” I slide my lips across his. “Now, come on. I still have some packing to do and I hear packing while being naked can be fun.”

He barely cracks a smile. “I can’t. A shipment is coming to the garage and I have to be there. Harlan has a stomach virus.”

“Oh no. Is he okay?”

“He’ll be fine. Don’t worry.”

“But I leave for two weeks tonight. And we haven’t even seen each other these past two weeks.” I lower my voice to a whisper. “I can’t make it a whole month without you being inside of me.”

He moans. But it sounds different this time. Not like normal. Not happy and sexual and on fire. He sounds sad. Upset. Distant. I’ll be so glad when this fight is finally behind us, once and for all.

He grabs his ballcap and spins it around backward on his head. “Then we better make this kiss count.”

He grabs my body, wrapping me in a hug so tight I can barely breathe. Our kiss begins slowly. Licking, tasting, teasing. Eventually his tongue tangles with mine as we thrust against one another. He presses his erection into me so hard, it feels like it bruises me.

It’s wonderful. Blissfully perfect and wonderful.

Kiss me. Kiss me forever.

My tiptoes graze against the pavement, searching for traction so I can delve my own tongue into his mouth even farther. I tug at the ends of his hair and drag my fingernails down his back.

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