Page 95 of Aching for His Discretion

“Our next graduate holds our highest honors as our valedictorian. Ladies and gentlemen, graduating at the top of her class is Dr. Teegan Monroe!” our announcer said, and I blushed heavily at the introduction as I ascended the stage.

The guys stood, making the most noise, and I smiled, trying to hold in my laughter as Nico began whistling. My parents cheered alongside them. I could have sworn I heard my mother sobbing too.

My cords and sash were placed on my shoulders, and I shook the hands of the dean and other administrators before walkingto the other side of the stage when I stopped completely in my tracks.

Because therehestood at the bottom of the steps: my knight in shining armor, holding his favorite thing to say sorry to me… Ahugebouquet of white roses was in his hands as he stood in a black suit and a black turtleneck underneath. He looked so handsome, warm, and inviting. He looked like the man I knew and loved.

Rushing down over to the steps, I practically tripped over my feet before jumping into his arms. I wrapped my arms around his neck as both my feet kicked up, and he shushed me softly as he held me close.

“You came,” I cried into his shoulder, and I ignored the “aww” from the crowd as he rubbed his hand over my back.

“I did, baby… I wouldn’t miss this for the world. You know that. If only you knew how fucking proud I am of you, Tesoro. I am so sorry for my behavior lately, baby,” he said, and I squeezed him tighter as tears escaped my eyes. I pulled back, and he tsked as he kissed my teary cheeks.

I went to pull him in for another hug before he chuckled and stopped me.

“I know, baby, I know… but we have to let the ceremony continue, hmm? Go on, Tesoro,” he laughed, handing me the flowers.

I blushed as I grabbed them from him, and he placed a kiss in my hair.Thankfully, my mascara was waterproof.

Walking back over to my seat sheepishly, I sat patiently as my eyes immediately found him after he took a seat in the crowd. I ignored everyone as they continued and practically blocked out much of the ceremony after that. How could I focus on anything but the man I loved?

The ceremony had finished, and I met my parents with hugs as well as the guys, before I threw myself into Levi’s embrace onceagain. He rubbed his hand over my back soothingly and placed small kisses on my neck.

Hearing a throat clear after a minute or so, I blushed heavily as I pulled away and looked over at my mother, who had a huge smile, and my father, who didn’t seem all that pleased.

“Well… I know we’re all supposed to get dinner now, but we decided to push it to tomorrow afternoon for lunch. It seems Mr. Amante has some plans for the two of you this evening,” my father said, and my jaw practically dropped as I realized this entire thing was the surprise the guys told me about.

After taking a few pictures, I made my way over to Levi’s car and looked down at our hands as I unintentionally swung them back and forth while playing with his necklace around my neck.

Today felt absolutely perfect. I had no complaints. Quite the opposite, in fact. My only complaint was being left in the dark by the guys and practically ignored by Levi for a few weeks, but I would get over it sooner or later. I just couldn’t wait to spend time with him.

As we reached his door, he placed his hand on the side of my face as he looked at me. I gazed into his eyes, and from what I could see, he genuinely meant that he was—

“I’m sorry, Tesoro. I know you know that, baby… but I mean it. I really do. I put you through so much, and I made you feel less than the woman I know you to be. I don’t deserve you, baby,” he said sincerely, and I melted as he placed a kiss on my lips. If my brain wanted to warn me about falling for this man again, it was failing miserably as I stared up at him, my heart practically swelling in my chest.

“My pretty girl. So fucking intelligent and sexy. I’m so proud of you, baby,” he whispered.

My knees buckled involuntarily, and a smile came to his face as he unfortunately noticed.

“Not yet, Tesoro... that’ll only be one part of your surprise, baby. Don’t worry,” he promised, placing his hand over my bum, squeezing it as I bit my lip in anticipation.

Chapter forty

Teegan

Ismiled happily as I entered Levi’s dining room, only to see more balloons, congratulatory banners as well as a few gifts on the table. The food seemed rather hot and still fresh, and it was surf and turf-themed, one of my favorites!

Levi hugged me from behind, placing kisses on my head again as I let out a content sigh. He was being very affectionate, and I didn’t complain at all.

“Come sit, baby,” he said, pulling out a chair, and I sat beside him happily.

Taking a bite of the shrimp, he watched as I grew even more elated.

“So good…” I practically moaned, and he took in a deep breath as he sipped his whiskey.

“Glad you like it,” he said with a slight rasp, and I took another bite as he grabbed a gift box from the table. Looking over at it, I bit my lip as he opened it and pulled something out.

A photo of the two of us was framed beautifully. I smiled softly as he placed a kiss on the back of my hand. It was a picture of us sitting together as I lay against him while showing him my trustyflashcards. I don’t know how he set the camera up or even took the picture, but I loved every single thing about this captured moment.

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