Page 46 of Never Enough

“Really?” Hope flickers in her eyes, and it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.

“Really,” I assure her, sealing the promise with a gentle kiss. “Tonight, I’m staying right here.”

Her arms wrap around me. I need her just as much as she needs me. We sink onto the bed, and I hold her, whispering every truthI’ve kept hidden, every declaration of love I’ve hoarded in the dark. My Daphne deserves the type of light I’ve never touched.

“Will you go to my last football game next Friday?” I ask, wanting her to be at the very last game of my life. I’m leaving football at WU. Thank fuck. It was fun while it lasted—I meant it when I said I liked the camaraderie—but I’m ready to move on.

“I’d love to.”

I’ll have to get her a general ticket. I only have one VIP pass, but I already gave it to Victoria. It’s not like I can rescind the ticket to my sister, nor do I think it’s wise to scavenge an extra VIP ticket given Daphne and Victoria’s argumentative history.

Wanting to make my girl happy, I say, “And I promise we’ll tell everyone we’re together in a few more weeks.” She frowns. “Hey,” I say, holding her chin and lifting it. I don’t want to see her hurt, and I hate that I’m the one doing it. But she’s got to understand that it’s only because Celeste and I have history.

I continue, “Celeste and I were together for eight years; a few weeks to let her adjust seems reasonable before I publicly announce our relationship, don’t you think?”

She sighs but nods as I nuzzle against her. “Yeah. I get it, really I do. One reason why I love you is because of your kindness.”

“You’re incredible, Daphne,” I murmur against her skin, tracing the lines of her sharp jaw with my lips. “You’re strong, kind, and you play the harp like it’s an extension of your soul.”

She giggles softly. “I’m terrible at drawing, though,” she admits, a playful lilt to her voice.

“I love that too,” I confess, meaning every word. As I kiss her again, I think of how this raw and unguarded connection is exactly what I’ve been craving all along.

I vow to myself that, no matter what it takes, I’ll never let her go.

But it’s short-lived because Celeste ruins it.

She always does.

My phone dings with a notification.

Girlfriend *heart emoji*

Whoops. Probably should change her name on my phone.

Daphne notices, and I instantly hate myself. “Sorry,” I murmur, making a mental note to change it ASAP.

Girlfriend *heart emoji*

Alex, where are you??? Won’t you and my parents find it weird that we aren’t sleeping in the same room???

You’ve got to be kidding meWhoops. Probably should change her name on my phone.

Daphne notices, and I instantly hate myself. “Sorry,” I murmur, making a mental note to change it ASAP.

“Babe,” I begin, my voice soft. Daphne’s brows furrow, her eyes filled with a mix of confusion and suspicion. “I’ve gotta go.”

She looks at me like I kicked a cat, her expression hardening. “I don’t want you sleeping with her.”

Woah, who said anything about that? “We won’t touch. She’ll stay on her side, and I’ll stay on mine.” I place my palm on her cheek, trying to soothe her. “It’s just for appearances, baby.”

“I’m not comfortable with that,” she insists in a firm voice.

“Don’t you trust me?” I ask, my heart pounding.

Her voice rises. “Of course I do, Alex! If I didn’t, I never would have agreed to this entire scenario!”

“So, give me some grace here, babe.”

---