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I capture her lips in a kiss, swallowing her laughter. I pour everything I feel for her into that kiss. The need, the want, and the tenderness that scares the shit out of me.

Because this girl? She’s everything.

When we break apart, Lil looks thoroughly kissed and utterly beautiful.

I brush a strand of hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear. “Sorry,” I murmur. “I hope you know there’s nothing between Blake and me. We’ve known each other a long time, and I couldn’t not help her.”

Her gaze softens, her hand coming up to rest on my cheek. “It’s fine. That’s what I like about you. That you’re caring. And you make people… make me feel safe.”

I’ve never wanted to be someone’s safe place before. But for her, I’ll be everything she needs me to.

“That’s all I want.” I turn my head, pressing a kiss to her palm. “Now, how about we get some sleep?”

“W-wouldn’t you like to, uhm, take off your jacket first? And maybe your shoes? It would be uncomfortable, right?”

I sit up, shrugging off my jacket and shirt. “You trying to get me naked, princess?”

She blushes, averting her gaze. “N-no, I just thought you’d be more comfortable…”

“Relax.” I toe off my shoes and slide back into bed beside her, the mattress dipping under my weight.

I gather her in my arms, pulling her flush against my chest, and Lil nuzzles into my neck with a content sigh that sets my blood on fire.

“This okay?” My hands skim down her sides, fingers slipping beneath the hem of her shirt to caress the silky skin underneath.

“Mhmm,” she hums, arching into my touch. “More than okay.”

“Good, because there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”

She snuggles closer, resting her head on my chest. “Can we talk for a bit?”

“About what?”

She tilts her head, thinking. God, she’s cute. “What’s your family like?”

I tense instinctively. Not the question I was expecting. “Uh, they’re okay. My dad’s a hardass, but he means well. My mom is… a mom, I guess. And you know Gemma already.”

She studies me closely. Too closely. “You’re not that close to them?”

I shrug, trying to keep my tone casual despite the way my gut clenches at the question. “We’re close enough, I guess. Just different priorities.”

“What kind of priorities?”

I look up at the ceiling as I try to find the right words. “My dad… he’s always pushing me to be perfect. The perfect son, the perfect athlete, the perfect student. It’s like nothing I do is ever good enough for him, and I would just like to live my life for once.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It is what it is. I’m used to it by now.”

“You shouldn’t have to be used to it. You’re amazing just as you are.” Her thumb brushes over the stubble on my chin. “You’re the star quarterback, you get good grades, you’re kind and funny, and…”

“You think I’m amazing, huh?”

“Maybe.” She ducks her head, hiding her face against my chest. “Have you ever told him how you feel?”

I scoff. “Are you kidding? My dad’s not exactly the touchy-feely type. He’d probably just tell me to suck it up and stop being a pussy.”

“That’s not fair.”

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