Page 21 of Between Hate and Desire

“It’s fine. We have plenty of time.” He swats my ass and steals another kiss before I answer.

I accept and see my parents sitting next to each other, grinning wide.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, honey!” Mom singsongs.

I’ve loved this holiday for as long as I can remember. Something was always so fun about bringing handmade cards and candy to school and handing them out to my classmates and teachers. It was the best day of the entire school year because there was always a party with juice boxes and cupcakes. Now that I’m on the opposite end of that, I kept that tradition going with my students by treating them yesterday.

“Happy Valentine’s Day!” I smile, and Brandon comes into their view when he stands behind me.

“Brandon!” They both squeal. It’s sweet how much they adore him. They haven’t met in person yet but have talked plenty on FaceTime.

“How’ve you been? You two look nice. Are you going on a special date tonight?” Dad asks in his deep, commanding voice.

We’re both grinning from ear to ear.

“Yes. He just came over to pick me up, and we’re about to head out.”

“Such a gentleman. There needs to be more men in the world who meet their dates at the door,” Mom praises. “You’ve got yourself a keeper there, Lennon.” I wonder if she can see the pulse in my neck going haywire like it does every single time I lie to them about us living together.

Brandon nods, his smile never fading. “Always,” he tells my parents. “I’m never late either.”

I hold back my laughter, knowing he’s just trying to get into their good graces as he plays along with my story.

“Okay, we’ll let you two go on your date. Going to call Sophie and Madelyn and wish them an awesome evening too. We love you,” Dad says.

Brandon waves as we simultaneously say, “Love you too!”

I hurry and end the call, then place a hand over my heart. Twisting me around to face him, he gives me a pointed look.

“Why do you keep doing this to yourself? You’re a nervous wreck every time you talk to them.” Brandon searches my face as my breathing steadies.

I let out a long breath. “Dad’s a pastor. Mom’s the daughter of a pastor. Ringing any bells?”

“But don’t you think it’d almost be easier to just tell them the truth, considering how long it’s been since you moved in?” He wraps his arms around me and pulls me against his chest.

I look up into his eyes and shake my head. “You know what kind of household I grew up in, babe. Sometimes, and in this case, what they don’t know won’t hurt them. It’s my life, and I want to live it how I want, but they don’t see it that way and never will.”

He nods, twisting one of my curls between his fingers. “I understand your decision, sweetheart. One day, I want to make you my wife, and I want your parents to be there because I know how much they mean to you. Whatever you think is best, okay?”

I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss his cheek. “Thank you.”

“For what?” He chuckles.

“For understanding me. For loving me. For being everything I’ve ever wanted in a man,” I admit.

He leans forward and kisses me, then reaches around and grabs a handful of my ass. “I should be thankingyoufor giving me a chance to prove how perfect we are together.”

I paint my lips across his and moan into his mouth. “If you keep kissing me and touching me like this, we’ll never leave the apartment.” I giggle.

“Oh, I almost forgot,” he says, then heads to the kitchen. He comes back with a huge bouquet of red roses. My mouth falls open.

“Flowers?” I ask, taking them.

“And chocolate,” he says, going back and grabbing the biggest heart box of candies I think I’ve ever seen.

“You sure know how to make a girl feel special.” I smile, biting my lower lip. “Thank you so much.” I bury my nose in the petals and sigh. “I love the smell of fresh flowers.”

“Does that mean I’m getting lucky tonight?” he taunts, smirking.

---