Page 50 of His Coveted Obsession

“I’m ready for it all.”

“Good. Then, I wish you both luck in your relationship.”

“Thank you.”

JustinandIwalkedout of chemistry class after taking a test. I was drained. School and tests always wore me out when I had to be up extra early to work, so I didn’t have much time to study at night.

“I’m not sure I would’ve gotten through that test without you, Just.”

He bumped my shoulder and smiled down at me, since he was taller. His brown hair fell in his face, and he combed the strands back with his fingers. “You would’ve been fine.”

“I wish I didn’t have to work so much, but we needthe money.”

Justin shoved open the door that led outside, and we were blasted by frigid air and an overcast sky, promising more snow later tonight. Even in the snow, I had to find a way to get to work.

“Man, your dad needs to get his shit together. You can’t carry all this weight on your own. It’s a lot of pressure and responsibility.”

I wish it were that simple. “Well, my boyfriend is helping me, too. He’s so sweet. I keep telling him he doesn’t have to do anything. I love him for him and not for his money, but he always insists.”

“So, it’s love then?”

“Yep.”

“That was fast. It’s been what? A month?”

“Yeah, just over a month, but the heart wants what it wants.”

“Have you told him?”

“Yes. And he loves me, too.” I didn’t bother to explain to Justin that Easton loved differently. His love language is protecting me and taking care of me. He probably wouldn’t understand.

“Well, congrats then. Now it’s my turn to find someone, but shit, dating women is so hard. You have to find someone you’re attracted to, find someone you’re compatible with, and then she’s gotta like you back. A lot don’t even want to date anymore, so pickings are slim.”

“I’m sure you’ll find someone. You’re attractive and an amazing person. It takes time, I’m sure. Once you do, I’m sure you’ll find someone perfect for you.”

“I hope. My hand is getting boring, man.”

A laugh escaped me as I shifted the backpack slung over my shoulder. “It really is. I have to admit it’s nice to have sex again, and with someone who knows what he’s doing.”

Justin grunted in irritation. “Sure, rub it in my face.”

I laughed as I looked over at the bus stop half a block away to find my bus was there already. “Shit! Gotta go! See ya!”

“Bye,” he yelled after me as I ran.

It took nearly forty minutes to get home with the constant stop-and-go of the bus. At least it had heaters.

When it finally reached my stop, I hopped off and walked the three blocks home. It was dark out, and I hated walking in this neighborhood at night. It wasn’t the safest. I swore there was a meth house down the street. All kinds of weird people came and went out of there.

I finally reached home, unlocked the door, and closed it behind me, locking it promptly. Despite the neighborhood, we never had any problems with crime at the house. Still, you couldn’t be too careful, which was why I didn’t want that car that Easton gave me here.

“Dad? Annie?”

“Your sister is staying at a friend’s house overnight,” Dad said from the kitchen.

The house didn’t smell like dinner was cooking. Usually, Dad was making it when he got home from work. Great, that meant I had to do it, and I was tired.

I stepped into the kitchen to find him hunched over the scarred kitchen table with several opened cans of beer.

---