Page 607 of Rock Me All Night
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It'sbefore dawn on my first day when Pete stops by my room to wish me luck. He climbs into my bed, pulls me into a hug, and presses his lips to my forehead. It occurs to me that we could be sleeping in the same bed then I fall back asleep.
When I wake, he's gone, already off to his corporate gig.
I let myself get caught up in fantasies of a real adult life, here, with Pete, as I get ready and drive to school.
Once I'm on campus, my other thoughts drift away. The day passes in a breeze—two classes, lunch at a place off campus, two more classes, checking out articles in the library, the drive home. I love every second of it, even though it leaves me without a moment to think.
There's a lush bouquet of roses on the kitchen table.
Dinner's in the fridge. I'll call at ten. Check your room. And mine.
I'm proud of you.
- Pete
Sure enough, there's a container of takeout in the fridge. Thai food. Chicken and vegetable curry with brown rice. I heat it up in the microwave and eat in the backyard. It's a new habit of mine—dining poolside, under the moon and stars.
I'm on a cloud as I clean up and make my way upstairs. I'm a law student and Pete bought me flowers and dinner.
And there's a wrapped present on my bed.
I tear open the card.
I'd rather watch these with you but I'll forgive you if you can't wait. I have something special reserved for tomorrow night.
I tear the paper off. It's the fourHunger Gamesmovies.
My heart melts.
There's a post it note on the back of one of the movies.
Check my room.
It takes great effort to push myself off my bed, turn the knob, pull open the door, and step inside Pete's room.
There's a gift bag on his bed. It's crimson red with gold paper. USC colors. It's in my school's colors.
I toss the tissue paper on the ground and reach into the bag. My fingers brush something soft. Fabric. But nothing I normally wear.
It's a lace bra and panty set in a soft shade of pastel pink.
I change and go right to the mirror in my bathroom. Checking myself out in my underwear is not part of my usual routine. But, in this gift from him, I feel beautiful and sexy.
He always makes me feel like I'm the sexiest woman in the universe.
Like I'm light enough to float.
My ringtone bounces off the walls. I practically jump to find my phone. There it is on my desk.Incoming call from Pete Steele. Thank God.
I answer and bring the device to my ear. "Hey."
"Hey." His voice is deep and even.
"You bought me all of theHunger Gamesmovies."
"I did."
