Page 49 of Bleeding Hearts
I think she might already be asleep, but I kiss her head. “I love you too,” I whisper.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Iguess I should feel embarrassed in the early morning light as I watch Lally move around her room, but why? I finally got to be with the person I love, and there is no shame in that. The look in her eyes has changed from baseless lust to something deeper, which makes me smile.
I’m not ashamed as I climb naked from her bed and walk over, pressing up on my tiptoes to kiss her softly. “Morning.”
“You’re finally awake.” She wraps her arms around me and kisses me until I’m breathless. “Get dressed, and we’ll get some food before class.”
“Are you going to walk me there?” I tease.
“Hmm, I suppose I should.” She fake shudders. “Knowing you, you’d get lost or something.” She releases me and smacks my ass. “Shower and get ready. You’re already late.”
“Someone kept me up all night,” I retort as I step past her.
When I reach the bathroom door, it shuts in my face as her hand slams against it, her mouth brushing my ear. “You loved it, baby. Now stop being a tease and take a shower before I decide to bring you back to my bed.”
When she steps away, I’m breathless, so I hurry into the bathroom and close the door as her laughter chases me.
That woman will be the death of me.
I shower as swiftly as I can, using her body wash, feeling far too pleased to smell like her. I use her toothbrush and makeup before heading out wrapped in a towel. “Here.” She hands me some clothes, her eyes sweeping down my body and heating. “They aren’t really your style, but they’ll do.”
“Thanks.” I slip on my bra from yesterday but go without panties since she ruined them. I don the shorts and the oversized shirt she gave me. The shirt looks edgy, falling off one shoulder, and when I look in the mirror, the words “Tacos & Tits” reflect back at me, making me shake my head with a laugh.
She turns to face me, her eyes narrowed. “No, you need a jacket.” She gives me a hoodie. “Wear this.”
“But it isn’t that cold,” I whine.
“Alice, I don’t share, so put on the jacket,” she warns.
I do as I’m told, secretly pleased when she zips it all the way up before she pushes me to her bed. Lally takes the towel from my head and grabs her hair dryer. I lean back as she dries my hair then braids it for me before kissing my cheek. “All done.”
Standing, I turn to see her, my arms spread out. “Do I look okay?”
“You look beautiful,” she replies with a soft kiss as she passes by. Grabbing our backpacks, she throws them over her shoulders and jingles her keys as she opens the door. “Come on, baby. I’m starving, and if you don’t feed me soon, I’m going to eat you.”
“Promises, promises,” I mutter as I follow her out.
“Two breakfast bowls, please. No egg or sauce on one,” I order, paying before Lally can. She eyes me as we walk over to our seats to wait. “What?” I ask.
“You know my order.” She shrugs. “It’s cute.”
“I know everything about you.” I grin. “Haven’t you heard? I’m a little obsessed with you.”
Leaning over the table, she pinches my chin and kisses me. “And so fucking adorable,” she whispers against my lips just as our food arrives.
Lally leans back like nothing happened, and we eat in companionable silence, but I can’t stop staring at her. I even reach out and pinch my arm to make sure this is real. It’s what I’ve wanted for so long, and now she’s here, and she isn’t running or pushing me away.
She’s here, and she’s mine.
When we’re done, she clears the table, takes my hand and bag, and then walks with me to my class.
“You started some new classes, right? I remember you telling me one night when I was drunk.” She winces in shame as I tighten my hold on her hand, grinning at those we pass. I make sure everyone notices she’s holding my hand.
Mine.
No one else’s.
