Page 95 of Waiting to Lose
“Humph. So, what time are you going to the library?”
The conversation slowly faded away and Madi pulled her hand away from his lips. “You’re an ass,” she whispered as she stuck her head through a small opening to see if the coast was clear. Jake continued to dry himself off. She quickly closed the curtain behind her as she removed her shower caddy.
“Okay, hurry up,” she whispered.
Jake placed the towel around his waist and hurried to her room. Rob stared into his book, avoiding them as if they weren’t running down the hall.
Madi held the door open and closed it behind him. She leaned against it, slipping her wet socks from her feet.
Jake immediately dropped his towel.
“Jake!” Madi pivoted to face the door.
He laughed.
“Seriously… Something’s really wrong with you,” she huffed in amused annoyance.
Jake came up behind her, pressing against her and wrapping his hands around her waist. “All this belongs to you. Don’t you want to see what you own?”
“I’ve seen it. It’s impressive, to say the least,” she giggled.
He pulled her hair away from her shoulder and kissed her neck.
“You. Wet. Too much. Too hot,” she groaned as her head bent back to give him better access.
He planted a small kiss on her cheek and backed away. She stumbled slightly and he smirked, pulling on new boxer briefs and a clean pair of jeans.
“I’m dressed, babe. You can turn around now.”
Madi shifted and smiled as he lifted a t-shirt over his head before running his fingers through his hair.
“Hungry?” she asked, leaning on the door.
“What are you offering?” he asked, his eyebrows dancing in repeated succession.
“Dinner. Food,” she huffed as she steadied herself. “I don’t think the sandwich you ate earlier will tide you over until morning.” As soon as she said morning, she frowned. He knew it was because she remembered he had to leave.
“What do you suggest?” he asked, trying to distract her.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to go out. Someone might recognize you. Maybe we could order a pizza?”
“If you want to go out, I don’t mind. I’m tired of hiding our relationship, and I know it’s extremely hard on you, so let’s do it. Let’s tell the world.”
Madi’s brows scrunched together. “You want to be seen with me now?” she asked.
Jake sighed as he slid his hand through his hair. “Mads, I’ve always wanted to be seen with you. That was never what it was about.”
“I know. I just assumed you still wanted to protect my privacy.”
“I do, but not at your expense or heartache. I don’t want you walking around believing I’m hiding you. It’s far from the truth.” He stepped forward and pushed his hand into her hair, cupping the back of her neck. “I can’t wait for the day when I can have my picture taken with you on my arm. It’ll be the proudest day of my life.”
Madi held his hand against her neck as she stared into his eyes. “You’re amazing, you know that?”
He sighed. “If I’m amazing, it’s because of you. You’ve changed me, you know. All the things I never knew I wanted are now the things that I want more than anything else. Everything I thought was important before you—” he shook his head “—means nothing.”
Madi took a step into him and tightly wrapped her arms around him. He pulled her firmly against him.
Her teary eyes glanced up into his face. “Ask me,” she whispered. “Ask me what I’m doing after graduation.”
