Chapter 11 Avery
avery
I’m not sure how long I sit there in his lap, pressed up against his chest as his purr calms my nerves.
I had no idea where I was headed after I left that party, just that I needed to be anywhere else.
It felt like I had lost something when Declan left my side, as stupid as that sounds.
I had no idea what to do and then Declan messaged and I said I was going home.
The next thing I remember is him calling my name and pulling me from the shower.
“I really like you but I can’t do everything else,” I push out, his arms tightening around me.
“No, I mean the chaos. The noise and the parties. Sienna told me you gave her your number and then she was holding onto you. I got so… I don’t know.
All of that is your thing and I wish… but I can’t…
Declan, can I have you without that?” My heart hurts at the thought that I can’t be part of that life with him but it’s too much for me to handle.
It’s one of many reasons I never ended up on a sports team.
Declan cups the side of my face, gently running his thumb along my bottom lip.
“It’s not really my scene either, Avery but I go because I’m part of the team and hey, it’s college!
But I would never force you to be part of any of that.
I want you, Avery. That doesn’t come with stipulations.
And that Sienna thing is bullshit. Our numbers aren’t that hard to get a hold of especially since I’m one of the main contacts.
” He helps me to my feet, his words giving me some relief as he slowly strips off my clothes and then wraps a towel around me.
“As for this morning, I had no idea what the fuck to say. Nobody has ever slept over in my bed.”
My brows raise clean off my forehead as I tug the towel around me. “But… you’re you.”
“Yes, so? I’ve messed around but so has everyone and then I stepped into this house and you’re the only one I wanted.
That’s a feeling I’ve never had before and after last night…
It felt too good, having you wrapped around me like that.
I needed you so goddamn much, and it’s terrifying. I’ve never wanted anyone like that.”
He drags another towel off the rack, drying off my hair before kissing my forehead, calming my nerves even further.
“I want you more than you can fucking imagine,” he says, his eyes locked on mine. “But are you ready for something like that? People aren’t going to be nice about it. Mom just gave me a whole lecture about it too.”
My stomach twists as my head falls forward into Declan’s chest. I barely escaped his mother in the kitchen when I came in, her disapproving look telling me that she knew something was up.
And then Milo sent me a text with all the pictures.
It’s going to be a mess at school but after having Declan once, I can’t think about anything else.
“I don’t want to be your secret,” I finally say, knowing that we’re both going to be the butt of rumors for a while.
“Yeah, I’m good with that,” Declan murmurs as he draws me into a kiss.