CHAPTER 22 GRADUATION
TALON
I watched Aife don her grad cap and gown; her hair twisted back in an intricate bun. She hadn’t stopped smiling all day. This was the culmination of everything she’d worked so hard for over the last three years, and the pride swelling in my own chest almost matched hers.
Dre and Nat fiddled with Aife’s cap as the boys and I watched on. Davis was already dressed, arms crossed but wearing a smile. Zeke couldn’t keep his eyes off Dree. This was what it meant to have love, happiness—to belong.
Aife turned, her hazel eyes capturing mine. The grin that escaped her lit up her entire face.
“You’re beautiful, darling.” I pulled her close to me, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. “I’m so fucking proud of you.”
She kissed me, hard but quick. “Thank you.”
The basketball arena was packed, all here to celebrate the PhD and master level students. Davis and Aife sat together, part of the social work program. The rest of us watched and probably cheered too loudly as their names were called. I couldn’t help it; that was my girl.
The ceremony was surprisingly quick and then we were back at my place—alone. The others knew I’d planned something, and nerves wracked my body as Aife left the bathroom.
Her dress flared as she walked, hooking an arm around my neck as she sat on my lap. Her breathing evened, matching mine. My heart pounded though, rapid and hard against my chest.
“You good?” Her tone was worried, her eyes catching on my face.
“I am. I’m so proud of you, Aife.” I cupped her face. “I love you.”
She stilled for half a second before our lips connected, tongues meeting in an intricate routine. Her hands landed in my hair, pulling me closer. I kissed her back fiercely, pouring every once of love into my lips before picking her up and walking us to the balcony.
Aife pulled back, chest heaving as she took in the surroundings of my isolated balcony. “I love you, Talon.” Her eyes connected with mine. “You’re stuck with me.”
“Nowhere else I’d rather be.” I intended to show her just that, trailing kisses down her neck.
Aife moaned, her hips already working against mine.
She pulled my shirt off, burying her face in my neck and sucking hard.
My hands tangled in her hair as my head eased back.
I gathered her dress in my hands and tossed it aside.
She pushed me down on one of the chairs so I was reclining, losing her undergarments on the way.
Her mouth met mine before she finally moved to sit on my face.
I moaned deeply against her slick pussy, first taking a second to just breathe her in.
Aife wasn’t patient though and began to grind her hips, seeking friction.
I sucked her clit as I helped her find her rhythm.
My tongue delved deep into her wet cunt as I ate, dining like she was my final meal.
My name left her lips like a prayer, content and satisfied.
My cock strained against my pants as I ate, and I gripped it through my pants. Aife seemed to notice as she leaned back, palms landing on my chest as she thrust against my tongue. She came suddenly, all over my face.
I needed to feel her mouth on me. I flipped her, her pussy still over my face, but my hand nudged her down.
She didn’t need more encouragement, her hands resting on the thighs she loved so much.
Her mouth was warm, wet, and felt so good as it bobbed up and down my cock.
The moans she pulled from me were so loud, I was sure the neighbors would come out.
Her mouth dragged up me before she started to kiss and suck my thighs. It was my undoing.
I left no room for reprise before standing and bending her over the railing of the balcony.
Shoving my pants down, I wasted no time thrusting deep into her.
We moaned together, her wet warmth intoxicating to me.
I placed one leg up on the small table between my chairs before palming one breast and pulling her hair into a fist.
Her pussy clenched, drenching me in her wetness.
I thrusted hard, pulling her back in quick bursts.
All Aife could do was beg, finally learning to use her words.
“More, Talon.” She pushed her hips back, meeting my hips.
I thrust into her, the hand on her breast moving to circle her clit.
Our hips slammed together, skin slapping the only sound outside our harsh breaths.
Her pussy clenched again as Aife began to shudder, wave after wave of an orgasm hitting her.
I thrust once more, my cock throbbing intensely as I came.
“I love you, Aife.”
EPILOGUE: TWO YEARS LATER AIFE The past two years with Talon had been indescribable.
We had our moments of difficulty, but we always found joy in each other.
Our days together were spent laughing, talking, and getting to know each other on a deeper level.
Somehow, even deeper than when we had shared secrets in the hospital.
Finally, after years of hard work, I was doing research into chronic illness and therapeutic interventions. Talon and I had moved in together, spending as much time as possible together. I’d turned thirty-one and Talon thirty. It made me feel a little old, but I was happy to be with him.
The craziest thing that happened was Houston bought a hockey team.
Talon had asked for a trade, knowing he only had a few years left to play anyway.
Over the past two years, Talon and the coach had built the team up.
Zeke even joined the team and now, for the first time in their franchise history, the Houston Cosmos were in the running for the Stanley Cup.
Pride didn’t even begin to cover how I felt. Talon loved Texas, and we were both so happy to be back. If he won his second Cup in his hometown, we would be on top of the world.
I was just happy to be on this journey with him. I was ready to keep riding the highs and lows by his side. Learning to be here now.