Chapter 39
Luci
I’m grabbing us takeout on the way back to the dorm. Do we have any drinks or should I pick some up?
We only have those canned margaritas left over from Saturday night.
Luci
That actually sounds perfect! See you soon!
“Holy shit,” I whisper, taking in the fairy wonderland in front of me.
“Happy first date,” Anders whispers against my neck, pulling me into him. “It’ll be our last first date.”
Holy. Shit.
I can’t believe he set all of this up for me.
Except, if I think about it, I can. Ever since he unexpectedly came back into my life, Anders has been showing me in little ways just how much he cares. Just how much he pays attention. I shouldn’t be surprised that he’s made this much of an effort for—fine, I’ll give it to him—our first real date.
He guides me all the way into the room, hand on the small of my back, motioning for me to sit on one of the cushions. He sits down next to me and unpacks our dinner from the paper grocery bag. The contrast of the sandwiches and our romantic surroundings makes me giggle. It’s such a perfect picture of us—our ability to adapt to any situation, putting our own spin on it, and having entirely too much fun together along the way.
We eat and talk for the next hour, Anders’ head finding its way into my lap. We’re sitting quietly, enjoying being with each other in the stillness, my hands moving through the silky strands on top of his head.
“Your hair has gotten long,” I comment, tugging lightly at the ends before running my fingers back over his scalp.
“Mmm,” is his sleepy reply. “I’ll need to trim it before showcase.”
I continue my lazy rhythm, fingers dancing through his locks. “I like it long. Gives me something to grab onto.” I wink when he cracks his eyes open to judge if I’m joking or not.
I’m not.
He gives me a wicked grin. “Then we’ll have to take you for a ride before I cut it.”
“Fine, fine,” I sigh. “Why does it need to look a certain way for the showcase?”
“Hmm, good question. An MFA showcase is done with the purpose of finding an agent or manager—essentially getting noticed by someone in the industry. I have to find the delicate balance of standing out, while also being adaptable enough to fill any potential role. I’m not necessarily a character actor, someone who is supposed to be different or funny, but more of a leading man.” He stops and pumps his eyebrows a few times. “It’s my dashing good looks and astonishing vocal range.”
“Humble, too,” I mumble, pinching his cheeks.
I see what he’s talking about, though. Anders commands a room. It would be hard not to watch his every move when he’s on stage. And anyone would rightfully swoon over him singing to them. I just know that Anders is going to take the world by storm. Am I enough to stand by his side while he does that?
The thought rears its ugly head and then passes through just as quickly. I plan to enjoy my time with Anders, however long that may be. He seems confident enough in us—I’ll try stealing some of that confidence for myself.
“Speaking of…” I chew my lip nervously. “I know we touched on it briefly the other night, but are you planning on going back to the city after graduation?”
“That’s the plan, especially if you end up finding a job there,” he teases, reminding me how mortified I was when he saw that particular search on my phone. “There are only a few places in the country where it makes sense to go if I really want to pursue a career on stage. New York definitely makes the most sense with my musical theater background and with your family being so close…” he trails off, his eyes flashing toward me as if to measure if we are on the same page about that.
I would follow you anywhere.
I don’t say it outloud, but I’m struck silent by how true it is.
“I found a couple of leads while I was searching the other night.” I hesitate. We both know we are dancing around each other in this conversation, neither of us wanting to assume what the other is saying.
“Oh yeah? Tell me about them.”
“Well, I want to work with kids,” I muse. “Beyond that I’m still unsure. The city is actually a perfect place to job hunt, though. There are so many different non-profits or after school programs, opportunities for me to put my degree to good use.” I allow a small smile to creep up. “I actually found one organization that looks amazing. They partner with public schools with the lowest socioeconomic status and make sure that all of the non-educational needs of the students are met. Meals, clothing, activities, books—basically the staff names what they need and they work on figuring out how to provide it.”
He pushes up on his elbow and faces me, tucking a rogue curl behind my ear. “That sounds amazing, Bex. Honestly, you would be perfect for something like that. You are caring and attentive—exactly what those kids and teachers need.”
“Yeah?” I ask, needing his approval for some reason.
“Yeah.” He nods his head. “And selfishly, I want to keep you close to me. You’re applying, right?”
“I wasn’t sure, but I think I will now… yeah. It could be good to get out of Sassafras and there are lots of things in the city that I’m drawn to.”
“Like the hockey team?” he jokes.
I will never live that down. I roll my eyes and flick him on the forehead.
“Yes, exactly like the hockey team. I bet I could become a puck bunny and find my very own hockey player. I heard the defensemen can skate faster backwards than forwards! That has to come in handy for something, right?”
Before I know it, Anders has essentially tackled me to the ground, pinning my arms over the top of my head.
He leans down close, lips grazing mine. “I don’t care if he’s the highest paid player in the NHL, no one will touch what’s mine. Got it?”
I don’t have a chance to respond—not that I have a legitimate argument—because suddenly Anders’ mouth is on mine, giving just as much as he’s taking.
I’m consumed by him in this moment.
His feel—hard planes meeting my soft curves.
His taste—delicate strawberries mixed with rich chocolate, leftover flavors from our dessert.
His smell—something masculine I can’t identify but that’s undeniably him.
He’s surrounding me, lighting my skin on fire with each sweep of his tongue and touch of his hand. I want to drown in him, want to be pulled under following the siren song of his kiss.
I’m not sure how long we stay like that—bodies entangled, souls getting dangerously close to permanently interweaving. Eventually, Anders pulls back, eyes dark and wanting.
“Let’s go up to the apartment. It’s beautiful in here but I want you in my bed, all to myself.”
The same sentiment from earlier returns.
I would follow Anders anywhere.