by Gia Riley
“I love her too.”
“You came into our lives for a reason, beautiful, and we’re not letting you go.”
“I love you both, Kipton. It scares me how intense my feelings are for you though. I didn’t even know I was capable of loving someone the way I love you. That’s why I ran from it so many times. I didn’t want the past to repeat itself and I didn’t want to fail you.”
“It’s real. I promise. Everything we feel for each other is how it’s supposed to be.”
She nods her head and although broken, she’s still the girl I need. And I’ll fight to bring her back entirely. While I have her talking, I decide to take it a step further. “How do you feel about Coach Evans?”
“I’m done with gymnastics. It’s tainted like everything else in my past. All these years I’ve wanted to be the best so my Mom would be proud of me. I needed a purpose for her love because I wasn’t sure I deserved it. And Coach Evans told me gymnastics was in my blood- that I was born to be a gymnast. He only said that because he knew who I was.”
“Maybe, but it doesn’t mean you’re any less talented.”
“I hate him and I barely even know him. He never fought for me.”
“I’m sure he had his reasons. Not that it makes them right.”
“My Mom was an amazing gymnast too. When I started out as a little girl and wasn’t half bad, she was thrilled. But I think it ended up being an easy way to keep me out of the house for longer periods of time—so she could try to keep Dean happy. As I got older, I didn’t even care I was hardly home because it kept me away from the arguing. All this time I’ve spent thinking gymnastics was my saving grace and it’s really been nothing but a bunch of bullshit.”
“I’ll support any decision you make.”
“If I quit, I have to quit school too. There’s no place for me in Ashland anymore, but anywhere has to be better. Maybe I can work here until I find something permanent.”
She’s not quitting school or leaving. I’ll figure something out. She can live with me and I’ll apply for every student loan I can find for her. “My Dad’s in finance. He’ll help you with some student loans. You’ll lose your scholarship, but not your education. I promise.”
“How do you always have all the answers, Kipton?”
“I definitely don’t have all the answers—not by a long shot. I’m just trying to help you because without you, I won’t be happy. That sounds selfish, but it’s the truth. I need you too, beautiful.”
“I’m thankful you’re willing to help. You always make things seem so easy.” She tucks her messy hair behind her ear, still nervously bouncing her leg.
“Then I’m doing my job.”
“What job is that?”
“To love you and protect you. No matter what.”
“Your specialty.” She smiles for the first time and I feel it—every face splitting inch of it.
She picks up her fork and works it between her fingers. “Are you going to eat some more? Or are you full?”
She stares at her plate and looks determined. It doesn’t have anything to do with the eggs I don’t think. “I’m going to finish this and then I want you to take me to bed.”
“You must be so tired.”
She shakes her head yes. “I am. But I want to love you first.”
She can do whatever she wants to me if it makes her happy. “I’ll love you all night long, beautiful.” She rests her head back on my shoulder and takes a few more bites of her eggs.
“You saved me again, Kipton.”
“And I’ll never stop.”
“SLEEP WELL?”
I turn my head to the soothing sound of Kipton’s voice. Staring into his crystal blue eyes, I’m thankful to be with him again. He leans over and kisses my lips. The movement causes a draft under the blanket and I shiver. “Com’ere.” I slide over and he spoons me from behind. Instantly, I’m ten degrees warmer. He even covers my feet with his own. “What were you thinking just now?”
“It would probably scare you.”
He squeezes me tighter. “Now you have to tell me.”
“Just how thankful I am for you. I don’t know where I’d be right now if you hadn’t found me.”
“I feel the same way, beautiful.”
He kisses the top of my head and snuggles me closer. “You’re always so warm. What time do we have to leave?”
“There’s no rush. Whenever you’re ready.”
“Okay. I need to take a shower first.”
“Nope.” He pops the p right in my ear and I flinch in surprise.
He’s messing with me, but I’m sure he has an excellent reason. He usually does. “Why not?”
“You can shower, but it has to be with me.”
“Why?”
“It’s my turn to pay the water bill this month. I’m trying to conserve.”
“With you?” I’ve never done that before. It feels so personal; so intimate.
“Yup.” He pops the p again.
I swat at him. My efforts are wasted since he’s behind me and out of reach. “Will you stop that!” I’m laughing and he digs his fingers in my side making me laugh even harder. “Stop! I have to pee!”
“Come on, let’s shower and then I’ll make you some breakfast.”
It sounds like a good deal, but does he expect me to walk naked all the way down the hallway?
He releases me and hops out of bed. Holding out his hand, he waits for me to drop the blanket and expose myself.
“Um. I just need my shirt or one of yours.”
He takes both of my hands in one of his and pulls down the blanket. “Nope. Don’t be nervous around me. I’ve seen you naked in bed. Every gorgeous inch. This is no different.”
“It’s usually darker,” I mumble. He hears me and chuckles.
“Don’t fear the light. Just go with it.”
“If you say so.” Here goes nothing. I scurry down the hallway quickly. He laughs at my urgency.
“After you.” He gestures for me to go into the bathroom ahead of him. I shimmy past, linking my hands behind my back to hide my ass from his view. He swats at me and I yelp in surprise. “Put both of your hands on your head.”
“What? Why?” I’m hesitant, but eventually do it. “Now what?”
Kipton leans against the wall, taking me in from head to toe. I hope he’s enjoying himself because I’m not. A mischievous smile covers his face. “Put your hands on your shoulders.”
I roll my eyes, but listen.
“Now your knees.”
I follow his directions.
“Now on your toes.”
Again, I comply.
“Faster and repeat after me, head, shoulders, knees, and toes.”
“Kipton! You asshole.” He ducks when I toss a loofah at his head. Not that it would do any damage even if it hit him. Seeking justice, I punch him hard on the arm.
“Ouch, no hitting! I was only trying to loosen you up. Now, hop in.”
“You’re bossy today, ya know.”
“Always.”
Once under the warm spray of water, I wait for him to make this experience sexual—for him to touch me. But he does nothing more than shower. I’m okay with it, yet disappointed at the same time. He takes his time washing his body while I work the shampoo through my hair. I follow with conditioner and body wash. He watches, but never touches.
“See, you lived.” He wraps me up in a fluffy blue towel large enough to fit two of me. “Not as hot as the pink towel, but it will do.”
I look down at it and wonder what the difference is. A towel is a towel to me. “Why’s the pink one better?”
“Because the second I saw you wrapped up in it, I knew I had to make you mine. And hell if I didn’t want to see what was underneath it so damn bad.” His eyes drop to my lips, before closing the remaining distance and kissing me softly—once and then again.
“How did you know? We were strangers.”
“Because you carry your emotions in your eyes, Sop
hie. I could tell you wanted me too.”
“I was scared of you,” I admit.
“Why?” He rubs a towel over his hair, making it stick up in a disheveled mess. He looks hot. Seriously hot. “Sophie?”
“Sorry. Um. What was I saying? “I’ve never felt something instantly just from looking at a guy. Of course I didn’t love you or anything that deep, but the way you looked at me I can’t describe. It made me feel wanted. I’ve never had that happen before.”
“I’ll always want you, beautiful. Now enough of this serious shit. If you don’t stop we’ll never get on the road.”
“Me?”
“Yes, you. When you say those things to me, it makes me want to get you naked.”
He does realize we’re in the bathroom, fresh out of the shower? “I already am.”
“We should put some clothes on.”
He leaves the bathroom in a rush and I hurry to catch up to him. I’m not done with him yet. He’s reaching inside his closet, but I put my hand on his bicep, dragging my nails down his skin. “I don’t want clothes yet, Kipton.”
He groans. “Oh yeah? What do you want?”
I free his towel and drop my own. He wants me to be more comfortable, so I’ll show him exactly what I want. “Touch me he-”
There’s a hand on my knee, shaking me slightly. “Hmm?” I murmur. I’m just getting to the good part.
“Wake up, sleepy head. We’re almost here.”
Blinking slowly, I look around. The houses are huge, all with perfectly manicured lawns. Even the bushes are fancy. “It was just getting good.”
“What was?” He asks, while keeping his eyes on the road.
“My dream.”
“Tell me about it. You were making some adorable noises.”
I cover my mouth in surprise. “No, I wasn’t!”
“You were. What was happening?”
“Well, we showered together.”
He smiles. “I like this dream already.”
“And we were just about to do things in your room.”
“What kind of things?” Interested in the details, he turns the radio off.
“Sexual.”
“I would hope. Tell me one.”
“Well, we were naked in your room and I was begging you to touch me.”
“I’d never make you beg, unless you wanted to. But where did you want me to touch you?”
“You know where.” My cheeks flush with unspoken sexual desire.
“Where, Sophie?” He inches his hand between my thighs, forcing me to part my legs ever so slightly. “Here?” He moves a few more inches. “Or maybe here?”
“Yeah, there,” I practically pant. His fingers move back and forth a few times and I clutch his wrist to hold him tightly against my body. Just as things begin to heat up, he removes his hand and places it back on the steering wheel leaving me needy and impatient.
“We should act out this dream of yours tonight. I want to make sure your fantasies come true.”
Only he would find it acceptable to get me hot and bothered before meeting his parents. “Funny.”
“What’s funny? I’m serious. It’s happening.” He pulls into a long driveway lined with tall trees. It screams southern money. The house is the most elegantly, beautiful place I’ve ever been. It’s easily three times the size of the house I grew up in. “Wow.”
“It’s just a house, Sophie.”
“A huge one.”
“It’s the people inside that matter. Not the size. Remember that okay?”
“Okay.”
I barely have two feet planted on the driveway before Cara is running toward me. “Sophie!”
She almost knocks me over with her enthusiastic welcome. “Oof. I missed you too, Cara.”
“Come inside, come.”
“One sec, Cara. Come here a minute, Sophie.”
I walk over to Kipton as he asked. “What’s wrong?”
He pulls me behind the trunk, out of view from the front of the house. “Nothing. Just don’t forget about tonight.” He runs his hand up my thigh and between my legs again. Repeating his early ministrations. He rubs back and forth over my sensitive nerve endings before cupping me in his palm.
“I won’t forget.”
He drops his hand to his side, leaving me in a daze. I glance around, making sure no one can see us. Thankfully, the closest neighbor is on the other side of the trees. Swallowing hard at his reminder, I walk back to the front door to meet Cara. I glance over my shoulder at Kipton. Hoping he’s right behind me, I’m nervous when he winks and takes his time gathering my bags. This game he’s playing is killing me.
“Mom! Sophie’s here.” Instantly, I’m wrapped in to a warm hug from a woman I assume to be Kipton’s mom.
“She’s beautiful. My goodness, you’re just adorable. Come, let’s talk. I’ve been so excited to put a face to the name.”
“I’ve been looking forward to meeting you too, Mrs.–”
She interrupts before I can give her a formal greeting. “Call me Lynn.”
“Okay. It’s nice to meet you, Lynn.” We walk down a hallway and into an office. She pats the sofa next to her and I take my place nervously. Cara closes the doors and leaves the two of us alone.
“I needed time with you right away, Sophie. Both of my children are very open and honest with me. It’s the way I’ve always wanted it. I know we’re practically strangers, but I’ll never be anything other than honest with you too.”
Where is she going with all of this?
“Kipton shared a few things with me before he ran out last night. I’d never pretend not to know. It’s not how I operate.”
I hang my head, twisting my fingers in my lap. I want to get up and run. Kipton promised she wouldn’t judge me. Standing, I take one step before Lynn’s hand reaches for mine.
“Please, Sophie. Hear me out. And don’t be angry with Kipton. He has your best interest at heart.”
I can’t sit back down, so I stand on shaky legs next to the window. Being able to see the outside makes the conversation less constrictive.
“Kipton also called me last night after you fell asleep. With the way he ran out of here last night, I was worried you were in trouble.”
“I was.” Admitting you’re in trouble is the first step, right?
“I agree with that, Sophie. That’s why you’re here with me. Both Cara and Kipton already know what I’m going to ask of you.”
“You want me to leave, don’t you? To stop wasting your son’s time. I’m well aware he deserves better.”
“No, Sophie. I want you to stay.”
Confused, I look to her for an explanation. She isn’t making sense.
“I want this to be your home. When you’re on break, over the summer, after you finish, this will be your home.”
Is she nuts? “But we don’t even know each other. You may not even like me.”
She shakes her head repeatedly. “That will never be the case because both of my children love you. I trust their judgment.”
My eyes fill with unshed tears. “What if Kipton and I break up?”
“The status of your relationship doesn’t depend on your place in this home. It’s yours for as long as you want it. You’ll have a room of your own.”
The tears fall. I sink to the floor unable to believe an entire family actually wants to take me in. “I need to let it all sink in, Lynn. I haven’t had many opportunities in my life to love someone, but I know I love your son—more than anything. And Cara’s my best friend. I’ve never known what it’s like to have a family.”
“You will after today. And I apologize for yanking you in here right away, but I couldn’t sit through dinner or wait another minute. You’ve been through enough. ” Lynn closes her eyes and breathes deeply. When she opens them again, a few tears of her own trickle down her cheeks. “You remind me a lot of myself, Sophie. I grew up in a volatile home myself so when I say I understand your pain, I mean it. But it does get better and it will g
et easier over time.”
“It’s so hard to give up on my Mom. And I tried to make Dean love me, but couldn’t. As far as Coach goes, I haven’t even processed the idea of him yet. I’ve been too busy mourning everything I lost.”
Lynn sits next to me on the carpet. “Doug and I don’t want to overwhelm you. We won’t pretend to be anything other than what you’re willing to accept. But this is a safe place. You’re not alone anymore, Sophie. It’s all here for you if you want it.”
“Thank you.”
“So you’ll stay?” She’s hesitant with her request, but in need of an answer nonetheless.
“It’s a strange concept with dating Kipton and all. I mean I’m an adult. But if you’ll have me.” My shaky voice gives away how overwhelmed I am. I’ve just been given my greatest wish. Acceptance.
“We’ll get all of your info changed as soon as possible. I never want you to live in a hotel or sleep in a damn tree again.” She laughs through a sob of her own and wipes the tears from my face. It’s a motherly gesture.
“Thank you, Lynn. The words hardly seem like enough.”
“They’re plenty.” She stands up from the floor and brushes the wrinkles out of the fabric of her pants. “You take all the time you need. I’ve walloped you with a lot just now. Come out and meet my husband when you’re ready. I’m sure Cara would like to show you your room too.”
I stay seated on the floor, processing our conversation. Despite the ache in my heart, I’ve been given a second chance. Praying that I’m strong enough to live up to their standards, I need to discuss all of this with Kipton before I get too comfortable.
Sophie: Can you come in here.
The text barely finishes sending before the office door opens. “I was in the hallway. Are you okay?”
“Hey.” He’s tiptoeing around the elephant in the room, so I put him out of his misery and address it. “Are you on board with this crazy plan?”
He kneels in front of me, taking my hands. “Of course I am. You’re my home, Sophie. Wherever you are is where I want to be. You said yes, right? I’m sorry you walked into that blind, but I was afraid if I said something, you would panic or get upset.”
I can tell he’s nervous about my decision. “I’m not mad. I’m too grateful to be upset. But I am old enough to do it on my own. I’m over eighteen and a legal adult.”