“Hi Maggie. You look great. How do you feel?” I can see the concern in Martina’s eyes but it’s unnecessary because I feel fine.
“I’m doing much better. Almost back to my old self. I’m so glad you’re here. I missed you.”
“I missed you too.”
“Okay, okay. Enough with the mushy stuff. I want to hear all about how my older brother won back the best thing that ever happened to him.”
“Joey, it was his charm and good looks. I just couldn’t resist them any longer.”
“Seriously, what made you finally give in? Because I haven’t seen him this happy since before you left town.”
“Leave her alone. It’s none of our business. Just be happy they are back together.” Martina says as she slaps Joey in the arm.”
“Maggie, I cooked all your favorites! Let’s sit down and have a nice family dinner.”
A huge smile spreads over my face. Not only am I super stoked that Martina cooked, but I’m beyond thrilled to have everyone together. As the women sit around the tiny kitchen table, the guys are forced to stand-up to eat because there just isn’t enough space in the tiny house. I can’t help but wonder if any of this would have happened if my father hadn’t died in that car crash so many years ago. What would my life look like if his fate wasn’t to die so young? Can I really say I would trade all of this for more time with my father? I honestly can’t say. But I do believe everything happens for a reason.
After dinner is over, we sit in the living room catching up with everyone. Joey and Keri seem just as in love as they did a few months ago. Martina is loving her new role as manager and even plans to take some courses at the community college. I can see the pride beaming in Vincent’s eyes as he watches his mother talk. Amanda has some serious explaining to do. If she thinks I haven’t noticed all the feminine touches to this house, she is so wrong. I have a feeling that she and Tommy are way more serious than she’s lead me to believe. Just wait until I get her alone.
We hug everyone on their way out, excited to finally be alone. Well, as alone as we can get. Amanda and Tommy are snuggled up on the sofa watching a movie. I pull Vincent down the hallway, shutting his bedroom door behind us.
“Finally.”
That’s the only word I get out because I practically attack him with my entire body. My hands are everywhere, my lips touching every exposed piece of his flesh while his mouth finds the sensitive spot on my neck that drives me wild. His hands move down to my thighs, reaching just the right spot to lift me up. I wrap my legs around his waist as he carries me over to the bed. We fall to the mattress in the most ungraceful way but I don’t care. I just want to feel his body pressed into mine.
He slowly pushes himself against me over and over again. I push his chest lightly, trying to gain some amount of distance so I can take his shirt off. Once he realizes my intention, he stands up and practically rips his clothes off. I pull my jeans off while somehow simultaneously getting my shirt over my head. Before I can get to anything else, a very naked Vince is back on top of me.
“I can get the rest.”
He starts trailing kisses down my body. Once he reaches my bra, he very skillfully unhooks it and pulls it off. His lips touch every inch that was covered up before. His hand slides down my stomach until he reaches my panties. His mouth follows behind all the places his hand just touched, sending chills over my entire body. Then in a single move, he removes what is left of my clothing.
“Did you lock the door?” I ask in a brief moment of panic. I would so not put it past my best friend to come waltzing in here, unannounced only to interrupt a very intimate moment. That is just so her.
“With Amanda in the house, you bet I did.” He grins up at me playfully.
I can’t believe how much I missed being in his house. In his room. Nothing compares to the distinct aroma that belongs to all things Vincent Moreno. I try my best to absorb every detail, not wanting to miss a single element of our time here.
Vince regains my full attention when his warm breath covers my skin, inch by inch until I feel it blow across my lips. Very slowly, calculating even, he kisses me in a way that only he can. Making love to this man is the best part of my day. The connection we have runs so deep. I feel it every time he looks at me. He makes me feel beautiful and wanted. I will never let go of him again. After hours of lying in bed together, I fall asleep in his arms. Exactly where I want to be.
The next morning, I slip on one of Vincent’s shirts, inhaling his beautiful scent before quietly heading out to the kitchen. I run into my best friend, who is also barely dressed. Apparently she had a good night too. Which leads me to my next question.
“So, are you living here or what?”
“God, Maggie. How about a good morning or something first.”
“Yeah, yeah. Cut the crap. What is going on with you two?”
“Fine. Yes, I moved in. I didn’t tell you because it just happened like a week ago. It’s still very new and we are on a trial basis. If it doesn’t work then I will go back to my parents’ house. Happy now?”
“Amanda Jean Mills! I can’t believe you didn’t tell me!”
“Oh calm down. Before you start having a little hissy fit, why don’t you tell me exactly what’s going on with you and Vince.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, aren’t the two of you practically living together?”
“No. He has his dorm and I have my apartment.”
“And when was the last time he slept in his dorm room?”
Dammit. She makes a good point. I guess we are sort of living together. I mean, he does sleep at my place every single night. But he goes back to his dorm during the day. Well, he goes back to get clothes but he doesn’t really stay. Oh my God! I’m living with my boyfriend! Amanda sees the minute I make this realization and starts laughing hysterically at me.
“You should totally see your face right now.”
“Shut-up. You suck.”
“Oh lighten up, Maggie. You two are meant for each other. Why are you freaking out?”
Why am I freaking out? I know without a doubt in my mind that I want to spend the rest of my life with Vincent. I ignore my best friend, heading back to his bedroom, totally forgetting what it was I came out for in the first place. The minute I see his peaceful face, fast asleep, all the anxiety fades away. He is exactly what I want no matter the circumstances. If that means moving things along a little faster than I thought we would, so be it.
I don’t want to wake him because we had a long night, so I walk over to his desk. My fingers gently trail the lines of his sketches, soaking in the exact feel of the lead on the crisp white paper. He has so much talent, so much skill. His opportunities are boundless. I am so glad he took the leap and went to college. Even if it was for all the wrong reasons. I am so enthralled in his drawings, I don’t hear him get out of bed.
“Good morning.” He says as he wraps his arms around my waist, resting his chin on my shoulder. I don’t turn around because I’m not exactly sure how to approach the topic.
“Hey, did you sleep well?”
“Yes. I love having you in my house again.” I clear my throat because all of a sudden I feel nervous.
“Can we talk?”
“Sure. Everything okay?”
“Yes. I just think we need to decide what we’re going to do when we get back to campus.”
“Do about what?”
“About our living situation. I mean, you spend all your time at my place anyway, and that dorm is probably costing you a fortune.”
“Maggie Wilson, are you asking me to move in with you?”
“Umm…maybe. It depends on what your answer is?”
“Hmm…I suppose it does make sense. I mean financially and all.” I turn around in his arms so I can face him when I smack him in the chest.
“Stop playing around. This is very serious. Do you think it’s the right step for us?”
“Okay, okay. Yes. I do. Maggie, I want to be
with you for the rest of my life. This is just the next step for us. But I want you to be completely comfortable with this decision. I don’t want you to feel pressured or forced into something based on our current circumstances.”
“I don’t. It feels right. Everything with you feels right.”
“So we’re really doing this?”
“We are really doing this.”
His lips come down on mine with so much force, I think he’s going to knock me over. Instead he backs me up to the desk, pulling away just enough so he can look into my eyes.
“Magnolia, I love you.”
“I love you, Vincent.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
School has taken on its own persona. Sucking the life out of all of us. Who knew our junior year would be so much harder than our freshman year. I wish I could say we had a laid back, relaxing couple of months over summer break but it wasn’t like that at all. Once we got back to school after spring break it was study, study, study. We both passed all our classes and needed a break. But over the summer we went back to Milford to work on building the landscaping business as much as possible so the income could support Vince during the school year. Everyone pitched in, helping out when they could. We’ve been back on campus for a couple of months, trying to readjust to college life. It’s only the beginning of November and the ground is already covered in a thick layer of snow. This winter is going to suck.
“I still can’t believe you’re going to be 21 in two more days! I’m so glad Vince let me plan your party.” Heather says with the excitement of a small child. I have never seen her this giddy.
“Calm down woman. It’s not that big of a deal.”
“It is to me. You refused to let me throw you a party last year. And as much as I love Amanda, I’m kind of glad she can’t break away to come help. She is kind of a control freak when it comes to party planning.”
“No kidding. It’s killing her not to be here. Just please try to remember who you are throwing this bash for. I’m not into big groups of people or insane amounts of alcohol.”
“I know. I got this. Don’t worry about it. But you are officially going to be legal now so you might as well enjoy it.”
“I don’t need liquor to make me happy. I’ve got everything I need lying in my bed right now. The only reason I’m not still with him is because I have errands to run before class.”
“It still amazes me how lovey dovey you two are after spending all your time together.”
“We don’t spend all our time together. Just most of it.”
Poor Heather ends up being the third wheel most of the time. She gets a little relief when Asher comes to hang out with us but with everyone’s crazy schedules that almost never happens. Well, all four of us being together in the same room at the same time is a rarity. But lately it seems like Heather and Asher have been hanging out more frequently. I wonder what’s going on with those two. I grab my keys and head out the door leaving Vince asleep in our room.
Living together has been interesting to say the least. You really get to know a person when you spend so much time together. But I love it. Waking up in his arms never gets old. I can’t wait until college is over and we really start our life together. My class load this semester is killing me. Vince’s schedule isn’t any better either. Asher and I have learned to distance ourselves some, choosing different partners for projects and trying to study together in groups rather than alone. It just feels like the right thing to do. We are still friends, but Vince comes first now.
After a long day of classes, I head back to the apartment to study. I swear, it’s never ending. College is just so draining. I walk in the door to find Vince huddled over his books, sitting at the kitchen table.
“Hey babe. How was your day?” He says while glancing up for a split second from his book.
“Long. How about yours?”
“Good. Just trying to wrap things up so I can focus all my energy on your birthday party this weekend.”
“Thanks again for letting Heather plan most of it. I know you wanted to do more but she really seems into it.”
“To be honest, I’m really glad she took over. I love you but I don’t have the time right now to plan much of anything.”
“Gee, thanks.”
“Come here.” He stands up and walks over to me giving me a soft kiss.
“I think we can do better than that.” I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him closer until our mouths connect. I kiss him passionately, holding nothing back.
“You drive me crazy, Maggie. How am I supposed to get anything done when you kiss me like that?”
“That’s kind of the point. To distract you. Come on, let’s go take a break together before Heather gets home. It’s kind of rare that we have the place to ourselves.”
“Okay. You talked me into it. Lead the way.”
After some late afternoon delight, we hit the books. We munch on some leftovers from the fridge because neither of us have the energy to cook. Well, that and Vince can’t cook. I keep trying to teach him but for some reason he burns everything. Heather got home later than usual and didn’t say much before she went to her room. I wonder what’s going on with her.
The next day flies by and before I know it, it’s Saturday. My 21st birthday has arrived. Such an odd number to celebrate a milestone in life, but who am I to complain. I get to be spoiled today. Vince arranged a spa day for Heather and me. So it’s manicures, pedicures and a massage. He is so good to me. I have to say, I’m actually starting to get excited about tonight. Heather refuses to tell me anything about the location of the party so my imagination is running wild. She drops me off back at the apartment to spend the afternoon with Vince while she finishes getting everything ready.
“Please tell me what she has planned. Pretty please.” I look up at Vince with the saddest puppy dog eyes.
“Begging will get you nowhere. She would kill me if I said anything.”
“Fine. Whatever.” Then I get an evil idea. “Maybe I will just seduce you into telling me.”
“I wish we had time for that. But it’s off to lunch and then we have a little bit of a drive.”
“Really? To where?”
“I’m not letting anything slip. You will just have to wait and see.”
After a quick lunch we get in the car and start driving. I feel the Mustang come to a stop after about 45 minutes of driving. I have no clue where we could be. Vince made me wear a blindfold the entire way. I thought it was ridiculous but he said he was just following Heather’s strict instructions.
“Can I open my eyes now?”
“I don’t think so. Just give it a couple more minutes. We’re almost there.” I let out a huff expressing my exasperation with one of my best friends. We take a few more steps before Vince speaks again. “Okay. Open your eyes.”
He pulls the blindfold off as I squint my eyes trying to block out the bright sun that is reflecting off the snow. Once my vision adjusts, I can see all my friends standing in the bitter cold surrounded by mounds of snow. They all shout surprise in unison. Tommy and Amanda are standing in front of me holding snowballs in the palm of their hands.
“What’s going on? I thought you two couldn’t make it?”
“We lied. We wanted to surprise you. Like I would miss you turning 21.”
“What is all this? Where are we?” Heather steps over to me with Asher by her side. They both have snowballs in their hands as well.
“Remember the epic snowball fight in Ohio? Well, we all had so much fun we thought we would recreate it. Then after we are done, we get to go into the cabin you see behind us and have a real party with booze and a toasty fireplace. We all pitched in to rent this place out for the night.”
“This is incredible. I couldn’t ask for a better way to celebrate 21 years on this earth. Thank you all so much.”
Everyone hands me their weapons, telling me I get the first throw. But after that, it’s on. This is by far the best birthday I have ever
had. I can’t believe they went to all this trouble to make my day this special. I will never forget this. It makes all those years at home with my mother fade into the background. I’m finally starting to forget and maybe even forgive. I still haven’t heard from her. I would like to think she is somewhere getting help but I think if that was true, I would have heard from her by now. Maybe someday we can repair our battered relationship. I bring my focus back to the here and now.
The snowball fight was impressive to say the least. But I think we are all glad to be sitting in front of a warm fire place, melting away all the ice stuck to our clothes. Heather made everyone hot chocolate with a shot of Baileys to get things rolling. I warned her that I would not be drinking to the point of getting drunk. Those days are long gone for me. I hate feeling hung over.
“To the birthday girl!” Heather raises her mug, smiling at me. Everyone else joins her and wishes me a happy birthday.
Vince is standing behind me with his arms wrapped around my waist as he whispers in my ear. My whole body melts into his at the warmth of his words.
“I love you, Magnolia. Happy Birthday.”
Several drinks later and I’m feeling pretty buzzed. I decide it’s time to cut off the alcohol. Vince stopped a while ago. He has never been much of a drinker saying he doesn’t like the feeling of not being able to think clearly. So it must be the liquor playing tricks on my mind because I could have sworn I just saw Heather kissing Asher in the hallway. That can’t be right. My fuzzy brain tries to comprehend what’s happening but when I blink, they’re gone. Weird.
“Did you see that?” I turn my head around so I can see Vince’s eyes. Those beautiful brown eyes that made me fall in love with him.
“Did I see what?”
“Asher and Heather?”
“No. I haven’t seen them for a while now. Maybe I should get you to bed.”
“I like the way that sounds. You can take me to bed anytime.” He laughs in response but I’m so not joking.
Vince picks me up, carrying my limber body securely in his arms. Once we reach our bedroom, he closes the door behind us, making sure to lock it. He gently puts me down on the bed before giving me the best gift ever. He puts a sexy song on his phone as he starts to strip right before my eyes. At first, I’m so thrown off guard that I laugh a little. That is until he starts to really move. There is nothing funny about what his body does to mine. He removes each piece of clothing slowly, taking his time. Before his boxers fall to the floor, he motions for me to get up. I walk over to him with lust in my eyes.
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