by Toni Aleo
She waves Sofia off before wrapping an arm around her. “Grace.”
They share a heartfelt smile. “You should come to dinner at the end of the month. I think Elli is making her famous chicken.”
Amelia groans loudly. “Sofia, have you had fried chicken?”
“Yeah…”
“Southern fried?”
“Is there a difference?”
We all answer, “Yes.”
Her face lights up as she laughs, her eyes falling to mine. “Then I guess I’ll have to come.”
Yes, you will, I say in my head, but my lips just curve. I know my aunt and uncle will love her.
“Yes! Shelli will be there, Mom. Did you know she dyed her hair?”
I whip my head around to my sister. “Dyed it?”
“Yeah, for the play she’s in. She went blond, like bright blond. She told me it took over three hours to get her hair that light. She looks so weird!”
Mom nods, and while I don’t know jack shit about hair, I know my cousin has been a brunette her whole life. I’m really unsure that she can pull off blond.
Mom agrees with me. “I don’t like it. But you know, she’s living her dreams.”
“Crazy,” I say, and I wonder how I missed that. I follow her on Snapchat, but then, I haven’t really been checking that. I’ve been a little preoccupied with my phone ever since Sofia finally decided to text me. She told me it was weird at first, but now, we do it all the time. I don’t pay a lick of attention in my boring classes; I’m too busy sending her little emojis and funny memes. She’s more responsible and pays attention in class, but that doesn’t stop her from sharing her day with me when she has time. She’s busy, but so am I. Yet we make time to chat. Now, if I can get her alone, I’d say things are going pretty damn good for us.
Mom wraps her arms around Sofia and then Amelia, and she hugs them tightly. “You two did amazing tonight. You can work whenever you like.”
“Can we this weekend? We get back from the meet Friday night. Late, but we can be up that morning, can’t we, Am?”
Amelia nods eagerly. “Yeah, of course.”
Mom looks between the two of them. “Well, if y’all don’t think you’ll be too tired, then yes, I actually have events all weekend.”
“Can you put us down?” Sofia asks with a sweet grin on her face.
I try not to be jealous. I want to spend time with her, but I know she wants to work. I get it, but still, I’m a little put out. She isn’t even your girlfriend, I remind myself, and I know that. Even if she were, I would never ask her to spend time with me instead of doing what she needs to get her mom here. I’m not that guy. But in my head, I’ll complain and be a baby about it. I just want to spend time with her. See her. Touch her. Kiss that sweet mouth of hers and then some. I’m so ready to get closer, but I refuse to rush this and scare her away. I mean, we went from her basically telling me to fuck off to getting sweet kisses here and there. I need to be patient, but man, I want her.
“Of course!”
They beam up at my mom, and Sofia’s grin hits me square in the chest. Damn, she’s so pretty. Her hair is up in that bun she is obsessed with, and she’s wearing a white button-up and black slacks. Unlike my sister, who is wearing pumps like a nut, Sofia picked some black Nikes, looking adorably practical. Though, I think I’m pretty much so infatuated with her that she could wear sweats with her hair in a bird’s nest, and I’d still think she is the most beautiful girl sent from heaven.
Just for me.
When Mom turns to me, she kisses my cheek. “I love you, Ryan.”
I wrap my arms around her neck. “Love you, Mom.”
“Thank you for bringing them in and waiting.”
Amelia and Sofia look up at me, and I shrug, cutting my eyes to Sofia’s. “It’s cool. Gave me a reason to spend time with them.”
“He means her,” Amelia says, hooking a thumb to Sofia.
Sofia’s face fills with color. “Really?”
Mom grins. “Oh, things going well?” she asks me.
I glance back to Sofia, whose cheeks are bright red, her eyes wide. With a grin, I say, “I’d say so.”
Mom turns to Sofia. “And you said you weren’t interested! Do you see this face? He is adorable!”
When she grabs my face, squeezing it to make my lips purse, I somehow get out, “Mom!”
Amelia is cackling like a witch, but Sofia looks like she’s two seconds from finding an exit. “I hate you both.”
I laugh along with everyone as I drink her in. She’s so pretty when she’s embarrassed. The way her cheeks turn bright red and she presses her lips together is damn near irresistible. She doesn’t hate me one bit, and I know it.
And I sure don’t hate her.
After saying bye to my mom, we pile into my truck and head back to campus. Amelia is talking animatedly about whatever it is that is exciting her at the moment, but I pay her no mind. Sofia took her shoes off, and now her feet are on the dash of my truck, making me feel like we’re in a country song. Her little teal and black painted nails are driving me wild. My hand is in hers, and her fingers lace with mine so naturally. It’s a simple touch that leaves me breathless. I have had the hottest sex ever with plenty of girls, but none of that made me feel the way Sofia’s hand makes me feel. It’s weird, almost private. I think it’s because she’s somewhat shy, which is crazy since I’ve watched her dance like no one is watching at a meet. She’s shy around me, and I like that. I like that I make her feel like this, ’cause she makes me feel the same.
As I glance over at her, she leans her head back, her gaze meeting mine, and her lips turn up. Fuck, I can’t get enough of her. I feel like I’m in a little over my head. I was so set on just having fun this year, concentrating on school and hockey, but then this girl flipped into my life, and I sure as hell don’t know what I’m supposed to do with these feelings. It’s crazy how fast things change. How one person can just change it. But I’m also terrified. What if she’s just in this for fun? She resisted me like crazy; that has to mean something.
I don’t want to accept that.
Taking a deep breath, I ask, “Did you have fun tonight?”
She sighs. “I’m unsure how my mom does three jobs, but I have a new respect for her, for sure.”
I nod. “Working sucks sometimes.”
“I think everyone at the party was an alcoholic.”
Amelia giggles. “Table three was.”
We all laugh together as I get off the highway. “How was that computer science test today?”
Sofia groans beside me, leaning her head on my shoulder. “Well, I didn’t bomb it, but I worked for that B like no other. I stayed up all night last night studying. I’m beat.” She sends me a tired grin. “But your notes helped so much.”
“Yeah, if she can read your handwriting. Jeez, Ryan, did you forget there are supposed to be spaces between letters?” Amelia teases, and I glare back at her.
“No, but I’m about to forget how to drive you home.”
She sticks her tongue out at me while Sofia chuckles. I chance a peek at Sofia, and she’s watching me. A little grin tugs her lips up, and I feel good.
“If you need some extra help, I aced that class.”
“Oh yes, please. I hate not getting an A.”
“Yeah, no problem. I’ll even buy you a cup of coffee.”
She leans into me, fluttering her lashes at me. “And a Danish?”
I shake my head. “Well, yeah, but I’m eating half.”
She beams up at me. “Or you can get your own?”
Laughter fills the car as we arrive at their dorm. Parking, I turn off the truck and start to get out.
Sofia stops me. “You don’t have to walk us in. We’re together. We’ll be fine.”
“I want to.”
She wants to fight me, but then her lips are turning up in a sneaky grin. “You just want a kiss good night,” she accuses, sending a grin at Amelia, but she’s already out of the truck.
“Yup,” I answer, taking Sofia’s hand and helping her out. “Since I know you won’t let me take you out tonight.”
“I’m sorry,” she answers softly as I shut the door behind her. “But I’m glad you’re walking us, ’cause I do want a kiss too. I just didn’t want to inconvenience you.”
My heart thuds in my chest as I wrap my arm around her neck. “You can’t inconvenience me, Sofia.”
I kiss her temple, and then she looks up at me through her lashes. “Well, that’s a nice thing to say.”
“It’s the truth. Plus, I get to look at you. My favorite thing.”
She beams up at me, and I almost take those sweet lips with mine, but then my sister’s voice interrupts us. “I’m going to need a boyfriend or something. I can’t do this third-wheel bullshit,” she complains, throwing her hands up.
She stomps ahead of us, and I squeeze Sofia in closer. “I think she’s pissed.”
“Or annoyed.”
I nod. “She’ll be okay. You sure we can’t sneak away?”
“I’m really tired. I wouldn’t be much company.”
“Remember, I just want to stare at you.”
She snorts. “Believe me, you don’t want to stare at me when I’m drooling and snoring.”
I chuckle. “Maybe I do.”
Her eyes darken as she wraps her arms around me, holding me close. “You’re impossible.”
I know she’s tired, so I don’t push. I just hold her against me, enjoying her intoxicating scent. The walk to her dorm is quiet. It’s late, so everyone should be in bed, except for some of the stoners and drinkers. I don’t pay them any mind though, not when I have Sofia in my arms.
When she looks up to me, I gaze into her eyes as she asks, “So what are we doing tomorrow?”
My lips curve as I hold her tighter. “It’s a surprise.”
“Really?” she asks, breathless.
I send her a grin. “Yup, I’m gonna knock your boots off.”
“I don’t wear boots.”
“Fine, your Nikes.”
She laughs out loud, and I can’t get enough of her. Her laugh takes up her whole face, and her eyes close a bit. She is incredible. “Hopefully you’ll enjoy yourself.”
She seems a little unsure, but she says, “I’m sure I will.”
“I want you to because, you know, I like you. A lot.”
Her eyes search mine. “Oh?”
“Yup, it’s true,” I say smugly, and she snorts. “I’m not gonna try to act like I don’t.”
“Oh, well, how nice,” she says sweetly right as her lips purse.
“Nothing? You don’t like me?”
Her eyes, fuck, they sparkle so pretty. “Well, you know, I like you too.”
I didn’t know that, and her words send my heart into a frenzy. “Oh, really? I thought you weren’t attracted to me.”
She gives me an innocent look. “I may have bent the truth.”
“Bent?”
“Okay, I totally lied,” she admits. “I just didn’t know what I wanted.”
I flash her a grin. “Well, I know what I want.”
Her eyes meet mine. “What?”
“You.”
“Me?”
“All you,” I whisper as we reach her door.
She turns in my arms, pressing her palms into my chest. “Should I be scared by that?”
“Yeah,” I whisper against her lips. “But excited too.”
Her eyes dance with mine as I hold her close. “Funny, I feel all that.”
“Good.” I dust my lips over hers, my body going so tight I think it may break. “I’ll pick you up from the gym tomorrow.”
“Ten?”
“Yup.”
“Great. Good night, Ryan.” She tries to turn out of my arms, but I hold her still, my eyes searching hers. “You think you’re going somewhere?” She giggles as I move my lips to hers. “Kiss me.”
She sounds breathless as she whispers, “Okay.”
I have to say, I like agreeable Sofia a hell of a lot more than resistant Sofia.
But maybe it’s just Sofia that I like.
All of her.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Sofia
The funny thing about surprise is that, for me, I’ve never felt that feeling. When I would land a skill, I wasn’t surprised. I knew I could do it. I know there is greatness in me. When my mom was diagnosed with MS, only pain and fear rattled my soul. When I blew out my knee for the second time, it was failure. I never had parties when I was younger. My mom never had the money to surprise me with something nice, so we didn’t do that. I had everything I needed, everything I wanted, and that was that.
But today… Today, I’m surprised.
I stand in the middle of a beautiful field of small white flowers, so many they cover the ground like a huge blanket. Ryan glances back at me as he holds my hand, an insanely gorgeous smile on his face. When we were driving here, he wouldn’t tell me anything. And then, after a ten-minute walk, we entered this field that seems to go on for miles. A pergola sits in the middle of it, and I’m pretty sure it doesn’t belong here. It’s covered in flowers, and on the floor are fluffy white blankets and pillows. In the middle of it is a picnic basket with candles and a setup for lunch.
It’s the most romantic thing I’ve ever seen.
“Wow,” I breathe, and his face says it all. He succeeded. “You did this for me?”
He shrugs, lacing his fingers with mine. “My mom helped, but yeah. I thought maybe you’d like it.”
“I love it.”
He seems relieved. “Really?”
I nod eagerly. I’m completely out of breath, and my heart is pounding in my chest. “Yes, I do. It’s stunning.”
He stops, kissing my wrist. “You haven’t even tried the pasta salad my aunt made us or the cake Posey made. You’re in for a treat.”
Doesn’t he know he’s the treat? I don’t say that, though. I don’t know if it’s stupid, so I follow along as he pulls me to the middle of the pergola before dropping to his knees and crawling in. I follow suit before kicking off my shoes since I don’t want to get the blankets dirty. When he hands me another blanket, I smile.
“It’s a bit chilly this morning. In case you get cold, let me know. I have my Bullies sweatshirt for you.”
My heart soars. “I’m actually cold. Can I have it?”
He nods before getting it out of a basket that was tucked under the bench. He hands it to me and grins as I put it on quickly. It swallows me whole, but it smells just like him. All spicy and manly. I know my hair is probably a mess, but by the way he is looking at me, I don’t think he cares. He reaches over, pulling on one of my curls and watching it spring up as a grin plays on his lips. “I love your hair like this.”
Oh, he is going to be the death of me. What a way to go.
“Thank you.”
“No, thank you for being so stunning.”
“I don’t think I do it on purpose, and you’re the only one who tells me this.”
He chuckles. “Everyone notices, they just don’t know how to approach such beauty.”
I snort. “You know I’m not leaving, right? You don’t need to lay it on so thick.”
He shrugs. “Maybe I just feel every girl should know how pretty and amazing she is. I think that’s what’s wrong with our society now. Everyone feels they’re not enough, when they are, each in their own right.” He pauses, leaning back on his haunches. “It upsets me to know that my baby girl cousin, Posey, can feel anything but beautiful, even if she doesn’t dress or look like Shelli or Amelia. Or that Quinnie doesn’t feel good enough because he can’t play hockey like the twins and me. They are amazing, all of them. I listened to my dad, and my uncle tells us that plenty. Which is good. If kids were loved as individuals the way they’re supposed to be, maybe we wouldn’t have such a shitty fucking bullying epidemic.”
I part my lips when he pauses, an embarrassed grin covering his face. I think I’m feel
ing something real serious for this guy.
“Shit, I’m rambling, sorry.”
It is refreshing, though. “No, it’s true. Girls are judged for every little thing, and so are guys, just different stuff. It’s sad.”
“It is,” he agrees. “I know I struggle with my insecurities, and if I didn’t have the support I have, I would be so much worse.”
“I don’t believe for a second you struggle.”
He scoffs. “All the time, especially with hockey. And then with if a certain girl likes me or not… And, by the way, I didn’t give two shits who liked me or didn’t before I met her.”
My face warms as I stay locked in his gaze. “But you care now?”
“All the time,” he says, holding out a glass of OJ to me. “So yeah, get used to it, Miss Castilleja, because you need to know how gorgeous you are. And I’m pretty sure I was put on this earth to tell you so.”
Oh, be still my heart. “Well, I have no clue what to say to that.”
He leans across the picnic basket, his eyes burning into mine. “A kiss will do.”
My lips quirk, and without much thought, I lean toward him, giving him a smacking kiss on his delectable lips. But when I try to pull back, he tugs me back in, deepening the kiss. My toes curl, my heart flutters, and I know I’ve never been lost like I am when I’m with him. His face feels so soft under my hand while his fingers dance along my neck. When he pulls back, a grin covers the lips that just destroyed me before he presses them to my nose. “You drive me crazy,” I admit, and his grin doesn’t disappear.
“Good,” he says as he pours himself a glass of OJ. “So, tell me, did you have a nice workout?”
I groan, leaning back on the pillows. Man, he really went out of his way here. “Your sister is gonna kill me. She’s dead set on competing in all-around, and she can do it, but she won’t get out of her own head on beam. It’s killing me.”
“She used to be a beast on beam.”
My heart aches for my best friend. “Yeah, she told me that. But since your dad passed, I guess it hasn’t been as easy.”