by Tessa Teevan
Cohen wraps an arm around my waist and steps towards them. “I’d recognize that gorgeous shade of red anywhere. You must be Mrs. Kane.” He extends his hand, and I can tell that Mom’s already charmed.
Dad grunts, and Cohen turns to him.
“Mr. Kane. It’s nice to meet you. You have a wonderful daughter.”
Dad takes his hand and gives him a firm shake. “And you are?”
Mom slaps his chest. “Honey, you know this is Cohen. Cohen, it’s so nice to finally meet you. We’ve heard so much about you. Thank you for helping our Andi get through that dreaded science course.”
Cohen gives her a sweet smile. “Trust me. The pleasure was all mine.”
A choking sound escapes Riley, and he squares his shoulders as he crosses his arms over his chest. “Dude, that’s my sister,” he growls.
Heat floods onto my face when Mom asks him what he means. Fortunately, I hear someone calling Cohen’s name. I see Charlie waving at him. He places a kiss on my temple then turns towards my family.
“If you’ll excuse me. She’ll yell my name all over campus until I answer her. I’ll see you all later at the party.” With one more kiss, he walks away, and I wish he were taking me with him.
Mom slips her arm around my shoulder and we start to walk toward the parking lot. “Oh, sweetie, you’ve been holding out on us. He’s quite a handsome boy.” I blush again then look at Dad, who’s frowning. “Oh, don’t worry about him. You know your dad. He’s just depressed that his little girl, his only girl, is all grown up now. I’m sure he’ll love him.”
Dad mumbles something under his breath, and suddenly I have no idea how I’m going to tell him of my plans for the fall. He’s been pushing for graduate school since last summer, and I know he’s going to be disappointed. But it’s my future, and like Mom said, I’m all grown up. It’s time I start acting like it and go for the future I want because I’m the one who’s going to be living it. No one else can make the decision for me.
THE GRADUATION party at Andi’s house is well under way, and even though her Dad keeps giving me side glances like he doesn’t quite trust me with his little girl, I can’t help the high I’m on. I’m one step closer to fulfilling my dream of becoming a doctor. I have the girl of my dreams by my side, and nothing can bring me down tonight.
After playing a couple of rounds of corn hole in the backyard with Andi’s brother, he gives me a fist pump and tells me that I’m not so bad. That’s two down and one to go. Looking around the backyard, I see Mrs. Kane chatting with my parents and Reese’s mom, and it seems like they’re getting along just fine. Reese and Cy are by the grill, and many of their mutual friends are just hanging out, enjoying their first night at college graduates. I don’t see Andi, and when I ask Reese where she is, she gives me a weird glance and nods her head towards the house.
As I make my way inside, I stop when I hear raised voices coming from the living room. I know I should turn around and walk back outside, but instead, I gravitate closer when I realize the other voice is her father’s. The more I listen, the more it becomes clear what they’re arguing over—her future and how I’m playing a role in her decision making. This is news to me because I have no idea what she’s decided. I’ve been optimistic that she’s coming to Memphis, but she hasn’t actually told me that’s the case.
Before I can retreat, I hear a door slam down the hall and Mr. Kane is entering the kitchen, a heavy sigh on his lips. He stops when he sees me. I pretend I was just grabbing more wine, but I know it doesn’t fool him.
“I suppose you heard all of that,” he says, and I nod.
“Kind of hard not to when you’re yelling. She okay?” I ask, and I watch as his shoulders droop.
He brings a hand behind his neck like he’s trying to rub the stress away. “Look, it’s not that I don’t like you. You seem like a nice kid, and I haven’t seen my daughter’s face light up like that in a long time. Hell, I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so happy. That being said, I can’t help but be wary about her making life-changing decisions based on a relationship she’s only been in for four months.”
“With all due respect, sir, I love your daughter, and regardless of how long we have or haven’t been together doesn’t change the fact that I know I want a future with her.”
“It’s easy to say that when you’re the one still chasing your dreams and she’s giving up hers to be with you.”
What the hell? I’m at a loss because I have no idea what he’s talking about. I’d never expect Andi to give anything up for me.
“And while you’re off getting your M.D., what’s she going to be doing? Your cooking? Cleaning? Your laundry? Trust me. She’ll get tired of that eventually, and then all she’ll do is resent you. Do you really want that?”
“No, of course not—” I’m about to continue when he walks to the back door and cuts me off.
“Then I guess you have a choice to make,” he says before walking out and leaving me there to wonder what the hell I’m missing.
TO SAY that things didn’t go well with Dad would be an understatement. At first, he was okay with me not going to graduate school. He was totally on board with me jumpstarting my career with an internship. Until I told him I was going to accept a job in Memphis. Apparently, Mr. Wellington had told him earlier about Cohen going there in the fall for med school, and he astutely put two and two together. He accused me of settling for a small-time magazine all so I could follow a boy—his words, not mine—to another city.
I couldn’t exactly refute that—because, let’s be honest, he’s right—but the job isn’t necessarily a small-time one. Okay, sure, I’m not going to be working for Rolling Stone or anything, but the magazine that offered me a spot recently lost their junior music journalist, and they loved my work showcasing local talent. For Mayor Kane, however, that wasn’t good enough, and just like a petulant child, I stormed out on him and slammed my door. I wallowed in self-pity for a few minutes before rejoining the party with a smile plastered on my face, and no one, other than Dad, was the wiser.
When the party begins to die down and people start to leave, Dad pulls me aside and gives me a hug. “Andi, I didn’t mean to upset you. Just do me a favor. Don’t accept that job just yet. Give it a few weeks and weigh your options. Can you do that for me?”
I don’t have to give the magazine an answer until June fifteenth, and even though I know I’m not going to change my mind, I nod anyway. “Sure, Dad. I’ll keep my options open. But if and when I make my decision, I need you to respect it. Okay?”
He leans in and kisses my forehead, much like he always did when I was a little girl. “Okay, sweetheart.”
Feeling relieved that my dad has been placated, I allow myself to enjoy the rest of the night. Cohen’s acting a little off, and I’m not sure why. I sigh heavily, knowing that Dad messed up my plans for telling Cohen what I’d decided tonight. He’s been so patient with me, and he deserves to know, but if I expect Dad to keep his end of the bargain, I know I need to do the same by keeping my options open—even though I know I won’t change my mind.
After my parents leave, I feel more than exhausted and we say our goodnights before heading to my room. Slipping on one of Cohen’s t-shirts that I’ve commandeered in our time together, I finally crawl into bed. Cohen slips in behind me and wraps an arm around my waist.
“I finally get you all to myself for once today,” he whispers as he rains soft kisses on my neck. “I’ve missed you.”
Settling into his embrace, I let out a small laugh. “Cohen, we’ve been together the entire day. Not to mention every single day since January.”
His warm hand slides underneath my shirt and splays on my belly, the contact sending electrical pulses throughout my body. I press my ass back into him and can feel him hard against me.
“Yeah, but everyone else has had your attention.” His fingers trace small circles on my skin as his hand comes lower until they’re dipping into my panties. As one finger presses down on
my clit, I whimper, causing Cohen to chuckle. “Careful, baby. I don’t have a tie with me,” he says, reminding me of just how good our practicing sessions have been.
“Why didn’t we go back to your place?” I groan, knowing that the house is full with drunken friends who’ve stayed over. If the throbbing between my legs is any indication, my body is more than ready for Cohen to take me right now but I don’t want to put on a show.
“Too much to drink,” he whispers as he nibbles on the bottom of my earlobe. “Tomorrow, you’re packing up and spending the rest of the summer at my place. Clothing optional, of course.”
“Mmm, that sounds perfect.”
He rolls back and pulls me with him, tucking me underneath him as he hovers over me. “Good. I know it won’t be enough, but I need to get my fill of you before I leave,” he says, causing my heart to fall.
I’m about to say to hell with my bargain with dad, but he slowly slides a finger inside me and a whimper escapes my lips. His mouth comes down to cover mine, effectively shutting me up.
Cohen spends the rest of the night making slow, sweet love to me. He savors every taste, every touch, and when I try to get him to pick up the pace, he holds me still. It’s almost as if he’s doing what he said—trying to get his fill—because one of these days, he won’t have the option anymore.
Every time I open my mouth to tell him that I want to be with him, no matter where that is, he kisses me silent, breathless, until I can no longer think of anything other than Cohen filling every inch of me. Finally, he stops his lazy lovemaking and speeds things up, our bodies both so on fire from every thrust, every touch, every taste, that we both go over the edge together, our cries muffled as our mouths are fused together.
He cleans us up then pulls me into his arms, giving me a kiss on the forehead. “I’ll always love you, Ruby. No matter what.”
My heart leaps in my throat. His tone sounds…defeated, almost sad, and I wish I could read his thoughts. I’m too scared to ask him what’s wrong, and instead, I lay my head on his chest, listening to the sound of his heartbeat until I hear his breath even out and I know he’s asleep.
As exhausted as I feel, sleep escapes me, and I spend the rest of the night thinking about my future. With renewed determination, I tell myself that I’ll give Dad two weeks and then I’ll tell Cohen that I’m coming with him—as long as he still wants me.
“BABE! CAN we go back to my place?” Andi calls from the bedroom.
I’m lounging on the couch, watching baseball when she walks in wearing nothing but a strapless bra and very tiny panties.
“You walk out here looking like that and you expect me to take you back to your house? Sorry, baby, but Teddy’s already gotten a glance at the goods, and there’s no way that’s happening again.”
She laughs and throws a shirt at me. “Look, you big oaf. You’ve kept me locked up in your dungeon since we graduated, and I forgot to grab my dress for the engagement party.” I’m distracted by the way her chest is spilling out of her bra. “Cohen! Did you forget we’re leaving for Belle Meade tomorrow? Unless I get my dress, I’m going like this. I’m sure your brothers will just love to get a peek.”
I jump up at that and grab my keys, heading towards the door. “I told you that no one sees you like that but me. Come on,” I growl, pulling her along.
She stops just before I get to the door and shakes my shoulders. “Snap out of it, Wellington,” she says before yanking her arm out of my grip. “At least let me put some clothes on. Geesh. You have a one-track mind.”
Shaking her head, she waltzes down the hallway, wiggling her ass, and I follow right after her, ready to show her just how one-track my mind can be.
“ARE YOU excited about the party?” she asks, sitting next to me in the passenger’s seat, fully clothed, and rocking hot-as-hell, I-just-got-fucked hair. Which, well, is pretty damn accurate.
“It’s an engagement party, babe. Men don’t get excited about that kind of stuff,” I tell her, and she scoffs.
“Well, I have a surprise for you, so get excited about that at least.”
Cocking up an eyebrow, I glance over at her. “A surprise?”
“Oh yeah. And you’re going to love it.”
She doesn’t say another thing about it as she leans forward to turn the radio up, effectively ending the conversation. I wonder what it could possibly be. After graduation, she took me up on the offer of staying with me for the rest of the summer. Her expression shifted when I mentioned my leaving, but instead of letting her respond, I took the coward’s way out and shut her up with my mouth. Over next two weeks, we’ve barely left my apartment, coming up only for food, laundry, and showers—usually together. With no commitments and nothing but time—and generous parents who made it possible to go to school without working , we’ve been encased in our own little bubble, and I haven’t been ready to let it pop yet.
When we get to her place, she bounds off to her bedroom to grab the dress, and I head to the kitchen to get a drink. Teddy’s in there and gives me a head nod.
“Wow. He lives,” he jokes, and I just roll my eyes.
After grabbing a water out of the fridge, I sit down at the island. Teddy walks towards me and places a piece of paper in front of me before pressing a hip against the counter.
“Read it,” he says, and I give him a confused look before picking it up.
As I scan the piece of paper, my heartbeat quickens and I feel like I have tunnel vision.
Dear Ms. Kane,
We’re delighted to extend this offer…
I blink twice before reading through the internship offer two more times. Then I glance at the date, which is from just before graduation. I let it fall from my hands. Looking up, I see Teddy watching me.
“I’m guessing you didn’t know about this.”
Shaking my head, I’m at a loss about what to say. “No,” I choke out.
Teddy grabs the paper and shoves it under my nose—as if my reading it three times through weren’t enough. “You know this is for one of the most prestigious magazines in the country, right? You can’t let her turn this down for you, Wellington.”
Bracing the edge of counter, I try to collect my racing thoughts, but it’s no use. How long has she known? And why the fuck did Bennett know about it before I did? When was she going to tell me? More importantly, what is she going to tell me?
Closing my eyes, I remember her dad’s words. I’d never make her choose her dreams over me, and if this is what she wants, why is she so scared to tell me? Shock. Anger. Betrayal. Loss. These emotions roll through me, and when I open my eyes, Teddy’s giving me a sympathetic look. All it does is ignite the anger even more. It also causes the fear to seep in, because this might really be it. I might actually lose the only thing I’ve come to want in my life. I just might lose my girl, and I don’t know what the hell I’m going to do.
AFTER FINDING my little black dress, Reese sidetracks me for a bit with her excitement over finally setting a wedding date. When I finally make my way to the kitchen, I find Teddy and Cohen in some sort of weird stare down.
“Umm, hello? Are you two going to make out or something? Should I come back later?” I joke, but neither of them cracks a smile.
“He’s not my type,” Teddy says before giving Cohen a pointed look that has me wondering what in the hell is going on.
Teddy leaves the room without so much as a goodbye, and it’s a few seconds before Cohen looks up at me. I can’t read his expression, and when he scoots back from the island and stands, he stuffs something in his back pocket and asks if I’m ready.
The ride home is silent, and there’s tension filling the air, though I have no idea why. I wonder if it has something to do with whatever I walked in on in the kitchen with him and Teddy, but I’m too much of a coward to ask what’s wrong. When we get home, Cohen heads straight to the bathroom, and when I ask if he’s hungry, he merely gives me a grunt. Okay…
I’m busy in the kitchen making dinner w
hen I feel his presence behind me. Turning around, I plant a smile on my face, hoping a hot shower helped change his mood. My face falls when I see him leaning against the doorframe, his arms folded over his chest. I have no idea what the hell his deal is, and I turn off the stove and lean against the counter, crossing my arms to mimic him. We’re in some weird standoff as we stare at each other, neither of us saying a word.
Finally, I can’t take it anymore. “Cohen, what’s going on? Did I do something to piss you off? Because this whole broody, silent treatment thing isn’t working for me.”
“What are we doing here, Andi?” Something about the way he says my name sounds off, and I miss him calling me Ruby. He sweeps his hands out. “All this. Playing house. For what? So you can leave me in a few months? Get my hopes up and then what? Tell me you’re leaving? Huh? Why drag it out? Just do it now.”
“What are you talking about you? You invited me to stay here for the summer. You were the one who wanted to ‘play house’ until you left. This was all your idea,” I say, pointing at him, my voice shaky. I have no idea what’s going on with him. I thought this was what he wanted.
“New York, Ruby. I’m talking about New York,” he whispers, and my heart falters. Oh fuck.
“How do you know about that?” I ask, which is clearly the wrong thing to say.
He gives a soft laugh with a hurt expression in his eyes. “When were you going to tell me? More importantly, why did I have to find out from Bennett? Of all people, that fucker was the one to inform me.”
Oh, double fuck. I begin to walk towards him, and he shakes his head. Stopping in the middle of the room, I steel myself for this upcoming fight. Fucking Teddy.