He tickled my side lightly.
"You trying to get rid of me, Miss Quinn?" he asked.
I shook my head, pushing his hands away from my sides.
I loved when he played with me, his light teasing mood. This side of him was my favorite side.
"Of course not," I said. "I just want to know how long I've got with my boyfriend today."
Colin kissed me atop my head, grinning at me.
"Well, as you may have guessed, I've got something planned for tonight after your party," he said. "But I've got a couple surprises during the day, so I'll probably be here until about an hour before your party starts. I've arranged for Brody and Michie to give you a ride."
I frowned, opening the buttons of Colin's shirt and running my fingers along the ridges of his abs. He stiffened beneath my touch, and then smiled down at my hands as they ran along his perfectly sculpted body.
"So that's it, huh?" I asked. "I have this hot boyfriend with the most beautiful green eyes, who's sweet, kind, and puts up with my crazy ass. I'm likely the envy of every girl at Valley who had an eye on you. And tonight I have this kick-ass 17th birthday party being thrown for me, and I don't even get the benefit of walking into my party with you on my arm?"
I sat up, swinging my leg over Colin's lower half and straddling his hips. His knees bent, supporting me from behind as he ran his hand under my shirt and up my back.
"Well if a pretty girl like you wants me on her arm, how can I ever say no?" he said through clenched teeth as I continued to rub my hands along his stomach and chest.
I grinned, my feet flat on either side of him, shaking my head at him.
"Oh, no, don't do me any favors," I said, leaning forward and trailing kisses along his chest and up to his neck. "You see, I've got a smokin' hot boyfriend, and he doesn't take too kindly to me taking other people to events as my date."
Colin's hands fingered my stomach, and then traveled a few inches higher so they reached my breasts. He moved them around my torso so that his hands rested on my back.
"Hmm, he's not a very smart man if he's willing to let you go to a party alone," Colin said. "Gorgeous as you are, I wouldn't let you out of my sight for a single second." He kissed me on the lips, removing his hands from beneath my shirt. "I'll be there at your party, baby girl. I'll actually be there before you will, and you can enter your party with the man who loves you most on your arm."
"Promise?" I asked, smiling widely.
Colin nodded once, and I hopped off the bed, taking his hand. I dragged him to a sitting position, then pulled him up.
"Come on," I said. "I need to go say happy birthday to my womb-mate."
He chuckled as I opened the door, pulling him behind me. The minute we hit the hallway, Nomi stepped out of her room, a smile lighting her face up.
"Hey!" she said. "Hi Westwick." She greeted Colin with a quick nod, and then wrapped me in a tight hug. "Happy birthday, Kales!"
I smiled at her, returning her embrace.
I totally appreciated her enthusiasm about my birthday since she had been scarce as of late. It seemed normal that we drifted apart once I got a boyfriend and she started high school, but it bothered me immensely that I didn't get to see her at home.
"Thanks, Nomi," I told her, knocking on the door to Nikkolas's room. "Nikky!"
Nomi sauntered off downstairs, probably realizing that I wanted my own time with my twin.
"It's open!" a female voice said from inside.
Colin and I exchanged glances, and I smirked, twisting the doorknob and pushing the door open to find Sarah and Nikky sprawled out on the floor. Sarah flashed me a sheepish grin, waving at me from her position lying on my brother's chest.
"Happy birthday, Nickayla," she said.
I leaned against my brother's dresser, smirking down at them.
"Well, well, well," I mused. "Here I thought you let Colin in because you wanted to do something nice for me. Instead, he was the Nikkolas Quinn version of damage control." I looked at Sarah. "And thank you, by the way."
"Happy birthday to you, too, Kales," Nikky said, struggling to a sitting position.
"Happy birthday, womb-mate," I replied.
I tugged on Colin's shirt, pulling him back to my bedroom. He followed me wordlessly, closing my bedroom door behind him. He leaned up against my door, looking at me with hungry eyes.
"Are you ogling my ass, Colin Daniel?" I asked, placing my hands on my hips.
I was vaguely aware of the fact that I was wearing a black tank top that did wonders for my cleavage and a pair of pajama shorts that showed off my legs.
"Hell yes I am, Nickayla Alicia," he retorted. "It's a pretty great ass, baby." He winked at me, taking off his jeans so that he was in his boxers, and pulling off his t-shirt so that he was wearing a wife beater. "Where do you want me? On the floor? I could take the couch, or one of the guest rooms."
I shook my head, sashaying over to him and wrapping my arms around his neck. He lifted me into the air and my legs crossed around his waist. He placed his hands at the small of my back, shaking his head at my courage.
"Nope," I said. "I want you in my bed, so that I can sleep peacefully on the best birthday ever."
Colin nodded, walking over to my bed and putting me down. He climbed onto the bed with me, cuddling with me. I rested my head on his stomach splaying my hand flat on his chest.
"I am more than happy to oblige, sweet girl," he whispered, kissing my hair. "I love you so much."
I closed my eyes, and fell asleep in the arms of the man that I loved.
Upon opening my eyes, I stretched out in my bed, reaching for Colin, only to find that he wasn't there. I sat up, pulling my sheet up to my chest as I looked around the room. Frowning at his absence, I reached for my cell phone, clearing all my Facebook notifications, and then typing out a text to Colin.
Me: What a way to wake up on my birthday. I'm SO telling my boyfriend on you.
I pulled my knees up to my chest, and within seconds, a text message was coming in.
Babe <3: I'm downstairs in the kitchen, silly. Get your cute butt down here.
I tossed the sheet back, hopping out of my bed. Slipping my feet into a pair of sandals, I rushed downstairs to the kitchen.
He was standing over the stove, shirtless, and wearing a pair of sweatpants that hung low on his hips. I bit my lower lip as I took in the sight of my boyfriend, then walked over to him and wrapping my arms around his chest from behind.
"Good morning," I said.
He turned around to face me, his green eyes running down my body and back up so that our gazes met.
"Morning, birthday girl," he replied, turning off the eyes of the stove and taking about six strips of bacon out of the frying pan. He placed them on a paper towel to drain, then gestured toward the table. "Sit down. I'll serve you. You're not lifting a single pretty finger today."
I grinned, taking a seat at my kitchen table and crossing my legs. I could totally get used to being spoiled like this. Colin was being so sweet, and before I got the chance to thank him for all that he'd done so far, I caught a glimpse of yet another gift-wrapped package sitting on the counter.
"Is that gift number two?" I asked, pointing at the package.
He nodded, walking toward me with two plates in his hands.
"Yes it is," he said. "I made you French toast and bacon. Your favorite right?"
I took a plate from him, not hesitating to dig in. Colin had adorned the French toast with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, and the bacon had been crisped to perfection. The first bite of something Colin prepared for me was always the best, and I tried to savor and cherish it for as long as was possible.
"Mmm," I said. "This is amazing."
Colin grinned up at me from his plate.
I took the fact that he'd just taken a bite of his food to admire his appearance. His hair was disheveled, and his chest rose and fell slowly, drawing all my attention to the perfectly sculpted muscles.
"Nic
kayla, eat," he said.
"It's hard to focus on food when my boyfriend looks downright scrumptious," I retorted. "You are incredibly distracting, Mr. Westwick."
He chuckled softly, pushing away from the table.
"I can go put on a shirt if you like," he said.
"No," I replied, quicker than I should have. "I'm quite enjoying the view."
I took another bite of my food, closing my eyes.
I remembered last year on my birthday, how I refused to leave my bedroom. A party was completely out of the question, and I didn't want to see anyone. My friends didn't know how to deal with me and my family just wanted to see me happy.
This year, they were getting their wish.
"When can I open my gift?" I asked.
Normally, I wasn't too keen on gifts, but after the romantic gift that he'd given me last night, I was beginning to get excited about what else he had in store for me.
"You can open it now, actually," Colin said, pushing his plate away, standing up and picking up the package. He looked down at it with such pride, as though he was more excited than I was for me to open it. He set it down on the table in front of me, grinning at me like a four-year-old boy who'd just tied his shoe for the first time. "I really hope you like it."
Oh boy. Shy Colin was back with a vengeance, and I knew what that meant: he had put a lot of thought into this gift, and he was nervous about what I would think of it.
I unwrapped the gift slowly and cautiously, only to find that it was a Hamilton Beach Crock Pot box. I looked at him questioningly, but I could see that that wasn't my gift from the expression on his face, so I ripped the box open.
Immediately, I reached for the items on top. There were four felt journals in various colors: pink, purple, turquoise, and black. My name was etched in gold script on the cover of each one. I looked up at Colin with tears springing to my eyes. I opened my mouth to say something, but was rendered speechless. I picked up the journals, pulling them out one by one and admiring them.
There was another box inside the bigger box, wrapped just as elegantly as the former. I pulled it out, ripping the paper off excitedly. I sucked in a shocked breath as I looked down at the dark purple HP laptop computer.
"Colin," I gasped. "I...I can't accept this. This must have cost a fortune!"
He shook his head, waving it off as though it was nothing.
As flattered as I was at the gift that he'd given me, the extravagance was mildly off-putting.
"I enlisted Nomi's help in picking this out," Colin said. "I know how much you love journaling, but I heard from a little birdie that you also dabble in fiction writing every now and again." Colin crossed over to kneel in front of me. He placed his hands on my knees, staring up at me through long lashes. "Nickayla, I don't want you to dabble. I want you to be able to chase your dreams, and I've got a feeling that writing is one of them."
Well, that definitely did it. Tears started pouring uncontrollably from my eyes, and Colin stood up to wrap his arms around me as I sobbed against him.
Extravagance aside, it was such a thoughtful and meaningful gift. Maybe we hadn't been together for very long, and maybe we didn't know each other very well, but that was the thing about Colin. He took the initiative to try to get to know me and he tried to give me gifts and experiences that he knew I would likely never forget.
"Babe," I said, through muffled tears. "This is so thoughtful and sweet, Colin, but it's too much. I can't accept this."
Colin took my face in his hands, wiping my tears away with the pads of his thumbs. I leaned in to his touch, closing my eyes.
"Nickayla, look at me," he said. I forced my eyes open, even though I was choked up at how amazing my birthday already was. "I want to give you the world, pretty girl. This is just the start of it. Please, accept this, because this is my favorite of all the gifts I've gotten you."
"All the gifts?" I asked, incredulously. "How many more are there? Colin, you've already given me more than I ever could have wished for."
Colin placed an index finger to my lips, shaking his head as he shushed me. He placed his hands gingerly on either side of my face, gazing into my eyes with a pure, unadulterated reverence.
"I'm just getting started, baby," he whispered in a voice that was seductively sexy.
I stood up from where I sat, walking over to Colin's chair, whipping my leg around the lower part of his body so that I was straddling his legs. I twined my fingers in the hair at the back of his head, eliciting a moan from his soft, supple lips as mine descended upon them. He placed his hands on my hips, pushing me away slightly as he rested his forehead against mine.
"You are seriously putting my endurance to the test, Nickayla Quinn," he groaned.
I giggled, kissing him once more.
"Why don't we go upstairs and test your endurance some more?" I asked, the need to kiss him without interruption more vital than ever.
"And so I can properly thank you for the best," I said, kissing his jaw, "birthday," I kissed the sweet spot right beneath his ear, "ever." I kissed him on the lips and he picked me up in one smooth motion, my legs wrapped around his waist as I squealed with delight.
"Colin!" I giggled.
He raced upstairs, pushing my door open and tossing me rather unceremoniously on my bed.
"I love you," he said, as he descended upon me, sealing and affirming his words with a gracious kiss.
Twenty Four.
Colin had left two hours ago, and I had barely finished getting ready. I twisted my curls so that they looked tighter, then sprayed my roots with saltwater to lift my hair at the crown. I stared in my vanity mirror, and then turned around at the sound of a faint knocking on my door.
"Come in!" I exclaimed, standing up and putting on my heels.
"Ay Dios mio!" Michie said from my doorway. "Nickayla Quinn you are on fire!"
I grinned at her, walking over and wrapping my arms around her in a tight hug. I pulled away, examining her outfit. She was wearing a skintight black skirt that came to mid-thigh, a lacy red peplum top that accentuated her waist, and sky-high black wedges with an ankle strap. If anyone could give me a run for my money on my own birthday, Michele could.
"Oh, you're one to talk," I said. "You're smokin' hot, Mich!"
She extended her arm to me, grinning widely.
"Come along, m'lady," Michie said. "I believe we have a party to attend."
I took her arm, accompanying her downstairs.
Honestly, Michele was more excited about my birthday party than I was. Ever since we were kids, she wanted me to get excited about having a party, but it was never really my thing. I went through the motions until I was ten, but after that, I stuck to sleepovers and family dinners. After last year and its events, as well as this year and how far I'd come, I knew that a party was long overdue to help me and all the people close to me get past my unexplained depression.
I locked the doors behind me as we headed outside. Brody stepped out of his truck and rushed over to me, embracing me tightly, and kissing me on the forehead.
"You look great, Nic," he said, bowing in front of me and opening the back door for me. He took my hand and helped me climb in, then proceeded to do the same for Michele in the front passenger's seat. "Happy birthday."
"Thank you," I replied, smiling.
Mine and Nikkolas's party was being thrown at my mom's friend's house--more like mansion if you ask me--and the drive over there was over thirty minutes long. I wasn't allowed to be part of the process of planning my party with the exception of my cake and the guest list, but I knew that it would satisfy me because of the fact that Nomi and Michie were in on it.
As Brody helped me out of the car, I was immediately shocked with how big the house was. I had never seen a house that huge in Harlow before. The second shocker of the night was that there was no sight of decorations on the outside of the house.
There was, however, a handsome boy sitting on the front porch steps with a bouquet of lilies in his hand. He
ran his fingers through his hair as he lifted his head and his eyes met mine through long dark lashes. A slow, sweet smile crept up on his face as he rose to meet me, his eyes alight with more affection than I ever could have hoped for.
Colin laced his arm around my waist, pulling me in close and kissing me on top of my head. He leaned in to place a kiss on my jaw, and as he did, he whispered in my ear, "And I thought you looked great in your pajamas this morning." He inhaled sharply, and then cleared his throat. "This look definitely takes the cake, beautiful."
I flushed, certain that my entire face was a deep crimson color. I wrapped my arm around Colin's lower half, letting him lead me inside.
He held the door open for me, and I was abruptly taken aback at the sight of the inside of the house. A plethora of peach and navy blue balloons floated atop the ceiling, and sheer gossamer curtains separated the house from the party outside.
"Did you help with all of this?" I asked Colin.
"Some of it," he said. "I was kinda busy setting up your surprise for later, but once I was done, I came and helped with as much as I could."
I nodded, thankful that he had been there to help my family set up for my party, but slightly disappointed at the fact that he had met my mom and my Nonna and I wasn't there to see it.
We stepped outside, and I was greeted by a flurry of people rushing over to me to wish me a happy birthday. Colin released me, allowing me to say hello to everyone. I caught sight of my brothers, Nomi, Sarah, Hanna, and all the kids talking to Nonna at the appetizer table. I made my way over to them, scooping up Nathan's son, Christopher, and snuggling him to my chest.
"Hi, Nonna!" I exclaimed, wrapping my arms around her.
Nonna was my grandmother on Mom's side, and I hadn't seen her in months. She was my favorite person in the entire world, simply because she would be there for me whenever I needed her, and she'd never ask questions. She was the sweetest person I knew, and she was the funniest. She was known for giving Daddy a hard time--as well as any guy Nomi or I tried to date--but everyone loved her anyway.
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