Forever Mine

by Kennedy Fox

  I inhale, letting the reality of this whole thing sink in. “Are you sure about this, Hayden?”

  “About seeing your parents? Of course.”

  “No, not that.” I suck in my lips. “Uprooting your life, leaving your brother, your job. Everything. For me? My life is…chaotic on the best days. I have rehearsals, auditions, studying my lines, voice lessons, and performances. I feel like I’m going to let you down.”

  My eyes prick with tears, and I hate how my insecurities are getting the best of me at a time like this. Hayden kneels in front of me and takes my hand, looking so damn sexy.

  “Sav, I’ve waited ten years for this moment. I never knew if I’d see you again, never knew if I’d—if we’d—get a second chance. This weekend has shown me what really matters. I knew I loved you when I was sixteen years old, so I’ve never been more sure of anything in my entire life. If I didn’t think it’d scare the shit out of you, I’d get down on one knee and propose to you right now.” He flashes a smirk and wink.

  His last comment has me laughing.

  “You and me, baby. That’s all I need. The rest we’ll figure out. I have no doubt about that.” Hayden brings my hands to his mouth and kisses my knuckles.

  I smile, his words giving me the reassurance I desperately needed.

  Hayden cups my cheek. “I love you. Don’t forget it.”

  I lean into his touch, then kiss his palm. “Never.”

  After saying goodbye to my parents, and my mother squealing like crazy that Hayden and I were back together, it was time to go to the airport. Donny’s driving the rental car and meeting me there. I felt dread the entire way there, not knowing when Hayden would be able to move. I’d miss him for sure, but another part was scared he’d change his mind. I know I shouldn’t doubt him, but it’s just such a big commitment and change. Though, he knows what he’s doing and what he wants—me.

  The entire way there, Hayden’s fingers are interlocked with mine, and when it’s time to leave, I hesitate. Everything feels too good to be true.

  “Sav…” His tender tone grabs my attention, and I look up into his soft, kind eyes as if he’s able to read my insecurities. “Let us have this. We deserve it.”

  Tilting my head, I smile at the man who holds my whole heart. Who’s always held it.

  “I know.” I nod, pulling in my bottom lip. “I can’t help but wonder if I’m going to blink, and you’ll be gone.”

  “Never, baby. I’d follow you right now if I could, but I want to do this right. Get out of my lease, pack my stuff, say goodbye to my brother, and figure out my job situation. I want to leave knowing nothing’s holding me back because baby, when I go to you, I’m not ever letting you out of my sight again.” Hayden lifts my chin, giving me the sweetest look. “You got that?”

  “Hm…where did this alpha side of you come from?” I tease. “I’m kinda digging it.”

  Hayden wraps his hand around my neck, closing the space between us and slamming our mouths together. He kisses me with so much love and heat, I’m nearly gasping for air when we part.

  “It’s all you, sweetheart. You release a side of me that’s always been reserved for you.” He flashes me a wink, which has butterflies swarming in my stomach.

  “Then I better go before you get out of control,” I tease.

  We get out, and he helps me with my luggage. Tears prick my eyes as sadness swarms over me. Hayden holds me in his arms, crushing me to his chest as I inhale his musky scent. I squeeze him, not wanting to let go.

  “I’ll be there as fast as I can, okay?”

  I meet his eyes and nod. “I know.” He bends and presses his lips to mine for a final kiss. “I’ll be waiting.”

  “We’ve waited this long…what’s another few weeks, right?” He grins and winks, which has me nearly bursting into tears.

  “All those years we could’ve been together,” I say, lowering my gaze. “I shouldn’t have—”

  “Don’t you dare put all the blame on yourself,” he demands, tilting my head up. “We both messed up. I could’ve chased you, found you after I knew the truth, but I didn’t. Instead of dwelling on the what-ifs, I’m going to make sure we don’t make those mistakes ever again. Never letting you go again, Savannah. Never.”

  As I nod, tears blur my vision, but I don’t care. I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him in for tight hug. “I love you.”

  “I love you, baby. This isn’t goodbye because I’m coming for you as soon as possible.”

  Cars honk at us, forcing us apart. A guy shouts at us to get moving because we’ve been in the “no parking” zone for over ten minutes. “You better go before you get a ticket or a fight breaks out,” I say between tears and laughter.

  Hayden brings our mouths together for one last kiss. “I’ll see you soon, sweetheart. Don’t ever forget how much I love you. Forever.”

  I smile against his lips. “Forever.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Hayden

  One Month Later

  I’m finally moving across the country to be with Savannah, and after all this time, it almost feels too good to be true. I’ve never lived outside California, and I’ve only ever visited New York once, so it’s a big change for me, one I should’ve made years ago. The university was actually fine with me working remotely with the expectation of recruiting some great East Coast players. My mother was supportive for the most part, and my father had his shitty opinions about it, which I ignored because he wouldn’t know what love was even if it slapped him in the face. The hardest part about leaving, though, is being away from Hunter.

  I’ve been there for him as much as possible, acting as a father figure since our dad was always incapable. It’s been the most difficult thing so far. I glance over at him, and he’s wearing a shit-eating grin.

  “I can’t believe you’re really doing this,” he tells me as he drives me to the airport. He volunteered to drive me since I sold my truck and to say our final goodbyes.

  I look over at him. “Are you sure you don’t want me to talk to my landlord? He hasn’t leased out the house yet,” I offer one last time.

  He glances over at me and shakes his head. “I can’t leave Brandon like that.”

  “You mean you can’t leave Lennon,” I quip under my breath, but I know he hears me.

  Grabbing the steering wheel with white knuckles, he keeps his eyes on the road and shakes his head. “It’s not like that.”

  Denial. I’ve been there. I lived in that state of mind for ten long years. By the way he stills, I know he wants me to drop it, but instead, I keep pushing. “You know it’s not gonna get easier, right? Living with her. It’s just going to become harder. I know the heart sometimes wants what it can’t have, but—”

  “Just stop, Hayden. The last thing I need before I drop you off is for you to lecture me about love. Let’s not forget you’re not an expert on the subject. Okay?”

  Instead of getting upset, I let out a laugh, mainly because he’s right. “True. I just hate seeing you like this. I know how hard it is for you.” I give him a pointed look so he knows I don’t want to argue either, but I’m his big brother and looking out for him has been my job for years.

  “I’ll be fine, and when I’m not, I’m bugging your ass,” he taunts, and the tension lifts.

  “I’m only a phone call away,” I remind him. “But I’m three hours ahead, so just remember that when you wanna drunk dial me.” I chuckle, knowing he won’t give two shits about the time difference when he’s wasted.

  Soon, Hunter pulls into the airport and parks. The last time I was here was a month ago when I dropped off Savannah. Remembering the look of sadness on her face has my heart lurching forward. I knew I’d be coming to her soon, but I wasn’t sure how long it’d take. I wasn’t wasting any time when I got everything in order to make the move.

  Since most of my things were shipped to Savannah last week, I only have a carry-on and suitcase to haul with me. I get out of the truck and grab my things. H
unter walks around, and we exchange a smile and a big hug.

  “I’m really gonna miss you,” he says, and I can hear the sadness in his voice.

  “Only a phone call away, remember that. I’m here for you,” I tell him, and we pull apart.

  “I’m not gonna be a pussy and cry, but I’m almost tempted.” He lets out a hearty laugh as he leans against his truck.

  I shake my head at him and grin. “I’ll text you when I get there.”

  “You better,” he says. “Or I might catch a flight and come kick your ass.”

  “As if you could take me, little bro.” For a moment, we look at each other, and I know he’s going to be okay. I give him a head nod before wheeling my bag across the sidewalk and enter the airport. I’m doing this. I’m really doing this.

  I manage to stay awake the entire flight, and when the plane touches down at LaGuardia Airport, I can barely contain myself. After I grab my bags and make my way outside, I realize I’m smiling like an idiot. Before I can figure out where I’m supposed to go, Savannah comes skipping toward me wearing dance tights under her shorts and T-shirt. I manage to just catch her when she leaps into my arms. Her legs wrap around my waist as I hold her, digging my nose into her hair and inhaling.

  “Fuck, I missed you,” I tell her as her feet touch the ground. When our eyes meet, she’s got the biggest smile on her face. I’m so fucking happy she’s here. There was a strong possibility she’d be held over at practice because she has a show that opens in a few weeks.

  “I missed you too!”

  “Can’t believe you made it on time,” I say, wrapping my arms around her body.

  She nods and looks up into my eyes, and my lips gently swipe against hers, stealing a kiss. My movements are slow and calculated, and I want to get lost in her. I’ve counted down the days to when I could do this very thing again. People pass us on the sidewalk as we’re consumed with each other. Becoming more greedy, our kiss deepens, and we breathlessly force ourselves to pull apart.

  “I’m so glad you’re finally here. Feels a little surreal,” she tells me as I grab my suitcases and follow her to the bus stop.

  “Me too.” I chuckle.

  While we wait for the bus to arrive, she hands me a Metrocard.

  “You’re gonna need this. It’s your New York car keys,” she explains and laughs when I give her a puzzled look. A moment later, the bus pulls up.

  After fifteen minutes, we’re dropped off at a subway location. Carrying my suitcase up and down stairs is hell as I follow Savannah toward the boarding area for the train. While we wait, I wrap my arms around her and pull her close to me. She melts into my body.

  “You know where we’re going?” I ask as we stand on the platform and watch a train pass us by.

  “I have the rail system memorized. Ten years of not driving anywhere helps.” She squeezes my hand. “Don’t worry. You’ll eventually get used to it.”

  “That’s encouraging.” I grin because right now I’m confused as hell, and I know the look on my face says as much.

  We step on the subway after hordes of people rush off. Savannah lives close to the Theater District, so we have to stay on for the next ten stops. Eventually, we offload and walk up more stairs until we’re above ground and standing on a busy sidewalk. Five blocks later, we finally arrive at Savannah and Donny’s building—my new home. Donny wanted to give me and Savannah more privacy living together, so he took over a lease from one of their theater friends who’s traveling the world for a show. Just so happens, his new apartment is in the same building, which is full of actors apparently. He’s pretty excited about being neighbors, has already planned for us to hang out several times a week, and the thought makes me laugh.

  When Savannah turns and looks at me, I can tell she’s nervous. I shoot her an encouraging grin.

  “I don’t want you to hate it here,” she admits as we make our way up the three flights of stairs. She warned me about there not being an elevator before I arrived, so it doesn’t take me by surprise.

  “As long as I’m with you, I’m happy, Sav,” I tell her, knowing nothing else matters. She unlocks the door and steps aside to allow me in. I look around, and a wide smile fills my face. Photos from the different shows she’s performed in are hung on the walls around the apartment. There are a ton of pictures of Donny and her together throughout the years. The space is cozy and perfect and everything I imagined it’d be. It’s very Savannah, and I love it.

  She watches me intently as I look around. Soon, my eyes meet hers, and Savannah lets out a sigh. “So! Thoughts?” she asks, impatiently.

  I close the space between us and rest my hands on her hips as she tilts her head up at me, eagerly waiting for a response.

  “It feels like home, Sav.”

  When our lips touch, want and need courses through me. If her desperate moans are any indication as our tongues twist together, she feels it too. Moments later, Savannah leads us to the bedroom and begins unbuttoning my shirt. As I peel her clothes from her body, she giggles.

  “What?” I shoot her a smile, brushing my lips against the softness of her neck.

  “I’ve dreamed about this moment for so damn long,” she breathlessly admits as she shimmies out of her clothes and tights. Standing in front of me wearing nothing more than a smile, I take in all her perfect curves.

  “Fuck,” I whisper, laying her on the bed and moving her ass to the edge so I can taste her. I drop to my knees, ready to feast.

  I watch as Savannah holds the comforter with white knuckles as she sinks onto my tongue. Needy moans escape her as I devour her sweet pussy, flicking against her clit. As she writhes under my touch, I try to give her everything she needs. She begs for more, her breasts rising and falling, and I know her cup is ready to fill and tip over. Her back arches, and I insert a finger, then another, until she crumples, losing herself in the orgasm that quickly overtakes her.

  “I need more of you, Hayden.” She pushes herself up on her elbows, and I’m more than ready to give her exactly what she wants.

  How did I ever live without her?

  As she scoots up the bed, I take off my pants and boxers and move to her. Hovering above her, my dick teases her slick entrance, and I don’t know how much longer I can hold out.

  “Hayden…” she pleads.

  Chuckling, I slowly slide inside her until our bodies meet. Being with her like this is everything. We start slow, then my pace increases, and soon we’re unraveling together.

  As we lie in bed and I hold Savannah in my arms, I know moving here was right. I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

  It’s been two months since I moved to New York, and I’ve really grown to love it. The people, the hustle and bustle of the city that never sleeps, and even all the damn tourists—it’s quickly become home. Navigating the subway gets easier each day, though I’ve jumped on the wrong train a few times and ended up on the opposite side of the city. Work has been fine, and since high school football season started, I’ve been really busy traveling around the state.

  Savannah’s schedule is more packed than mine between rehearsals, dance and voice lessons, and auditions, but she always makes as much time for us as possible. The woman is talented as hell and an inspiration that makes me so damn proud of her. She’s constantly working on her craft so she can become a better performer, and in my eyes, she’s the fucking best.

  Though I miss my brother, I’ve not once regretted my decision of moving here, only the fact that I didn’t come for her sooner. Living life with Savannah is better than I imagined it’d be. We grocery shop together but only buy enough for a few days at a time because carrying the bags back to the apartment sucks. We take turns doing laundry, and every morning, I make the bed since she’s up before me. Cleaning is easy since it’s just the two of us. I cook dinner for her when I know she’ll be home, and when we’re able, we lounge on the couch and watch movies. All afternoon I’ve been on a Skype call with the university, and as soon as it ends, Savanna
h comes bolting into the apartment with a pep in her step.

  “Hey babe!” she says in a singsong tone. I’m sitting at a makeshift workspace in front of one of the long windows in the apartment. I close my laptop when she wraps her arms around me and leans over to kiss my cheek. “Guess what?” she asks.

  I shift in my seat and look at her, waiting for her to tell me. “Hurry!”

  “The casting director called me today…” she stalls.

  “Savannah,” I growl. “And? Come on!”

  “And I got the part!” she screams. I stand and hug the hell out of her, then give her a big kiss.

  “I’m going to be Mary Poppins on Broadway! A freaking dream come true!” The excitement radiates from her, and I’m so unbelievably proud. This is my girl—still feels surreal.

  “That’s like the lead role of all lead roles,” I say, and she’s happily nodding in agreement.

  “I know! Donny is freaking out, well because of that and because William is moving in this weekend.” She chuckles, which makes me smile thinking about how that wedding changed all our lives. “Still can’t believe they’re exclusive and that Donny is finally settling down.”

  “Love makes you do crazy things,” I tell her, pressing my lips against hers. The kiss deepens, and I hum against her mouth. “I’m so fucking proud of you, baby.”

  “I couldn’t have done it without you. I didn’t think I was good enough. I never thought I’d be considered for an understudy and especially not the lead. I think I’m still in shock.”

  “You’re talented, Sav. Never doubted it for a second.” I flash her a wink.

  “Thank you, Hayden. Thanks for all your support the past few weeks and for believing in me, after everything. I have a feeling this is going to open a lot of doors for my career. It’s going to be a new beginning for us,” she says, pulling me closer.

  I smile, meeting her eyes, and tuck a strand of loose hair behind her ear. “There’s so much more to come. This is just the beginning of our forever. I love you so fucking much.”