You Will Be Mine (Forever and Ever #7)(2)

“I always miss you.” I came to him then wrapped my arms around his neck.

He flashed me a look of surprise mingled with emotion. It was sudden and quick, disappearing faster than I could process. He stared down at me, his eyes lingering on my lips.

“Why do you do that?”

“What?” His voice was deep and low.

“Every time I say something like that, you flinch.”

His eyes were guarded and didn’t convey his thoughts. “It just surprises me.”

“Why?”

His hands moved around my waist and to the small of my back. “One day you’ll figure it out.”

“One day?” I asked. “Are you saying it’s obvious?”

“It’s damn obvious.”

“Enlighten me.” I leaned closer to him then brushed my lips past his, teasing him.

His lips parted slightly, wanting to take the bait. “Sometimes it’s hard to believe that such a beautiful woman wants me—and only me.”

My eyes softened. “I thought lots of women wanted you.”

“They do,” he said truthfully. “But they’ve got nothing on you.”

Arsen claimed he wasn’t a romantic guy, but he always was when he was with me. I cupped his face and gave him a slow kiss. His lips were wet and soft, delicious. When I pulled away, I saw the heated look in his eyes. Whenever we touched, he was equally affected. “For teasing me all the time and trying to make us seem insignificant, you know how to make me feel beautiful.”

His eyes brightened. “I promise you, I’m not doing it intentionally.”

I leaned close to him. “I think you’re full of it.”

His hands moved up my shirt slightly, his warm skin pressed to mine. “I’m not. You’re cute but I’ve had better.”

“You’re such a terrible liar.” I pulled away, leaving his hands in the air.

He returned them to his pockets then trailed behind me. As I picked up the letter, he pressed his chest into my back then placed a gentle kiss on my neck. Then he grabbed my shirt and stretched it down my shoulder, exposing the skin. When he pressed his lips there, it made me feel warm everywhere. “You’re the only one who can read between the lines.”

“Because I know you like no one else.” I skimmed through the lines of the letter, feeling elated that I accomplished something for once in my life.

“What’s that?” His lips were pressed to my ear.

“A letter.”

He chuckled lightly. “I figured that.”

I turned around then started to read it out loud.

“I can read, you know.” A playful smirk was on his lips.

“But this is above second grade reading level.” I returned his smirk with my own then kept reading. When I finished, I tossed the letter onto the table.

“Your work was nominated for an award?” he asked in surprise.

“Yep.” I couldn’t stop smiling.

“I guess I’m not surprised…you are a nerd.”

I shook my head. “I’ve never been particularly good at anything. I just skate by doing the bare minimum.”

“That’s not even possible,” he said firmly. “So, when is this ceremony?”

“In two months.”

“Cool. I’m sure you’ll get it.”

I shrugged. “I don’t want to get my hopes up. I’m just thrilled I’m even considered.”

“Well, let me know how it goes.” He stepped back then headed to my couch.

Whoa…what? “You’re coming as my date. You’ll know when I know.”

He stilled then slowly turned around. “You aren’t serious, right?”

Was I missing something? “Why wouldn’t I be?”

He leaned against the couch then crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m not stepping foot on that campus. All I’ll do is embarrass you.”

“With an attitude like that, you will.” My playful mood was gone, replaced by annoyance.

“Silke, I don’t belong there.”

“You belong with me.”

He looked away and sighed. “I have more important things to do instead of making a bunch of nerds feel cool with my presence.”

“You think I care?” I challenged. “I want you to be there, Arsen. End of story.”

He narrowed his eyes at me. “No. Forget it.”

“No? Forget it?” I asked incredulously. “This is important to me, Arsen.”

He rubbed the back of his neck while he stared at the ground. “I realize that. I wish I could support you. I do. But attending this shindig would be a bad idea.”

“No, it won’t. You’re my boyfriend. That’s what boyfriends do.”

“In case you haven’t noticed, I don’t exactly excel in that category.”

“Because you haven’t tried,” I snapped. “Now grow a pair and get over it.”

He moved to the couch then sat down. His shoulders were tense and he had an annoyed look on his face. He seemed more interested in staring at the ground than me.

I decided to drop the subject. I’d pushed Arsen hard and fast, and I knew I needed to slow down. He was doing the best he could, and asking for too much at one time would make him crack.