Page 52 of Fragile (Cedar Lakes University #2)

part two…

Miles

Her body trembles beneath my fingertips, subtle shivers that urge me to explore every inch of her, mapping out the places that make her sigh or catch her breath. I kiss my way down her body, savoring the warmth of her skin under my lips. She arches slightly, wordlessly urging me on.

When I reach the spot just below her navel, I pause, letting the anticipation build. Her breathing quickens, shallow and expectant. I want to take my time, to savor her reactions, to feel the way her body responds to my touch, to listen to the soft sounds that escape her lips. But I also want to devour her.

I dip lower, my mouth finding her with a gentle, teasing stroke. She gasps, her hands tangling in my hair, pulling me closer. A smile tugs at my lips as I deepen my touch, exploring her slowly, deliberately. I want to give her everything, to make her forget the world beyond this room, to lose herself completely.

The taste of her is intoxicating, and each sound she makes drives me deeper into my own desire. I love how responsive she is, how every flick of my tongue draws a new reaction from her. It’s a conversation between us, one that doesn’t need words—just the sounds of her pleasure and the way her body moves beneath me.

She’s getting closer, her moans growing louder, her grip in my hair tightening. I can feel the tension building within her, the way she’s on the edge, and I’m determined to take her there, to watch as she comes undone because of me.

Her hips lift, her back arches, and I hold her steady, grounding her as the waves of pleasure crest. I keep the rhythm steady, unrelenting, until finally, she breaks. A breathless cry fills the room, her body tensing, then releasing in a series of shudders. I stay with her through it, not stopping until I feel her coming down, her breathing slowing, her grip on me loosening.

I kiss my way back up her body, taking in the sight of her—her flushed skin, her half-lidded eyes, her parted lips. She’s beautiful like this, raw and vulnerable, completely in the moment.

I brush a kiss across her lips, tasting the remnants of her pleasure on mine. She sighs into it, her arms wrapping around me, pulling me closer. “That’s one way to begin the day.”

“It should be the only way for my Queen.”

“Seriously, I think I’m floating.”

I chuckle. “Glad to be of service.”

“I’m going to be glowing at the commencement today.”

“I can make sure you’re extra glowy, if you want?” I press a kiss to the tip of her nose. She giggles again, this time more fully, and it lights up her entire face. I know how much this day means to her, but there’s something else I’ve been thinking about—something that’s been on my mind for weeks now.

Something I’m hoping I’ll have time to discuss later with her.

Her phone buzzes on the bedside table, breaking our perfect morning bubble. When the ringtone for Saweetie she needs my help.” She pops out of the room, only to peep her head back in. “Join me in the shower?”

She doesn’t have to ask me twice.

***

Freshly showered and with a bigger glow to her cheeks, we drive in my truck to Quinn and Indie’s dorm. We don’t spend evenings here much together because since I got my new apartment a year ago and the job, it made more sense for her to stay at mine. But she doesn’t spend every night at mine, and I like that we’ve got a balance. I’m ready to be selfish with her, though.

Pushing the thoughts aside, I let Quinn go in ahead to help her best friend, thinking of my own best friend, who’s been living in Seattle for the last year. He got his pro career like he always wanted, and damn is he still the best QB out there. Pulling my phone from my pocket, I bring up his number and press call.

“Dude, do you have a sixth sense?” he answers, his voice full of amusement.

“Were you just about to call me?” I ask, grinning.

“Yeah, but only because I’m about to get into a ride to go to campus.”

“You’re here?” I ask, surprised.

“Yeah, I’m surprising Indie,” he says. “I thought I’d drop by since she’s graduating. I told everyone I was in pre-season training, but I had to sort out the new apartment. Training starts next week, but since Indie’s moving up here, I got us a bigger place.”

“Damn, man, that’s some graduation gift,” I guffaw.

“That’s the plan,” he says. “Are you at your place?”

“Nope, I’m on campus. The girls had a hair emergency, so I’m just hanging out,” I explain.

“Perfect timing, then,” he says. “Meet me at Mug Life in about fifteen minutes?”

“I’ll be there.”

“Awesome. See you soon.”

I tuck my phone away, a grin on my face as I head toward the coffee shop. Within fifteen minutes, he walks through the door, and I stand to hug him.

“You’ve filled the fuck out, look at those gains,” I say, slapping his back.

“I’ve got a nutritionist who manages my food life these days.”

“And all that training, you’re looking strong man.”

“Thanks.” He smiles. “I’ve got you some tickets again for opening game.”

Something twinges in my chest, reminding me that we should’ve been doing this together, on a field, the same team or even competing. But my life has taken a different path, one that I am truly happy with, but I still love the sport. “Thanks, man,” I say genuinely. “I’m hoping I can fly out for the weekend, so long as Oregon aren’t playing it should be good.”

“I don’t know if I’ve said this, but I’m pretty fucking proud of you, being a big shot physio.”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “Shut up, you’re the big shot, always have been.”

An hour later, we’re all in the outdoor auditorium where Quinn, who’s graduating with honors today, is about to deliver the opening speech for the ceremony.

Quinn steps up to the podium, and even from here, I can see how comfortable she looks.

Her hair falling in red waves around her face, her graduation hat on her head. She looks perfect.

“Tomorrow…” She pauses, looking around. “That might feel like a scary word for some of us. Not everyone is a planner, but there’s a beauty in knowing and not knowing, because tomorrow for all of us is the start of something completely new.

“I wish I could promise that none of you will face adversity, heartbreak, or loss. But what I can promise is that overcoming these challenges will shape you into the person you are destined to be. There’s no single right way to navigate life; it’s all about how we learn and grow along the way.

“What you do have control over is how you use the time you’re given and the people you choose to surround yourself with. Seek out those who allow you to breathe yet hold you close. Choose those who feel like home but also give you space to express yourself fully. Be with those who light your heart on fire but also watch you grow.

“Because one thing I know is that every single person sitting here today is worth the kind of love that we all deserve and that includes loving yourself.

“The journey ahead is yours to shape. Congratulations, Class of 2024, and may tomorrow be the start of something wonderful.”

The crowd erupts into cheers and clapping, including me and Seb. We’re on our feet, my gaze glued to my girl, and as soon as those beautiful green eyes find me in the crowd, she smiles the most breathtaking smile. That’s all for me.

I think about how lucky I am to have her in my life—someone who challenges me, makes me feel at home, and gives me space when I need it. Hearing her say all this makes me realize just how right our journey together has been.

Just how right our future is going to be.

After the ceremony, we’re all gathered around the lake. The graduates, Quinn, Indie, Hudson, and Jay, all graduated the same year and there’re a few extras in our group tonight.

I manage to sneak Quinn away from the group for a second, toward the lake, where the sun is setting behind the trees.

“I can’t believe we’re all going separate ways now. No more scrapbook club.”

“I think that’ll still happen,” I say, kissing the side of her neck.

“We did agree to do it virtually, and I’ll still run the club while I’m here doing my master’s too.”

“You wouldn’t be you without it, Queenie.”

The water laps around us, gently meeting the lake’s edge as we stand together, watching the sun disappear. I can’t stop the urge to ask my girl the one thing I’ve wanted to ask her since we woke up this morning. The words have been on the tip of my tongue all day, and now we’re alone, my skin is tingling.

I turn her around, taking her hand in mine, my voice steady despite the nerves. “You know, I spent so much time being blind to you, to what was right in front of me my entire life. I don’t want to waste any more time. I want to wake up to you every morning, I want to make you coffee with that awful peppermint creamer you love, I want you and me to make a home together.”

She looks up at me, her eyes reflecting the fading light. “You really mean that?”

I nod, feeling a lump form in my throat. “Will you move in with me, Queenie?”

A smile lights up her face. “I thought you’d never ask.”

She pulls me into a kiss full of promises, and I know I want to spend all of my tomorrows with her, because she’s the one who taught me that sometimes being fragile is what makes us strong.

***

Thank you for reading Fragile. This book means a lot to me, and I hope you enjoyed it 3