Page 47

Three weeks later

Sitting in the last row of retractable seats, I lower my baseball hat over my eyes, hoping it will keep my face hidden from the bright, artificial overhead lights.

I’m not supposed to be in this class, so I’ve had to stay as inconspicuous as possible, blending in with the other students.

Not that any of them batted an eye when I slipped into one of the aisle seats fifteen minutes ago. But the last thing I want is for Bear’s professor to stop her in the middle of her presentation because she thinks some creeper is hanging in the back watching.

There’s no way I’d miss my girl’s presentation, especially since the topic is about me. Or, not exactly me, but how my body moves and all the fancy terms she’s throwing around while talking about it.

Bear even included some pictures she took of me during competitions and practice. Hell, even I’m impressed with how my muscles look. Those extra hours in the gym with Mack seem to have paid off.

Bear’s looking everywhere but at me as she talks through her slides. I know she’s avoiding me on purpose. The first time she spotted me, she stumbled over her words, but Bear’s fucking amazing and quickly composed herself.

I’m trying hard to concentrate on the words coming out of her mouth, but all I can focus on is how good she looks in that pantsuit. It’s hot as fuck. And nothing like those old frumpy suites some people wear in the office. This one is stylish and highlights Bear’s figure in all the right ways.

The images in my head go straight to my dick as I imagine dirtying her up with a good fuck from behind while she looks all proper.

Goddamn, get a grip, Levi.

Since that messed-up conversation with Kristin weeks ago, I’ve had a hard time keeping my hands off her.

I was insatiable before, but nearly losing her turned me into a man needing my next fix more often.

And it comes in the form of a 5’11, drop-dead gorgeous blonde whose blue eyes are my damn kryptonite.

The projector behind Bear switches to a slide titled "Conclusion," and I sit up straighter, knowing I’ll need to slip out soon.

The gold bracelet on Bear’s wrist snags my attention as she talks through her final points, and I smile. It’s her birthday gift, the same one I never got round to giving her on the actual day.

It’s a gold bracelet held together by the stone of our anniversary month. Two small gold-plated charms hang on either side—one engraved with a "B" and the other with an "L."

She hasn’t taken it off since, and my chest tightens every time I see it dangling from her slender wrist. I’m pretty damn proud of myself for that one.

It took me a long time—and some input from my mom—to find the perfect gift that symbolizes how important she is to me.

Suck it, Mack. Looks like there’s a new Mr. Miyagi of relationships.

When the projector screen goes dark, I take it as my cue and slide out of my seat while everyone claps for Bear. And rightly so. She was amazing up there. I may have zoned out a few times, staring at her, but I paid attention when it counted.

I take the stairs two at a time and quietly leave through the back door.

***

Later that same day, I wait for Bear outside her last class. Grabbing the bill of my hat, I turn it backward and lean against the wall, kicking my feet out in front of me.

Usually, I head to my second practice of the day at this time. Since it’s Thursday, we have dry land training. But tomorrow is the last day of classes before Thanksgiving break.

Since Coach Schmidt and the other coaching staff are using today and tomorrow for staff training, practice ended a few days early.

We’ve got a swim meet the first weekend back, and I know Coach will make us pay for the missed days. So, it’s safe to say I’m taking full advantage of my vacation.

My muscles feel the strain of nonstop training, and recovery is just as important as pushing ourselves.

The double doors I’ve been staring at for the last ten minutes finally open, and a flood of students spills out. My eyes narrow when I see that douchebag Finn talking to someone.

Thankfully, Huska’s big enough that I haven’t bumped into him since the day in the courtyard.

But this must be the one class he has with Bear. And knowing he gets to spend an hour with my girl sparks a surge of irrational jealousy in my chest.

I know nothing happened between them, but like I said— it’s irrational.

Call me possessive or protective. I don’t care. She’s mine.

He’s heading straight toward the wall I’m leaning against, so I know he’ll see me. I keep my expression blank, running my tongue across the backs of my teeth, waiting to see what he does.

Not that I expect him to do anything, but I’m curious if he’s gotten over his pick-me bullshit when it comes to Bear.

When he spots me, I see the moment of recognition flicker in his brown eyes. We lock eyes in a silent stare-off as he walks past. He dips his chin in my direction, and I dip mine back.

Just like that, the whole thing is behind us. And fuck it. I have the girl, so I’ll let him off the hook.

Familiar laughter pulls my attention back to the doors, and I see Bear, head bent low, talking with a friend. My face breaks out into one of those giant ass smiles that only seem to come out when she’s around.

I’m a little disappointed that she’s changed out of her pantsuit and into something more casual. I was hoping to bring that fantasy to life this afternoon.

Feeling my eyes on her, her head snaps toward me. Her eyes widen when she sees me, but the surprise quickly melts into a sweet smile that makes her look so damn pretty.

She says something to the girl next to her before breaking off and heading my way.

“This is a nice surprise,” she says, taking my hand.

I squeeze her hand gently. “Figured since I had the afternoon free, I’d walk you to your car.”

“Oh, hey!” She stops abruptly and slaps me playfully with her free hand. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me you were going to watch my presentation.”

Grinning, I catch her hand and bring it to my lips, brushing a light kiss against her knuckles. She shivers under the feather-light touch.

“I wasn’t sure I could make it, but I snuck in early enough. If I’d known how much you’d talk about my muscular body, I would’ve made sure not to miss it.” I wink.

“It was part of the presentation. I practically had no choice but to include it,” she mumbles, cheeks staining pink.

“I think your description of my—how did you put it? Lean, sleek muscles, powerful legs, and strong shoulders,” I say, mimicking her earlier words, “was pretty spot on.”

As great as her presentation was, hearing her talk about my performance—and, yeah, my body, too—gave me a massive ego boost, especially since I work hard to keep both in peak condition.

If it weren’t wildly inappropriate and gross, I’d kiss her professor for making up that assignment and leading Bear right to me.

Don’t get me wrong, I would have still pursued her regardless, but damn if that project didn’t give me the perfect in.

“You’re a pain,” she groans, but her soft laughter follows as we walk again.

“What do you think about spending the afternoon with the dogs?” I ask, changing the subject as we step through a large set of doors and into the parking lot.

“Really? But it’s not Sunday. I thought they won’t let you take them any other day.”

“I called Ms. May and told her we won’t be here for the next two weekends. She said she’d make an exception for me, and we’re more than welcome to stop by.”

Bear and I haven’t missed a single Sunday hanging out with one of the dogs from Wagging Tails, except for Halloween weekend.

I’m over that bullshit now, too focused on moving forward to dwell on it, but it took me a while to get here.

We can’t turn back time or change what happened.

And yeah, as much as it sucked, I can’t deny our relationship is stronger because of it.

I don’t need justice for myself to move forward. I just need my girl by my side.

It’s harder for Bear to accept my thinking, but she understands why I don’t want to drag things out by going after Sadie.

Holding onto anger over what happened does nothing but steal from my present and future happiness. And as philosophical as that sounds, it’s the truth.

“That’s great! Yes, let’s do it,” Bear says, nodding enthusiastically.

This would seal the deal for me if I weren’t already so deeply in love with this girl. Her compassion is unmatched, and from the first moment I saw her, I knew I was onto something when I compared her to an angel.

She’s a light in this world. In my world. Has been ever since she came knocking at my door, tilting my life right side up.

“Do you think we can get Winston again?” she asks, stopping beside her car.

“Even better news.” I grin. “She said the family fostering him fell in love and ended up putting in an adoption application for him.”

“That’s amazing. I wish we could save them all,” Bear says wistfully.

I tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear. “I know.”

It’s hard to give some dogs back, especially the ones we fall in love with along the way. Unfortunately, our hands are tied to our living arrangements and commitments outside school.

“One day, we’ll look into fostering.”

Her shy smile melts my damn heart. “I’d like that.”

Bear, me, and our foster pups? Yeah, I’d like that a whole lot, too.

Like I said, my present and future happiness are too damn important to dwell on the past.

***

“Levi,” Bear moans, tugging at my hair until I’m forced to lift my face from between her thighs. She pushes up onto her elbows and stares down at me, all glassy-eyed and her hair wild from writhing on the bed. “There’s no time. I still have to pack.”

I’m well aware we have to hop on a red-eye in a few hours. We’re spending Thanksgiving break with Bear’s parents, and as much as I’m looking forward to the trip, I don’t want to think about them when their daughter’s thighs are wrapped around my head and my tongue inches from her pussy.

Smirking, I trace a finger over her dripping slit before slipping it inside and pumping it in and out of her.

“So, you want me to stop?” I ask, gaze locked on hers.

“No!” She hisses, her eyes rolling in the back of her head when I push in a second finger. “Just don’t drag this out too long.”

Challenge fucking accepted.

Without warning, I pull my fingers out of her, replacing it with my tongue, and I’m rewarded with a sweet whimper as I lick and suck.

Her thighs close around me, but I don’t stop eating her out. I’m pretty sure if she ends up suffocating me, the coroner would find a smile on my face.

Less than a minute later, she’s coming while screaming my name, and the only other sound that follows is her shallow pants.

I settle between her legs, pausing so she knows what’s coming next. But with how she’s licking her lips, I know she’s as hungry for this as I am.

I easily thrust into her, and we both groan as she takes all of me. Her pussy is so slick there’s no resistance, and I sink in deep on the first thrust.

“You feel so good,” she sighs when every inch of me has filled her to the brim.

The sensation of taking her bare still feels like the first time, and I can’t see myself getting tired of it.

No, not it, her.

Her pussy gripping me, her pants and moans ringing in my ear.

Only ever her.

“Only. Ever. You.” I grind out emphasizing each word with a thrust of my hips.

“Shit, Levi,” she gasps, her fingers gripping me as she meets me thrust for thrust.

Her head falls back, exposing the smooth column of her throat, and thick blonde hair fans out behind her.

She’s a fucking sight, and I love her.

I love her so much that it physically aches whenever I let myself think about how I nearly lost her.

Bear clenches around me with a loud moan, and the sensation is so overpowering my orgasm washes over me like a tidal wave. At the same time, Bear finds her release drowning in the sensation with me.

Fuck me, I’m pretty sure I’m tasting colors and seeing stars with that one. Brushing my lips over hers, I feel her smile press softly into me.

When I finally have the strength to pull out of her warm heat, it’s only so I can roll over and drag her into my arms.

“I love you,” she whispers, placing a tender kiss on my bare chest.

My emotional connection with her is so strong that it takes me a moment to reply without feeling like I might cry.

“I love you, too,” I say hoarsely.

My arms tighten around Bear, and she wriggles in closer to me, causing my dick to jerk to attention despite just being inside her.

I’m content to do nothing but this for the rest of my life—with her.

Whenever I have her in my arms, the world seems like a nicer place. Every lousy memory, every obstacle we’ve had to endure fades away.

She’s the softness to my hardness.

My peace and comfort. My personal Teddy Bear.

It’s just us.

Her and me, for now and forever.