They survived falling in love and having four (count 'em, FOUR) children. Now, Geekward and Nerdella are parents of teenagers. Say a prayer for them for they are in for a bumpy ride. Kyra is being a brat, displaying actions akin to her uncle who is nearing the end of his life on death row. Owen is a geek, like his dad. Then there is Mia and Masen, the twins. They're still cute and adorable. Well, as cute and adorable as twelve year olds can be.
Let's not forget Alice, Jasper, Adam, and Gianna (the Whitlock's), Justin, Alex and Demetri (the Volturis), Esme and Marcus (the Volturis), Tim, Rose, Ava and Lucas (the Napletons) and our antagonist, Jacob Black. Emmett will also make a brief appearance in this story, too. But he's not causing drama. His final goodbye, as it were.
Up next will be the continued lemon (if you want it), Bella's conversation with Owen about the condoms, and Kyra's first few weeks at school. It will be a combo chapter, Bella and Kyra. We're getting close to the end. We have this chapter and possibly one more before the epilogue.
Chapter Twenty-Eight: Northwestern University
EPOV
As we lay in a naked tangled heap, I was running my fingers along Bella's spine. She was draped across me, boneless and completed blissed out. "What did you and Owen talk about?" she asked, sitting up to look at me. "Planning global domination?"
"Psssh, I wish," I laughed. I kissed her lips before answering. "Owen, well, while we were on our trip to Cabo …"
"The Mexican Sexcapades?" she giggled.
"Yeah," I snorted. "Anyhow, while we were there, Owen asked me a favor."
"What was it, angel?"
"He asked if I could buy him condoms," I said, trying to keep my voice even.
"What?" Bella growled.
"Now, before you get all 'Mama Bear' on him. You have applaud his integrity in asking for protection. Would you rather be a grandmother at the age of forty-five?" I asked. She hissed, giving me a hard stare. "Look, honestly, I don't think he and Tasha are going to use them. Not any time soon. He is clueless when it comes to sex and very embarrassed about talking about it. I did talk to him about the dos and don'ts, as well as how to use protection. He just wants it as a precaution. I'm going to buy them for him and I told him that I was going to talk to you about it. I'd rather you hear it from me than find the condom box in his room and for you to jump to conclusions. You know?"
"You're right," she huffed. "How did you get so smart?"
"I married you," I answered, cupping her chin and forcing her to look at me. "And we didn't have clueless kids."
"No, we didn't," she said, moving closer to kiss my lips. Her tongue traced my mouth and I eagerly granted her access. "Hmmm, how about we don't practice what we preach, Edward. Let's have some unprotected, dirty sex?"
"I love the way you think, Mrs. Cullen," I growled, claiming her mouth again.
BPOV
His hands glided down my naked body, caressing, kneading and massaging. My leg hitched over his body, opening myself for him. His fingers moved from my torso to between my legs. "Hmmmm, so wet," he growled, circling his fingers over my clit. "But, I want to taste you. Taste us."
"Yes, Edward," I moaned as he kissed down my body. His tongue traced my nipples while his hand teased my pussy. I was writhing, needing more of him. He smiled against my skin, sliding further down my body until he was between my legs. He spread them far, displaying my needy pussy. "Please, Edward. Lick my clit, taste me."
"My dirty wife," he purred, his nose running along the seam of my leg. He pressed open mouthed kisses to my thigh, moving ever closer to my dripping folds. With a rumbling growl, he slid his tongue along the length of my pussy. I gasped, my hands reaching for his disheveled hair. He rolled his tongue inside me, tasting my arousal. "Fuck, Bella. Tasting us together is so fucking addicting. I should lick your pussy after every time we make love."
"Shit," I moaned, widening my legs and pressing my sex further into his face. He eagerly continued to run his tongue along the length of my folds. His tongue felt amazing inside me, bringing me closer to my own release. He swirled the tip of his tongue on my clit as he pushed two fingers into me. I gasped, rocking my hips in concert with his slow, steady rhythm. His other hand gently squeezed my breasts while the orgasm built in my body. I could see our reflection in the mirror on the dresser and it didn't look like us. My movements were sinuous, sexy and sensual while Edward looked so strong as he made love to me with his tongue. I watched us and seeing our bodies dance together like this made me aroused, my essence was pouring out of me and onto Edward's face and our sheets. "Edward! God, harder!"
He snarled against my sex, his arm moving faster inside of me and his tongue flicking my clit. My head fell back as my body tightened in anticipation. I was so close, despite the previous orgasms Edward had given me. I was about to come unraveled with everything he was doing with me. Every inch of my skin was tingling as my orgasm reached its peak, shattering me. I held back a scream as torrents of pleasure washed over me, crashing with each shuddering pulse of my pussy. I collapsed onto the bed, panting heavily. Edward crawled over me and he kissed me deeply, his tongue plundering in my mouth.
"Fuck, I'll never tire of tasting your sweet pussy," he snarled, rolling us so I was perched on his lap. His hands were everywhere, palming my breasts, kneading my ass and gripping my hips, rolling my body over his. I reached behind me, feeling his cock. He was hard again, which surprised me. We had just made love less than twenty minutes ago. "Don't be so shocked, Bella. Tasting you, tasting us made me want to bury myself inside of you again."
"Do you want me to fuck you?" I purred, slowly stroking his arousal. He didn't respond verbally. His lips crashed against mine as he lifted me, moving my body so I was hovering over his leaking, needy cock. I gave him a wink, moving so I was facing the other way. I wanted to watch us fuck. "Look in the mirror, Edward."
He sat up and groaned as he saw our reflection. I grasped his hardness, guiding it deep inside me. I groaned, my hands moving to my breasts, cupping them. I rolled my body like a snake as I took him into me, my muscles clinging to his erection. "Fuck, Bella," he breathed, his hands splayed on my back as I leaned against them. "Seeing your pussy filled with me …"
"I know," I purred, reaching my hand between my legs and circling my clit. He growled. "Do you like it when I touch myself?"
"I want to see you fuck yourself with your fingers while I fuck your ass," he commanded. I slid off him, eager to comply. He grabbed some lube and covered his hardness liberally with it. I leaned forward as he gently pushed his arousal past my rosette and into my asshole. My body was quivering with need until he was fully seated inside. He encouraged me to lean back and his hips began to thrust slowly, fucking me, filling me. I moaned as my hands found my dripping folds. With my right hand, I slid three fingers inside and curled them in concert with Edward's strokes. My left hand was circling my clit that was twitching and pulsing from the sensations that I was feeling. Nothing was more perfect than having my husband take me like this. He was loving, strong and commanding as he took what he wanted and I willingly gave. I was drenched from our lovemaking. My juices leaked freely down my arm as I fucked my pussy. Edward was watching us in the mirror, his hands cupping my breasts and providing leverage for our bedroom Olympics.
Edward maneuvered us since he said he was having back spasms. I was on my hands and knees and he took me from behind, grunting lowly as he filled every inch of me. I circled my clit, not really able to slide my fingers inside of me. I was dripping onto the bed, I was so aroused. Another orgasm was building within me. I thought I was going to jump out of my skin.
"Oh, fuck," he groaned, his hands gripping my hips. "Bella, please, please say you're close. You're so fucking tight and I'm going to come." Hearing his desperation, my nipples tightened and my own orgasm warmed me from head to toe. My body was shaking with the power of my climax, causing me to lose all control of everything. I buried my face into the bedspread as I screamed with my release. Edward's hands tightened around me as he filled me with his own explosion. With a groan, we both collapsed on the bed, my husband was curled to my side and breathing heavily.
"I think we're going to have to change the sheets, Edward," I giggled. "This was a little, um, messy."
"But so worth it," he said breathlessly, brushing my hair from my face. "I like having dirty, unprotected sex with you, gorgeous."
"Hmmm, me too," I murmured, moving so I was able to kiss him. "Come on. Let's take a quick shower, change the sheets and go to bed. You've got work tomorrow."
"I'm working from home," he snickered. He got up on shaky limbs. Once he got his bearings, he scooped me up, carrying me to the bathroom. We took a quick shower and then worked to strip the bed since our lovemaking was more than messy. But it was the best kind of lovemaking, really.
xx STTD xx
Early the next week, I took my children shopping for school, buying school supplies and new clothes since all of them had a growth spurt since the beginning of summer. Alice was joining me since she had to do the same with Gianna. She still wasn't cleared to drive yet from her physical therapist. We started with the school supplies first at Target. I handed out the required lists to my kids, telling them to get what they needed.
Alice and I were wandering around the school supply section. "I heard that the premier was awesome and your trip to Cabo was hot," Alice giggled.
"Both correct," I snickered. "The premier was a welcome trip, spending time with Rose and celebrating her success with the movie. But, the trip to Cabo was exactly what the doctor ordered for me and my husband. Edward and I spent some quality time reconnecting as a couple, talking, making love and just relaxing. This past year has been torturous with Jacob's shenanigans, the extra protection and no offense, your issues."
"None taken. I was a fruitcake," Alice snorted. "I'm so much better now with the right medication and therapy sessions. I was a fool to not listen to you. Looking back to my behavior, I want to kick my own ass."
"Hindsight is usually twenty-twenty," I shrugged. "I'm just glad that my best friend is back. I've missed you, Alice. We had so much fun."
"We still can," she smiled, hugging me awkwardly since her arm was still strapped to her body. "Perhaps, the next time you fly out to Los Angeles with Rose, I can join you. When's your next trip?"
"Beginning of November," I answered, a grin on my face. "You can stay at the new house we have in Los Angeles. We're planning the premier for the next movie, Forever Charmed. In addition, I have to give them the final draft for the second half of Charmed Endings and the first draft for that werewolf movie."
"You are a Hollywood gem, Bellini," Alice smirked. "How is it going?"
"Well, the final draft for Charmed Endings is done. Rose is reading it to verify that it holds the integrity of her book, but she loved what I did with the first three movies. I still want her to give me a thumbs up," I said. "I have that relationship with the author, I may as well use it. The author for the werewolf story is an author from my former publishing company, but they were hired after I quit. I noticed Tia, my former boss's, fingerprints all over the manuscript. The story was well told with the perfect mix of action, romance, sex and drama. The studio said that they would probably have it be rated R. I get to write sex scenes."
"What's the next story you're going to attack after the werewolf one?" Alice asked as Gianna dumped her school supplies into the cart.
"Um, I think the circus story next. That one is really romantic and it's a period piece," I said wistfully. "I've read that story before and I thought it would translate into a movie well."
"Mom, Owen and I are going to pick up some new boxers, undershirts and socks," Masen said as he put his school supplies in our cart. "I also want to pick up some workout clothes, too. It's better to get them here since we're here."
"Okay. Send your brother over here before you sneak away, Mase," I said. He nodded and Owen came over, his arms filled with his school supplies, dumping them into the shopping cart. I gave Owen my best 'Mom' face. "I know you and your dad talked about that. Do not sneak off and buy them with your little brother. I don't want him to get any ideas or that we condone that behavior."
"Mom," Owen whined, his eyes wide behind his glasses. "That's all sorts of weird. Ew!"
"Promise me, Owen," I growled, pointing at him. He nodded, his face bright red. "Out loud, Owen."
"I promise, Mom. I swear," he choked out, his voice cracking. "Can I go now?" I nodded, arching a brow as he skulked away, embarrassed at my line of questioning.
"I'm lost," Alice said. "What are you talking about?"
I led Alice away from Mia and Gianna, who were still looking at the school supplies, figuring out which folder they liked better from the Charmed movie. "Okay, so while we were on vacation in Cabo, Owen asked Edward about condoms."
"Shut. Up," Alice hissed. "Owen. My godson, Owen. The clone of my twin brother in all his geeky glory. He asked about condoms? Is he having sex?"
"From what Edward told me, no. Owen couldn't get through the conversation without turning bright red. He also didn't know how to please a girl," I said, smirking slightly. "However, the fact that my oldest son is talking about condoms is freaking me out. He's thinking about having sex."
"It could be worse. He could be having sex and knocking up a girl," Alice muttered, her nose wrinkled. "You are too young to be a grandma."
"Shit," I groaned.
"And I noticed that you weren't stressing about Kyra and sex," Alice said.
"I know that Kyra's protected. Well, from pregnancy at least. When she started her period, they were wonky. I put her on birth control to help normalize them when she was a sophomore in high school. However, she asked if she could go on the Depo shot before she went away to college. I took her to our gynecologist and she had her first shot once we got back from Cabo. Thankfully, our doctor has privileges at Northwestern and she can get her shot up at her Evanston office," I said, wrinkling my nose. "Also, she's not in a relationship."
"But, she is in college with freedoms that she never had before," Alice explained. "And don't forget about Steve."
"What about Steve?" I asked, pushing the cart behind Mia and Gianna. "Steve is not Kyra's boyfriend. He has feelings for her but he's not …" I trailed off, thinking the worst. Steve was unemployed and my daughter had two extra rooms. "You don't think that Steve would do that?"
"No! Steve is a good man. But, it could happen. You never know," Alice said wryly.
"Don't say that, Mary Alice," I growled. She just gave me a sardonic little smirk.
We finished our school shopping, getting some casual clothes for the beginning of the school year from Target and a nearby Kohl's. Alice suggested we take the kids to Oak Brook Mall closer to the beginning of the school year to pick up more fall outfits. The apparel that was out was still more summery. I agreed and I dropped off Gianna and Alice at their house. When we got home, Mia and Masen went to their respective rooms. Owen was trying to sneak out to visit Tasha. I heard him talking on the phone. "Hold it!" I barked.
"Tash, I've got to go. My mom needs to talk to me," he said. "Yeah, we'll go to the movies with Felix and Maureen. I'll pick you up in about an hour, okay? Love you, too." He ended his call, his face a bright flaming red. "Mom?"
"You love her?" I asked, arching a brow.
"Yeah," Owen whispered, biting his lip and looking so adorably flustered. His face was so red and his mannerisms were all Edward. He knew he was on the spot and it showed. "She said she loved me when we were 'dancing' at prom. Things are great with us and I do love her. A lot."
"So much that you're talking to your dad about condoms?" I smirked, leading him into the living room. His face flamed brighter. "Look, I know your dad gave you the third degree and I'm here to reiterate those points. It's responsible for you to talk to your father about practicing safe sex, but are you ready?"
"I don't know. Things are getting heated and I just want to be sure. You know? And you have to understand that I won't push Tasha into something that she's not ready for, nor is she going to push me," Owen explained. "I honestly don't think that we're going to have sex any time soon, but I'd rather err on the side of caution than be unprepared or rely on her to do it. I think she takes those pills like Kyra did to regulate her girly thing."
"Her period," I deadpanned. He so sounds much like Edward. If I wasn't his mother and I wasn't stressed out about becoming a grandma, I'd find this quite humorous. "If you can't talk about this stuff, Owen, you shouldn't even cross that bridge."
"I know. Dad said the same thing. I have a box, bought with Dad's help, but I don't foresee us using it. Not yet, at least. I promise to be careful and show Tasha that I love her." He bit his lip, his eyes anxious to go. "I'm running really late, Mom. Please?"
"With what car are you planning on picking up Tasha?" I asked, giving him a wry little smile.
"Your beast?" he smirked.
"Ugh, you're a pain in my ass, Owen," I grumbled, tossing him my keys. "Make good choices and be back by midnight, with your virginity intact! I don't want to smell sex in my car. Gross."
"Yeah, eww. Besides, I want that moment to be special. Not in the backseat of my mother's Range Rover. Talk about weird," he said, hugging me tightly before running off to take his girlfriend out on a date.
I went to make dinner, some fish, rice, veggies and a light salad. As I was cooking, our house phone rang. It was Kyra. "Hello!" I sang. "How are you doing, sweet girl?"
"I'm good, Mom. Look, I'm making dinner for a couple of my new friends and I need your help. How long do I cook the chicken parmesan in the oven?" she asked.
"How much are you making?" I responded.
"Um, eight chicken breasts. And they're huge," she laughed. "One website says an hour and another says less than that."
"Well, I precook the breasts, after I've breaded them, in a frying pan. I brown them, putting them into an oven safe cooking dish. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees and after you've browned the breaded breasts, cover them with the sauce and mozzarella cheese, cooking them for fifteen to twenty minutes," I explained. "What are you making as a side?"
"Pasta and some broccoli," Kyra answered. "Along with a salad. My friend, Rex, is bringing that. He's a soccer player and very particular what he likes in his salad."
Rex? "Okay, Kyra. Let me know how it goes. Love you, sweetie," I said, my voice wavering.
"You okay, Mom?" Kyra asked.
"I'm fine," I said, waving my hand. "Just having an emotional mom moment."
"Emotional like you're upset that I'm not there?" she whispered.
"No. Nothing like that," I said. Emotional in the fact that you have a friend named Rex, who's a soccer player. Could you be sleeping with Rex? "I'll be fine, Kyra. I love you, principessa."
"I love you, too, Mom. I'll try and come out before classes start in earnest, okay?" she said.
"Okay," I smiled. We hung up and tried to not let my mind run away with me. My daughter was an adult. It was her life and her decisions. She was no longer living under my roof. It was her prerogative to make friends with whomever she chose. Male or female.
But, Rex? What kind of name is Rex?
xx STTD xx
KyraPOV
"Ugh, this statistics course is kicking my ass," I said to my friend, Rex. "I hate math. Math hates me. Why do I need to take statistics and calculus?"
"I don't know, Kyra," he replied, rolling the r of my name. "I'm not the one who is a psych major. I'm an art history major and all I have to do is look at pretty paintings all day." He shifted his bag over his toned body. "After soccer practice, though. We have an away game at University of Illinois down in Champagne. The guys give me such shit for being an art history major."
"Not many gay men are on the varsity soccer team, Rex," I said, nudging him with my shoulder.
"This is true and why I'm single, Kyra," he grumbled. "So, rain check on dinner? I'll take you to this delicious little Indian place when I get back from the children of the corn."
"Sounds good. Melissa, Amber, Hannah, Jason, and one of my classmates from statistics, Peter, are coming for dinner tonight. I'll save you some," I said, hugging him. "Kick some cornfield ass."
"Later, K," Rex sang as he ran toward his dorm. I walked to my car and drove to my condo. I was so grateful that it was the weekend. My classes were hard, but I loved every moment of them. Well, except statistics. It was sad. My dad had to come and tutor me a couple times a week for the first three weeks of the course, but he explained it in ways that made sense to me. Once I got it with the help of my father, it clicked, but I still struggled with the concepts. It took me longer to do the math and the problems, but they were usually correct. The professor, though, was frustrated with the amount of time I took to complete my work. I had had a test today and almost all of my classmates finished within a half hour of receiving the test. I took the entire time, plus five extra minutes after some cajoling with my professor. I was confident in my work and I knew I did well on the test.
It didn't negate the fact that I hated statistics and all things math.
Once I was back at my condo, I checked on my meat loaf. That was the meal of the week. My friends hated the dining hall. They were all from my orientation weekend and people that I'd met from wandering around on campus before classes started. When they found out that I owned my own place, the begged if they could pay me for a home-cooked meal once a week. I eagerly obliged since I loved cooking and I'd rather cook for more than just me.
Though, Rex was a constant companion since his roommate was a homophobe and an asshole. I offered him one of my numerous rooms, but he said that part of the stipulation for his scholarship was that he stayed on campus, living in one of the dorms. That didn't stop him from being a frequent overnight guest, though. Usually when his douchebag roommate was having one of his many orgies. The guy was a tool.
As I was working on making mashed potatoes, I heard a quiet knock on the door. I checked out the peephole, seeing Steve standing on my doorstep. "Hey, you," I said, throwing up the door. "This is a surprise." He hugged me and I led him into my comfy condo. "Did Hank let you in?"
"Yeah. He recognized me from when you moved in," he chuckled. "I was bored and I didn't want to be a third wheel with my parents on their date to some musical. I figured I'd swing by, see how you were doing?"
"I'm good. I'm working on dinner. Some of my friends are coming over for meatloaf. I have more than enough," I said, gesturing to the massive loaf of beef in the fridge. "Six pounds of beef, pork and other goodies."
"Including bacon," Steve laughed. "Bacon makes everything taste good."
"It does. I can only make this when Senna isn't coming. She's not allowed to eat pork or something," I shrugged. "Do you want something to drink? I have pop, iced tea, water, a few beers, some wine?"
"You have beer? Wine? You're eighteen," Steve teased.
"My friend, Rex, is twenty-one and he keeps his alcohol in my fridge since his roommate is an asshole. Rex wouldn't mind if you one or two," I said. "And the wine I use for cooking. I don't like the taste of it, really."
"I think I'll stick with pop," Steve said, swiping a coke from the fridge and helping himself to a glass. This was not the first time that Steve came over randomly. I liked that he did and our friendship had blossomed since I'd moved out of my parents' place. "You understanding statistics?" He held up my book and I wrinkled my nose. "No?"
"I get it. Dad helped me a lot, but I hate math. I don't understand why I have to take such advanced math if I want to shrink someone's head," I said, tossing a potato into a pot of water. Steve picked up one of the many potatoes that I had, peeling it, helping me. "Thanks."
"No prob. Since I'm mooching and randomly showing up on your doorstep, the least I can do is help you cook," Steve said, his lips raising in a sweet smile. "How are your other classes?"
"They're okay. Typical gen ed stuff," I shrugged. "The English Lit class I'm taking is covering all of the books I'd read when I was in AP English. All I have to do is rework some of my papers and the assignments are essentially done. It makes my life very easy. How about you? Have you figured out what you're going to do with your life?"
"Well, I'm waiting for some test results," Steve said. "Your parents paid me really well to watch over your family. I have all of that money saved and I think I may go back to school. I'm just trying to figure out where. The tests results will help me decide, but it won't be for another year since obviously this school year has already started."
"What are you going to go back to school for?" I asked, trying to heave the pot off the counter.
"Let me get that. It would suck if you tripped and spilled all of this onto the ground," Steve said, picking it up easily and putting it onto the stove. "Anyhow, I'm thinking about going to school to my law degree. Become a lawyer. I also spoke with your dad and the foundation needs some additional lawyers. I'd want to work with the Cullen Children's Foundation, become an advocate for kids and families. I don't know."
"I think that sounds awesome, Steve," I smiled. "Though, you'd have to voluntarily be in touch with my dad. He's still not your biggest fan."
"I beg to differ, Kyra," Steve said, leaning back against the counter casually. "He wrote me this amazing letter of recommendation for my application to law school. I was flummoxed when I read it, surprised at all of the positive things he said about me. Despite our differences and the whole thing with Owen, we've really grown to respect each other. Will he be my best friend? Probably not, but I respect him as much as I respect my father. He's a good man and you're lucky to have him, Kyra."
"I am. I didn't see it earlier, but he made me work for everything and he taught me so much," I murmured. "My mom, too. She brings out my dad's silly side."
"I've never seen that," Steve guffawed. "He's always so serious. You know?"
"He was serious this year because of what happened with Jacob," I shuddered. Steve noticed my reaction and he hugged me gently. I eagerly accepted his warm, protective embrace. He smelled so good, like cologne, fresh pine and something sweet that was just Steve.
"I'm sorry that he got you, K," he whispered.
"But, he's dead," I said. "He won't ever torture anyone in my family again. You helped put him away."
"I only did my own stalking," he snorted humorlessly, releasing me and sliding onto the counter. "Thankfully, we got you back safe and sound with only minor injuries."
"My mom had the most psychological trauma," I cringed. "She still has nightmares."
"Do you?"
"Do I what?" I asked, my brows furrowed.
"Have nightmares?" Steve asked, his head cocked to the side.
"At first, I did. We went to the family counseling and that helped," I said. "Every so often I see a shadow or hear a voice that reminds me of Jacob, but I know that he's dead and can't terrorize my family anymore. Thanks, in part, to you." He gazed into my eyes, his icy blue orbs staring intently. My cheeks flamed as he held my gaze. Unconsciously, I moved close to him and his fingers threaded with mine. Our bubble was burst when my phone rang on the counter. "Holy shit!" I squeaked.
Steve chuckled, sliding off the counter, handing me my phone. "I'm going to go to the bathroom, Kyra."
"Kay," I said, clutching my phone to my chest. I watched as he padded to the bathroom. My phone stopped ringing, only to start ringing again. "Okay, okay! Hello?"
"Miss Cullen? You have four guests down here," Hank said. "Can I send them up?"
"Um, yeah. Thanks, Hank," I said, waving my hand in front of my face, trying to calm down from that intense moment. I walked to door, leaving it open for my friends. As I waited for them, I put the meatloaf into the oven and started the water for the mashed potatoes. I also found some vegetables and started chopping up stuff for the salad. My friends came into my condo and they immediately made themselves comfortable. Amber helped me in the kitchen and Jason flirted with me, but he reminded me too much of my brother, Owen, for me to even consider him as a boyfriend.
Incest is NOT best. Gross.
Steve was quiet when he came out of the bathroom. He also helped me with dinner, hovering close to me. Amber was totally ogling him, throwing herself at him. Steve deftly dodged her overt flirtations. I didn't like Amber's actions, but I kept my anger at bay. Steve and I weren't dating. We were friends, bordering on something more, but he wasn't mine.
Though, when I did imagine having my forever man, he did closely resemble Steve.
Mia and I, when we were kids, talked about our 'forever' men. The man who was like our father, the prince charming who would steal our hearts and love us forever. Over the years, our forever men changed. When we first started talking, I was saying that it would be Dad and then Mia got all pissy, saying that Dad was her forever man. Now? I'm certain that Mia's forever man is now a forever woman, but I'm not sure. I've tried to talk to my sister, but she clammed up when I did approach her.
After dinner, Melissa and Hannah helped with the dishes while I sent Steve and Jason to get dessert, taking money from the food jar on my counter. I didn't have time to get dessert, or bake anything. There was a nearby bakery that had delicious cookies and Italian treats like cannoli, tiramisu and pizzelles. When they guys came back, we had dessert and watched a movie on my huge plasma screen television, a gift from Uncle Tim. All of my friends were scattered on the couches. I sat on the floor, near the huge overstuffed chair where Steve was seated. He smiled sweetly. "I don't bite."
I got up from the floor and sat next to him, curled up almost on his lap. By the time the movie was done, my legs were draped over his and my head was on his shoulder.
xx STTD xx
Over the next few months, Steve would show up when I had group dinners. He also would come and take me out to eat on the weekends. He also worked out with me, getting me to run along the lakeshore. I had packed on the freshman fifteen with all of the dinners I'd cooked. At our dinners or morning workouts, we talked about everything and nothing, laughing the entire time.
Rex adored him, trying to convert to be gay, but Steve said that his heart belonged to another. I frowned at that, thinking of his girlfriend, Thea, who had passed away when they were in high school. He'd never feel that way about me. He was older, much more mature and he knew what he wanted in life. A teenage girl fawning over him was not in the cards.
The first semester ended. Thankfully, I got all A's. I went home for Christmas break, spoiled by my parents, siblings and family. Second semester continued along the same vein, but Amber stopped coming around since she was pissed that I was taking her man. Steve had politely asked her to lay off the flirty behavior since he was interested in someone else. He liked her as a friend, but nothing else. The next thing I knew, Amber was sleeping with Rex's douchebag roommate and got pregnant, quitting school after spring break.
All too quickly, the school year ended and I was relaxing for a couple of weeks before I started my summer school classes, trying to knock off my general education requirements. I was working on a paper for one of my English courses, since I'd decided to minor in English for my mom. I had just finished my thesis when I heard that same timid, sweet knock. I saved my progress, locking down my computer and padding to the doorway. Steve was standing there, a shy grin on his face. "Hey, stranger," I said, hugging him. "Long time no see."
"I helped my parents move back down to Florida," he explained, walking into my condo. "I also had interviews for law schools."
"Really?" I smirked, sitting down on the couch. "What school are you going to learn the inner workings of the law, Counselor? And when do you start?"
"Well, a lot of it was based on my LSAT scores. I took them in the fall and I was not happy with my results. I took them again just after the first of the year and they improved tremendously. With the improved test scores in hand, I applied all over the place, but I was offered a position at Yale University, Harvard University and Columbia University, all full-ride scholarships."
"Oh," I said, my stomach dropping to my toes. "Congratulations. Those are all amazing schools, but nothing local?"
"I was put on a wait list for Loyola and University of Chicago," Steve frowned. "I was hoping to stay local, but unfortunately that's not the case." He picked up my hand, idly tracing his thumb over my knuckles. "I wanted to stay local, Kyra. For you," he whispered.
"What do you mean?" I asked, loving the soft feeling of his hand.
He blew out a breath, staring into my eyes, just as deeply as he did that one night in my kitchen. He moved closer, his other hand brushing my hair away from my face. "I think it's better that I demonstrate," he murmured. He leaned forward, his eyes locked on mine. With a silent question, he asked. My heart was stammering against my ribs, wanting desperately to feel this, feel him. I nodded and he closed his eyes, his mouth tenderly covering my own. His lips were soft, sweet and so gentle as he brushed his mouth over mine. His hand tangled into my hair and pulled me closer to his hard body. My fingers threaded into his short blond locks, lost in the feeling of his sweet mouth moving against mine. He moved me so was on his lap, straddling his thighs. I moaned quietly and he used the opportunity to slide his tongue between my lips, dancing and twisting inside of my mouth. We kissed heavily for a few moments until we broke apart to breathe.
Damn it.
"Kyra," he said breathlessly, his hands tracing my face and sliding down my body, holding me close. "I'm in love with you. I've been in love with you for over a year, but I couldn't tell you. Unfortunately, your father's voice and angry stomping around stopped me from saying anything."
"I'll kick his ass," I grumbled, trying to get off Steve's lap.
"Stop squirming, woman," Steve laughed, his warm hands cupping my face. "His arguments were valid. But, your mom supported me on my feelings. She came down with my parents since your grandmother purchased a house on the coast of Jacksonville. She was checking it out and we flew out and back together. Your parents have a significant gap in their ages and she knows how you feel. How I feel. Like I said, I'm in love with you, Kyra. I love you." He chuckled, kissing me sweetly. "I'm an idiot for not telling you sooner, but I love you."
"You're not an idiot," I whispered, pressing my forehead to his. "A little slow."
"Hey now, I got accepted to Ivy League law schools," he laughed, his lips tracing my jaw. Shit, that feels so good. I love his scruff. "But, yeah, I'll agree with slow. I've wasted so much time."
"Did you? We did everything a couple did except kiss and make out and sex," I laughed. "Our relationship was a relationship."
"But the kissing and the making out and the sex are fun," he quipped, his fingers tracing my features. "And it's not just sex for me, Kyra. It's making love because when we do take that step, we will make love." He kissed me tenderly, commanding my mouth and making me melt against his body. I rolled my body over his hardness – because it was a little hard to miss – wanting desperately to get closer to him. "It's not happening now, Kyra."
"When do you leave?" I asked, biting my lip.
"I'm leaving at the beginning of August," he said. "Two weeks. Your parents helped me find an affordable house to rent and I'm staying there until I'm done with my law degree."
"Where?" I whispered.
"Yale. They gave me the most and were the most impressed with my scores, resume and undergraduate degree," he answered. "I already have a clerkship with an attorney's office, too."
"So, we have two weeks to be together," I sniffled. "That's it?"
"I hope not," he said. "Yes, we'll have two weeks together, but after the three years that it takes me to finish my degree and the three years for yours, we'll be together. Plus, we have the phone, email, Skype. I can visit you on breaks and vice versa. I can't just walk away from you, Kyra. I don't want to. I feel like I'm leaving half of my soul here in Chicago with you."
"We can do that," I smiled, throwing my arms around his neck. Steve returned my embrace, crushing me to his chest. "What's on tap for tonight?" I asked, kissing his neck.
"Well, Sweetness," he began, "I would like to take you out for your birthday since it's this weekend. I know you have plans with your friends and family up here the day of your birthday, but I want to celebrate it. Just the two of us."
"I'd love that. I do have to finish this paper, though," I said, grimacing. "It's due tomorrow."
"How much do you have to do?" Steve asked, arching his brow.
"Just the conclusion, proofread and then final edits," I explained. "An hour tops."
"Okay," he said, kissing me sweetly and moving back onto the couch. "I'll just up to your desktop and make arrangements for our date tonight. Dress comfortably."
"Kay," I said as I watched him jog up to the loft. Focus, Cullen. I picked up my laptop, working on the rest of my paper. I managed to conclude it, tying it all together with ease. I ran spell check, reread it and edited it before I submitted it to my professor, using the online submission application. I called up to Steve, saying I was going to get ready. He told me to wear comfortable shoes. I decided to wear a cute dress and a pair of ballet slippers. I braided my hair, letting it hang over my one shoulder. Steve was waiting for me in the kitchen, holding the most beautiful bouquet of flowers. "Wow, they're beautiful!"
"They match your vibrant personality," he said, dipping gallantly as he presented me with my flowers.
"Let me put them into a vase," I murmured, taking them from him. I struggled to reach the vase since it was above my fridge. Steve saw me struggle and he easily grabbed for me, his long, lean body was pressed to me. He handed it to me, smiling smugly. "Thanks."
"You're welcome, sweetness," he said, kissing my nose. "You look gorgeous." I blushed, ducking out of his arms and filling the vase, placing the flowers inside. "Shall we?" he asked, offering me his arm. I nodded and we went down to his car, which was parked in one of my visitor spaces.
Expertly, he drove us to Chicago, parking at Navy Pier. I'd been here numerous times with my family but never with a significant other, a boyfriend. Is Garrett my boyfriend? He helped me out of the car, threading our fingers together and we walked onto the pier. We idly strolled inside until we reached Harry Caray's. "Is this okay?" Steve asked, his cheeks pinking up. "I called ahead and got us on the list. I wasn't sure what you wanted … Shit, I'm so out of practice. We can go somewhere else."
I stopped his nervous babbling by kissing his mouth. "Steve, it's perfect," I soothed. He visibly relaxed, hugging me to his side. We went into the restaurant and Steve checked us in. We barely had to wait before we were seated on the patio. It was a little quieter outside than the tavern inside and we were seated in the corner, closest to the pier. As we sat on the patio, Steve told me about his plans at Yale and the classes he signed up for. He also asked about my sophomore year of college, asking what I had on tap for this year. Like always, our conversations are light and easy, nothing forced about them. Steve was sweet, humble, and intelligent and had this dry, sarcastic humor that only I saw. He was very reserved around my family, for obvious reasons.
My dad scared the shit out of Steve.
Which I find to be incredibly ironic. My father was the nicest man I'd ever known, but he can be intimidating. He and Uncle Jasper created a Fortune 100 company from nothing, becoming the biggest technological company on the planet, bigger than Apple. My father was driven, ambitious, funny and loving. He loves his children and worships the ground my mom walks on. But, he's not scary.
We finished our meals, complete with a skillet sundae that had a sparkler for a candle. Steve laughed as the servers sang to me, sounding like dying cows. I thanked them and we split the dessert. "You didn't sing?" I asked, quirking a brow.
"You don't want me to sing. What they did sounds like classical music to the barking that is my voice," he chuckled, humming as he swallowed some of the ice cream. "My talents are elsewhere."
"Like what?" I asked.
"You're going to laugh," he said, his face turning red.
"I won't. I promise," I vowed.
"I like to dance. Swing dancing, line dancing, just dancing …" he shrugged. "My mom encouraged me to try it out. In high school, I took a dance aerobics class with Thea before she got really sick. I was the only guy, but I loved it."
"I think there's some dancing at the end of the pier. We should go," I said, smiling brightly. Steve nodded, waving down the server and paying for our meals. We walked to the end of the pier and sure enough, there was line dancing going on. I wasn't as familiar with line dancing, but Steve seemed familiar with the music. We watched for a few moments. I caught the gist of the steps, dragging Steve out to the dance floor. We didn't leave it until fireworks started go off over the lake. I never saw Steve laugh so much. When we weren't dancing, his hands were always touching me, keeping me close. As the fireworks went off, he held me in his arms, swaying gently.
After the fireworks, Steve drove me back to my condo since I had class the next day at nine. I invited him in, wanting to see if he would spend the night. He leaned in, kissing me softly, but the fire escalating quickly. With a nibble to my bottom lip, he pulled back. "I'm going to do right by you, Kyra Cullen. I want to treat you right. And that does not include sleeping together on our first date. I'm an innocent young lad!"
"I didn't mean …" I rambled. "I'm not ready for sex!" Shit, that was really loud.
"Me neither, sweetness," he said, sneaking into my foyer. He closed my door, snickering quietly. "Your neighbor was waggling his brows, thinking you're going to get some. Perv." He looked at me, smiling softly. "Besides, I don't want to spend two weeks with you, make love and then drive to Connecticut, pining for you."
"Have you been reading my mother's romance novels?" I teased.
"Shut it," he smirked, idly playing with the end of my braid. "Call me old fashioned but I want to woo you, make you feel like a princess and give you everything, Kyra. I mean it when I said that I loved you. I do. So much. You're my closest friend and you have so much in you that I admire, cherish and adore. I want to be sure before we take that step."
"I understand," I said, trying to understand his reasoning. I did but I didn't. I was confused. "I think."
"Let's not worry about that now," he said, kissing my forehead. "We've got two weeks before I go out to New Haven. I plan on spending as much time with you as you'll let me, Kyra. I want to make it count, but no adult sleepovers. Not yet."
"Okay," I smiled. "Thank you for dinner and for the fun time line dancing. You're really good. I'm shocked at how good you are."
"I had the most beautiful partner," he said, leaning down and cupping my face. Tenderly, he brushed his lips with mine, making my skin ignite in flames. Damn, could he kiss. My panties are about to explode! We made out in my foyer for a few more minutes. "Call me when you're done with your class, Kyra. I love you," he whispered. With another sweet kiss, he was gone.
"Love you, too," I said dreamily to the door.
The two weeks flew by. Steve was with me when I wasn't in class. He did end up spending the night since we had had a movie marathon. He wanted to introduce me to the wonders of Star Trek. My dad had tried, but I thought it was lame, but Steve added some awesome commentary, explaining the vision that the creator had. We watched the original movies and by the time we got through all of them, it was well after three. He decided to stay in the guest room, though I did try to entice him to my bed. Unsuccessfully, mind you.
The night before he was due to leave for New Haven, I made him dinner. I made his favorite, vegetarian lasagna, with salad and cheesecake. Though, I bought the cheesecake since I couldn't make it. It always ended up crumbling or tasting weird. After we ate, we settled on the couch. "I feel weird. Shouldn't you be packing or something?" I asked.
"My car is ready to go and I shipped everything I needed to my apartment. Oliver let me crash at his place the past couple of weeks. My landlady said she'd sign for it and have her grandsons bring it into the house," Steve said, shrugging slightly. "I'm renting out this bungalow from this woman who reminded me of my grandma. I got a good deal with the rent. All I have to do is maintain the lawn, shovel the driveway when it snows and pay for my own electric and cable bill, which she set up. So, I just write her a check for that. I don't really have much beside my clothes and my laptop, which your dad upgraded for free. He saw my dinosaur and he said that if I was going to be a lawyer, I had to have a computer that had WIFI."
"I'm happy that you're getting your law degree, but I don't want you to go," I grumbled.
"I'm still on those waiting lists. If something opened up, I'd take it in a minute, sweetness," Steve said, taking me into his arms. "It's not like I'm moving to Timbuktu. Just Connecticut."
"When do you leave?" I asked, an emptiness taking hold in my chest.
"Around ten," he murmured, tightening his arms around me. "I'll call you along the way and once I get settled, Kyra. This won't change us. You know my history. I closed myself off for so long because of what happened with Thea, but I want so much more. With you. I'm not going to let a thousand miles and a law degree stop that." He picked up my right hand and he grabbed something from his pocket. He slid a ring down my finger. I'd seen it before. "This is my promise to you that you're it for me."
"It's beautiful," I murmured, holding up my hand. "I've seen this before."
"It's your mom's. She gave it to me, much to your dad's chagrin," Steve snickered. "She gave it to me to give to you because she knew that we were meant to be. She's working on your dad. He tolerates me, now. He still thinks I'm too old."
"My dad is five, almost six years older than my mom. You're seven years older than me?"
"Just about," Steve said, running his finger over my ring. "I also want you to know that I'm committed to this, Kyra. I know you're young and if you aren't ready …"
I turned in his arms, moving so I was on his lap. "I'm ready. You are such a wonderful man, Steve. I can't imagine my life without you," I murmured, wrapping my arms around his neck. I buried my nose into his shoulder, inhaling his clean, masculine scent. "I love you so much, Steve. I'm just not ready to let you go."
He moaned, his arms banding around my waist and pulling me flush to his body. His lips found my shoulder and he kissed up my neck. We made out fervently, pawing and holding each other, afraid that other was going to disappear. His kisses were sweet, pleading and amazing. I whimpered as he lay me onto the couch, his lips trailing down my neck and across my collarbone. Up until this point, Steve had been very chaste with his kisses, with some tongue. Now, he was tasting my skin and his hands were hovering over my body. I could feel how aroused he was and I wanted more. Not yet. Don't let your teenage hormones ruin this, Kyra. Steve must have wanted more, too. His large, warm hands trailed down my arms and he gently cupped my breast. I arched up into his hand, my fingers tightening in his sandy blond hair. We continued kissing, making out heatedly for over an hour. Steve sat up, his lips swollen and his eyes rheumy. "I need to calm down, sweetness. You are entirely too sexy for words."
"I am?" I asked, arching a brow.
"Baby, you have no idea," he said, pulling me up and nuzzling my neck, his arms holding me close to his hot body. "I just want to hold you for a moment before I go."
"Stay," I whispered against his shoulder. "With me. We don't have to do anything more than this. But, stay. I want one adult sleepover so I can have something to look forward to. You are my boyfriend, after all. Right?"
"I'm more than that," he chuckled, his cheeks pink. He cupped my face, staring into my eyes. "I'll stay. I may shave off a little time leaving from here."
"You will?" I asked, smiling crookedly.
He beamed, kissing me softly. "I'm just going to run down to get something to sleep in from my bags." He grabbed my keys and went down to the garage. He was back before I knew it and tossed a small duffel bag onto the ground next to the door. We spent the rest of the evening just talking, laughing and relishing our last few hours together.
Around midnight, I start to doze off. Steve teased me for snoring. I smacked him, heading to my bedroom to get ready for bed. Steve used the guest bathroom. When I was done, I opened the door to my bedroom, very nervous. Steve walked in, wearing a pair of shorts and a V-neck t-shirt. "Is there a side you prefer?" I asked, my voice sounding squeaky.
"I'll probably just end up cuddling with you," he said, giving me his sweet, timid smile. He walked over to me, picking up my right hand. "It's beautiful on your hand, Kyra. And I meant what I said about this being a promise to you. You're the one for me. I've never been more sure about anything in my life. I spent so long fighting my feelings."
"Don't fight them anymore," I whispered.
"I'm not," he said, sweeping me into his arms. "I love you and you love me. That's all that matters." He lay me on the bed and turned off the lights before crawling into bed with me. I was stiff and unsure how to do anything. Steve noticed my trepidation, pulling me into his arms. I put my head on his chest, listening to the steady thrum of his heart. "This is just the beginning, Kyra. Just wait and see," he whispered in the darkness. "I love you, sweetness."
"I love you, too," I said, kissing his lips before snuggling back in his arms. My eyes eventually drooped shut and I fell asleep, safe in Steve's arms. I slept hard until the alarm went off. Steve was curled around me, his face still chiseled and handsome, looking years younger in slumber. I got up out of bed, wanting to cuddle with him but also wanting to send him off with a full meal. I made some blueberry waffles with raspberry syrup, whipped cream cheese and bacon. Steve woke up, padding into the kitchen. His face was marred with pillow creases and he was yawning. "I made breakfast," I said, trying to sound chipper, but I knew it fell flat.
"As delicious as this smells, I missed my cuddly, warm, sweet girlfriend," Steve said, wrapping his arms around me and holding me close. He kissed my shoulder. I leaned against him, wanting to freeze this moment. "I thought I could do this. I thought I could just get in the car and drive away," he whispered. "I don't know if I can, Kyra."
I turned in his arms, taking his face in my hands. "You've said that it's just Connecticut. We can do this. I'll miss you like crazy because we finally stopped dancing around our feelings," I laughed.
"I'm an idiot," he grumbled.
"No, you're not. I don't think I was ready for this last year," I said. "This sweet, loving, amazing intimacy that we have. It reminds me of my parents. They are so sweet and love each other so much. In fact, you're like a clone of my dad, except you've got a ton of muscles and you didn't need to have corrective laser eye surgery."
"I beg to differ. I had Lasik when I was twenty-one," Steve countered, kissing my nose. "I was as blind as a bat. I made my mom throw out all of those pictures when I wore glasses." He brushed my hair off my shoulders and stared into my eyes. "You're wiser than your years, Kyra Cullen. I promise you, I'll be out for Christmas. Perhaps, you could come out to New Haven for spring break?"
"We'll make it work," I said, snaking my arms around his neck. Steve easily lifted me up and set me on the counter. I wrapped my legs around his waist and held onto him with all of my might. "It will work because we love each other."
"I love hearing you say that," he murmured. "I was so afraid that you didn't feel the same. Last night was the first time you said it back."
"You just left to quickly for you to hear it, but I said it," I teased. "Now, let's get some food in you. I think my siblings can hear your stomach in Wheaton."
"I am hungry," he laughed, rubbing his belly. "And you do cook so well."
"I get it from my mom," I shrugged. We ate breakfast, taking turns in feeding each other. Steve kissed a dollop of whipped cream that was on my face and that ended up being a pretty intense make out session. He eventually pulled himself away and said he was going to take a cold shower before he set off to Yale University. I giggled, which earned me a playful glower before he slipped into the guest bathroom. I quickly did the dishes and took my own shower, changing into a long floral skirt and a tight tank top. After Steve left, I had an appointment with my advisor about a possible internship opportunity.
Steve finished his shower and he propped his duffel by the door. He was dressed casually in a pair of shorts and a loose Northwestern t-shirt. I giggled at that. "I have to support my girl," he said, plucking at the charcoal gray cotton. "When I get to Yale, I'll send you a hoodie."
"Make sure you spray some of your cologne on there," I said, wrapping my arms around his waist. "You always smell so good."
"I promise, sweetness," he murmured, hugging me tightly. "Think of it this way, I'll see you in thirteen weeks."
"That doesn't help, Steve," I deadpanned, pressing my ear to his chest.
"Okay, okay," he chuckled, tipping my chin up. "But, I will see you and we will stay in contact. I love you and I want it all with you. I had the most amazing dream last night. You were the star."
"Do I want to know?" I snickered, smiling seductively.
"I'd rather show you, baby," he whispered. "But not now. Not enough time to do with you all that I want." His voice deepened to a husky growl. "I love you and I'll call you when I stop for the night. I'm hoping to get to Cleveland today and then New Haven by tomorrow."
"Drive safe. Be safe. Ignore those Ivy League lawyer wannabes," I said, jutting out my lip.
"Why would I look at them when I'm holding my dream girl?" he asked, kissing me sweetly. "I'm yours, Kyra. This ring is my promise to you."
"I should give you something," I frowned. "My own promise. God, I suck as a girlfriend."
"You don't, sweetness," he chuckled. "Knowing that you are wearing my ring that represents my love; that alone is a promise enough for me." I pursed my lips, not happy that he didn't have something of mine. "Don't pout, baby. I do have to go, though."
"Call me if you get tired," I said, tears brimming in my eyes. "I'll miss you."
"I already miss you," he whispered. "Don't cry, though. This is temporary. I love you."
"I love you, too," I sniffled, throwing my arms around his neck. He gently lifted me in his arms, squeezing me so tightly. With a shuddered sob, he let me down and stared at me. His own eyes were filled with tears. "Drive safe. Be safe."
"I promise," he said, kissing me once more before ducking out of the door. I watched out the window as he tossed his bag into the backseat of his car. He looked up at me, kissing his fingers and then holding up the sign language symbol for 'I love you.' I responded in kind as he drove away.
Steve was everything I could have ever hoped for. He was my dream and my future. That brought me solace, happiness and joy. Thirteen weeks … I can do that. With a determined smile, I grabbed my bag and slung it over my body to go to my meeting with my advisor. I sent Steve a text before I left.
I love you and I can't wait until we get to reenact your dream you had last night. Heaven knows, you're mine ~ Kyra xoxo
A/N: So, we're wrapping things up. And a number of you called it with Kyra and Steve. They were destined to be together. I always planned it this way. Now, I've got some pictures on my blog for this chapter (one of which you might recognize from A Nerd Story of Love, the ring Edward gave Bella on Rufus, the lion). Links for that are on my profile. You can also find me on Facebook: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation or twitter: tufano79.
We've gone one more real chapter and it's going to be a transitional chapter, wrapping things up and bringing us back to the beginning. We're also going to hear from a new voice: STEVE! After this last chapter, it will be an epilogue and the story of SGD (or as Rose calls him now, SGG) and Nerdella is coming to an end. I hope you enjoyed it. Leave me some lovin if you did!
