Yeah, I figured you would all say James, but I wanted to put the option out there ^^

And it was Anne and Roland's fault for giving him their credit card *hard shrug* XD

I'm going to be gone for a few days for medical stuff, but I'm going to get back as soon as I can!

Enjoy ;)

Love you guys!

XOXOXOXOXO

Chapter 32

James

I watched the look on Sofia's face as we walked around the art museum.

It's obvious that this is just as relaxing to her as the rage room had been,

Watching her smash shit had been sexy as fuck.

But she's just as sexy inspecting every piece of art we come across.

This is definitely going on the list of reasons I love her.

"Are you sure this isn't boring you?" She asked, linking her arm with mine.

Boring me?

Sofia wants to go to art school, and I'm going to need to understand what she's talking about.

She let me teach her about football.

I want to learn about what she loves.

"Not at all," I shook my head, gripping her arm tighter, "You want to work in the art field, and I'd like to learn more about it,"

The look she gave me sent an electric shock to my brain.

Her eyes are so full of love and passion.

For me.

I can't wait to propose to her.

I bet me proposing in the art gallery would make her happy.

Maybe I should-

No.

Stick to the plan, Talbert.

Sofia animatedly explained the different art forms and techniques the artists had used and why the pieces were good as I stood behind her, resting my chin on her shoulder.

I snuck a look at the hickey I had given her and smiled victoriously.

She hadn't even tried to stop me as I was doing it.

She hadn't tried to cover it up either.

She wants the world to know she's mine.

And I want the world to know I'm hers.

The sun was beginning to set as we walked back to the truck, and I drove us to our next destination.

I helped Sofia out, and she giggled as I pulled her on my back.

"It's so beautiful," Sofia sighed, looking out across the canal.

Good, we made it.

The sunset reflected off the water just like I hoped it would.

I knew I wanted to propose to her at sunset after the first day.

The mix of reds, pinks, and blues match my girl perfectly.

God, she's so beautiful.

"I want today to be as relaxing as possible, baby," I whispered, resting my head on hers, looking up at the sky.

"Thank you," she whispered back, nuzzling my head, "I'm sorry I fought this so hard,"

"Don't be sorry," I chuckled, "Just let me take care of you,"

"Forever," she nodded.

Forever.

I walked down the canal, holding Sofia's bare legs tightly around my waist as we tried to avoid the crowds.

We made it to the middle of the bridge as the sun was at its lowest point in the sky.

I slid Sofia off my back and turned to face her, grabbing the small box out of my pocket.

I know we've talked about the wedding...and I'm sure she's going to say yes...but I'm so nervous.

She looked at me quizzically, and I saw her expression change to excitement as she realized what I was doing.

That's a good sign.

Okay.

Do it.

"Sofia Dawn Benton," I chuckled, getting down on one knee, staring into her wild blue eyes, and exposing the ring, "I know you've been anticipating this for a while, but I wanted to wait until the absolute perfect moment because you are the absolute perfect woman. You have known so much evil in your life, but I want to be the one to remind you every day how incredibly good you are," I slid the other ring off her finger and put it in my pocket, "I want to continue being the one you wake up to every morning and the one you cuddle up to at night. I don't want you ever to feel like you have to face anything alone. Meeting you was the best thing that has ever happened in my life, and loving you has been the greatest honor of it. I would undoubtedly be the luckiest man in the world if you let me stay by your side forever," I took a deep breath and slid the new ring on her finger, "Sofia, will you marry me?"

"Of course I will," she smiled with tears streaming down her face, "I love you so much!" she wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling her legs around my waist and kissing me deeply.

I could hear the muffled sound of claps and cheers around us, but I kept my focus on the breathtaking girl in my arms.

I carried Sofia back to the truck, unable to stop smiling as she clung to me.

The feeling of officially being engaged to her is more of a high than any game I've ever won.

Sofia really wants to stay with me.

I don't have to wonder anymore.

"What do you want to do next?" I asked her, wrapping my arm around her shoulders in the truck.

Please tell me to go back to the hotel.

"Let's go back to the hotel," she smiled, resting her head on my shoulder, "I don't want to share you with anyone else tonight,"

That's my girl.

"I was hoping you'd say that," I laughed, driving us back.

I led Sofia back to our room and joined her on the couch.

"I can't believe we're really engaged," she giggled, straddling me.

Neither can I.

I've been so persistent about our relationship, and I'm glad I didn't chase her away.

I love Sofia.

I love everything about her.

I always have, and I always will.

"Are you happy?" I asked, caressing her face as she looked down at me.

"Happy doesn't even begin to explain how I feel right now, James," she smiled, rubbing her nose on mine.

There isn't a word for this level of happiness.

I get to spend my life with the most beautiful, interesting, perfect woman to ever exist.

"Agreed," I chuckled, lacing our fingers together and pressing my lips firmly against hers.

She pulled her shirt over her head and I quickly unhooked her bra, throwing them both on the floor, and revisited the site of my love mark.

I love how soft her skin is.

I love that she wants me to touch her.

I grazed my teeth over her collarbone, making her arch her back.

Shit, she's going to get me hard again.

Her body curves so perfectly.

I want-

No, damnit, she's going to make you stop.

I could feel my erection pressing against her through my jeans, but she didn't make me stop.

Don't go too far again.

Not unless she tells you you can.

I kissed down her chest, swirling my tongue around her nipples, making them as hard as I was getting.

Sofia looked down at me with sparks in her eyes.

"

I picked her up and carried her to the bedroom, laying her down on the edge of the bed.

I heard how her uneven breathing matched mine, but she wasn't showing signs of wanting me to stop, and I couldn't hold back anymore.

I carefully unbuttoned her shorts, looking her in the eye for any warnings, but she just bit her lip and raised her hips for me to pull them off.

I leaned down and kissed her as I removed her panties, "Are you sure, baby?" I whispered, running my hand up her thigh.

"Yes," she nodded, "If you are,"

If I am?

Silly girl.

Let me show you how ready I am to love you.

To completely give myself to you.

I ran my fingers along her hot wet slit and watched her eyes roll in the back of her head as I pushed two inside her.

She moaned and grabbed at the comforter as I moved inside her, feeling her tight walls constrict around me.

Her moans are so-

DAMN!

I want to feel you come, baby.

I want to make sure you love this as much as I do.

"James," she squealed, pulling a pillow over her face.

Hey now, don't hide.

Seeing your face is the whole point of this.

I threw the pillow to the floor and increased my pace, "Don't hide, baby, I want to see you're gorgeous face," I smirked, watching her reach completion.

My erection was pushing painfully against my zipper, and I quickly grabbed the box of condoms I had stashed in our bag before removing my jeans and boxers.

"You brought condoms?" she asked, panting in anticipation of what was to come.

"Of course, baby, I bought these weeks ago," I chuckled, pulling on the sleeve.

I'm glad she didn't find them before.

It would have put more pressure on her.

I want her to know how long I've wanted this.

I want her to know this isn't just some spur of the moment thing.

I want her to know I've been waiting for when she was ready.

I got on my knees, pulled her thighs around my head, and buried my tongue deep inside her delicious core.

Fuck, she tastes so good.

I hope I'm doing this right.

"Holy fuck," she moaned, grabbing my hair as she raised her hips to let me go deeper.

Good, she likes it.

Come for me again, princess.

I want you to feel good.

She came for a second time, and I ran my tongue up, circling her clit, and stood over her.

Sofia's eyes were closed, and I leaned back down, "Open your eyes, princess," I kissed along her jaw.

She did as I told her, and we kept eye contact as I ran the tip of my cock between her legs, coating it in her cum before slowly pushing inside her.

I'm ready.

She's ready.

Don't hurt her.

God, I love her so much.

She's the only girl I'll ever be with.

She snapped her eyes shut again, and pulled the comforter over her head, but I tossed it back off.

Please don't hide from me.

"No, baby," I whispered, putting my hands on the bed to keep the blanket secure.

She opened her eyes, kissed me, and wrapped her legs around my waist to push me in further.

Is it okay to be this deep?

Oh my God, this feels too good.

Shit.

I want to go faster.

I held her hips as I thrust inside her, trying to keep a slow pace but unable to continue with it.

The sound of her adorable fucking moans brought me to the edge.

I don't want to finish yet.

Fuck.

I don't want to stop.

I want this feeling to last forever.

I felt her cum for a third time, and couldn't stop myself from doing the same.

I fell on the bed beside her and pulled her to my chest.

We were both breathing hard, and our hearts were beating sporadically.

I looked over at my angel and kissed her sweaty forehead.

"Are you okay?" I asked, regaining my composure.

"Yeah," she gasped, "I'm just trying to catch my breath,"

"Do you want to take a shower?" I asked, removing the condom and throwing it in the trash.

I propped myself up over her and kissed her neck.

"Mhm," she nodded, "In a second,"

I smiled, rolling over and pulling her onto my chest.

"I love you, Sofia," I kissed the top of her head.

She looked up at me and ran her fingers across my cheek.

"I love you too, James. More than anything,"

"More than anything ever," I nodded, pushing her ponytail to the side, "You are so beautiful,"

She giggled and hid her face in my chest, but I pulled her chin back up to me, "I'm serious, baby, I have never seen anyone even half as gorgeous as you are. You are perfect in every single way,"

Her face softened, and she leaned up to kiss me, "I would have to be for someone as incredible as you to love me so much, so I'll take your word for it,"

I sighed and ran my hand along her back, "I hope you will see it for yourself someday, angel, but I will never stop reminding you,"

"Come on, baby," she giggled, "Let's go take a shower,"

She pulled me off the bed and into the luxurious bathroom.

I turned on the water and faced my girl.

Her face was still red from our previous activity, and her eyes had that same fire in them as they had before we started.

I released her hair from the tie and watched it flow around her petite frame.

"I will never get over how perfect you are, princess," I whispered, running my hands over her exposed, freckle-covered flesh.

"And I'll never get over how perfect you are," she whispered back, pressing her hands to my chest.

I smiled and led her to the shower, letting her go in first.

The water ran over us as I held her to me, relishing in how much I loved the feeling of her body against mine.

I grabbed the soap and slid my hands over her, playing with her clit as I washed between her thighs, making her claw at my back.

I love having so much control over her, but I also love how much control she has over me.

There is no one else I would have rather given my virginity to.

And there is no one I would rather spend my life with than Sofia.

My girl.

My fiancée.

My wife.

She ran her soapy hand along my length, getting me hard all over again.

"Already up for round two, are we?" I purred in her ear, and she bit her lip.

She's still my shy girl.

I love it.

I chuckled and rinsed us both off before turning off the water and grabbing towels.

"Can we order food?" she asked, twisting her hair up in the towel.

"Yeah, baby," I nodded, wrapping my towel around my waist, "What sounds good?"

"Whatever you want is fine with me," she shrugged, walking into the bedroom and grabbing her pajamas.

I found my phone and ordered Chinese before throwing on my pajama pants.

I walked out into the living room and found Sofia looking out over the balcony.

My princess.

I can't believe this is my life.

I walked up behind her and wrapped my arms around her waist.

"Hey, you," I rested my chin on her shoulder, "Whatcha looking at?"

"Nothing really," she sighed, "Just thinking,"

About the sex?

Is she regretting it now?

Did I go to fast?

"Do you want to talk?" I offered, kissing her neck.

"It's nothing bad," she giggled, "I'm just so happy, James. I've spent weeks terrified that I would push you away, but you never left, and now we're officially engaged. I was worried that you touching me would send me into a panic attack, but we just had sex, and it was incredible. I just wish I didn't live in my head so much. I keep psyching myself out,"

I'm not going anywhere.

As long as you're happy being with me, I'm yours, baby.

"I'm happy too, baby," I kissed her cheek, "What was it you told mom? That you couldn't chase me away with a flamethrower, right?" I joked, earning a light smack on the arm, "I know your demons try to convince you that you can't have anything or that you don't deserve anything, but I swear to you that I will be here to beat the shit out of them every time. And I have to agree, you were pretty incredible back there," I whispered, swaying my girl from side to side.

You deserve everything.

"I didn't do anything," she blushed bright enough I could see it in the dark.

How can you say that?

You just got over your fear of being touched by me.

You were wonderful, Sofia.

"I'll have to stop you right there; you think I could have done all that if you weren't extremely helpful?" I asked, running my hands along her sides, "The back-arching, moaning, staring at me with those eyes," I shivered, "Fuck, baby, you did more than I did,"

There was a knock at the door, and she pushed me away playfully.

"Go get our food, crazy man," she giggled, shaking her head.

I'll make you see how crazy in love with you I am.

I set up the food in the kitchen while Sofia picked out a movie, and we got comfortable on the couch.

Sofia fell asleep with her head on my chest, and I carefully carried her to bed.

I laid beside her, forcing myself not to run my fingers along her perfect face.

She always talks about how lucky she is to be with me, but I am the lucky one.

Even after all the trauma she has endured, she tries her best every day to stay with me.

Sure, I pushed myself into her life, but she chose to be in a relationship with me.

She wants to be in a relationship with me.

Sofia could have pushed me away harder, ignored my advances, and tried co-habiting with me platonically, but she never has.

I want to think I could have respected her wishes if that was what she chose, but I know it would have crushed me beyond repair.

She was my first girlfriend.

My first kiss.

My first love.

My first everything.

She's my person, and I don't believe I could handle seeing her with someone else.

It would drive me insane not to be the one to be so close to her.

I don't think I would have cared if she waited longer for sex either; just being near her is intoxicating.

She wrapped her arm around me, pulled herself closer, and rested her head in the crook of my neck.

Her warm breath tickled my skin, and I gently kissed her lips.

I am definitely the lucky one.

I woke up at five and groaned, trying my damndest to go back to sleep, but I couldn't.

Stupid internal clock.

I want to lay here with Sofia.

I silently crept out of bed, doing my best not to wake her, and changed into my workout clothes before leaving a note on my pillow in case Sofia woke up.

The hotel had a gym, so I went for a run on the treadmill.

I heard the door open but kept my eyes straight ahead and turned my music up louder.

I miss the solitude of working out at home.

I don't like working out with anyone except Sofia.

I felt a tap on my shoulder and looked behind me, finding Sofia smiling in her workout clothes.

I hope I didn't wake her up.

I'm glad she's here, though!

"Hey, baby!" I exclaimed, taking out my Airpods, turning the machine off, and jumping down, "Did I wake you?"

"No," she shook her head, "I'm getting used to waking up early, and I found your note, so I figured I'd join you,"

"I'm glad you did," I kissed her, "I was missing you,"

She climbed on the treadmill next to mine, and we worked out for an hour.

"Let's go get breakfast," I smiled, grabbing her hand.

"Okay," she gasped, wobbling off the machine, "I think I prefer regular running,"

She's probably still feeling the effects of last night.

Don't think about that right now, James.

Take care of your girl.

I laughed, picked her up, and left the room, "I think I need to make you run faster,"

"No, no," she shook her head, "I run fast enough to be a cheerleader; you can keep that football pace to yourself,"

"Fair enough," I rubbed my nose on hers, "What do you want for breakfast, beautiful?"

"Breakfast burritos!" she exclaimed, jumping out of my arms and pulling me to the door.

I unlocked the truck and pulled out my phone to see what was open.

What are we going to do all day?

I had hoped to sleep in.

The concert isn't until seven...

I don't want her to think I'd planned to spend all of our time in the hotel room.

I'm sure there's something she'd like to do.

We found a diner close by and sat down for breakfast, but I was still at a loss of what to do so early in the morning.

"What are we doing this morning?" Sofia asked, putting her fork down next to her half-eaten burrito.

"What would you like to do? I planned yesterday, you should pick," I smiled, popping the rest of my omelet in my mouth.

"We could walk the culture trail," she offered excitedly, "There are a bunch of local artists in Indianapolis,"

She's so passionate about art.

That would give me an opportunity to learn more about it, too.

I just hope she knows how long that trail is.

"Are you sure you're up to it, cheerleader speed?" I joked, chuckling.

"We don't have to run it, silly," she bumped my arm with hers, "I think it would be fun,"

Anything is fun as long as I'm with you, Sofia.

"Hell yeah," I nodded, "Are you done eating?"

"Yeah, I'm full," she put a napkin over her plate.

"Okay, baby," I frowned, "Let's go,"

I wish she'd eat more.

She's just not used to it.

"I eat at work when I can,"

She had money, but she was too set on saving money for college.

She ate enough to survive.

We walked the city, taking in all of the local art, food, and music.

I wouldn't mind making Indianapolis a regular date spot.

It's not too far from home, and there's so much to do.

Sofia loves it here, too.

Plus, I'm sure we're going to be regulars at that rage room.

I drove us back to the hotel at four, and we started getting ready.

"Wear this," I said, holding out Sofia's silver star tank top and a pair of jean shorts, "You need to be comfortable,"

"Okay," she nodded, "What time does whatever-it-is start?"

Good girl.

Don't try to get me to tell you what we're doing.

I love how much she loves surprises.

"Seven," I answered, pulling on my shorts and the green t-shirt Sofia had picked for me, "But I want to get there early,"

Our seats are up front, and I don't want Sofia to have to fight the crowds.

It's going to be packed.

I hope this was a good idea.

I ran to the suitcase and pulled out the concert tickets before returning to her.

I wrapped my arms around her shoulders and flashed them in front of her face.

"NO!" she squealed excitedly, taking them from my hand, "AN AJR CONCERT?! BABY!" She threw her arms around my neck, "Thank you!"

AJR constantly shows up on Sofia's playlist, and we both love them.

I couldn't pass up this kind of opportunity.

"You're welcome, baby," I smiled, resting my forehead on hers, "I know how much you wanted to go to a concert,"

I want to take you to your first.

I want to be your first everything, just like you're mine.

"My first concert!" she squealed again, hugging the tickets and falling on the bed, "You're the best," she giggled, hopping back up and hugging me again.

No.

You're the best.

"Only the best for the best, my love," I whispered, kissing her on the cheek, "Come on, I want to beat the crowds,"