Page 181 of My Only

I almost didn’t want to go home tomorrow.

It was our final night on the road, with just one more day left of the abstinence rule Dr. Aldridge had made us promise to follow. Tonight, we were just chilling in the RV.

Most of the trip, we’d slept on the road, except for two nights—nights one and two—when we stayed under a roof at a lakeside lodge and then later a romantic boutique Inn.

The RV was perfect, definitely a hotel on wheels.

I was so glad I trusted Hassani on this.

The movie for the night was Strictly Business.

I’d never seen it, but Hassani had—many times—and he swore I’d love it.

After a quick shower and twisting my hair into chunky twists, I joined him in front of the flatscreen. We had a giant bowl of popcorn between us as we sat across from each other on the plush couch.

We’d popped three bags to make sure we had enough.

The RV was parked in a quiet, forested area inside an RV park.

The peace, the quiet, the stillness?

That was what I’d miss the most.

I tossed a kernel at Hassani between scenes, and every time, he caught it.

Which, of course, made me laugh.

I held my smile, locking eyes with him.

“What?” he asked.

I shook my head. “Nothing. This just reminds me of when we used to hang out in my room, just chillin’ and eating popcorn.”

He smiled too, nodding. “The last time we did this was weeks before graduation—when you were tutoring me for my final exam in that apartment you shared with Sunni.”

“The night we hooked up,” I added. “Mm-hmm.”

“Hmph.” His smile gradually faded. “That night was everything to me. I was so damn happy to be back inside you.”

I snorted.

He smirked. “You laugh but I’m serious.”

The movie was still playing, but it was just background noise now.

Because nothing else was as interesting as just talking with him.

“There was a moment where I felt like it was surreal,” he added.

“I know.” I nodded. “I didn’t think we’d ever do that again after prom night.”

“Me neither.”

For a moment, we got quiet.

Then, I asked, “Do you ever think of her and what y’all could’ve had if you forgave her?”

He turned his focus fully on me.

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