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“Thank you both.” I shake their hands, then thank the desk clerk as well. We take the elevator to her floor. The air thick, my entire body strung tight with tension. This is not how I wanted to see her room for the first time. “Itty Bitty, grab your pajamas and get changed. Wash your face or brush your hair or teeth, anything to feel a little more normal. I’m gonna order dinner.”
“You don’t—”
“Are you my girl?” She nods with a hint of a smile. “Then I’m gonna take care of you and that includes feeding you.” Stepping toe to toe with me, she arches her neck and taps her lips as they pucker. I’m laughing as our lips connect, and I smile into our kiss.
“Thank you, Elijah. I don’t know what I’d do if you weren’t here.”
“You don’t need to find out.” I pat her firm ass and urge her on her way. She squeaks, grabs a change of clothes and disappears into her bathroom, softly closing the door behind her.
I force myself to breathe. If it wasn’t for me, she probably wouldn’t be in this situation to begin with. Shaye has taken a personal exception to Daya’s existence, but my attention has only made it worse. I run my hands through my hair, tugging on the ends, grinding my teeth in frustration.
I know Shaye is responsible. Iknowit. But I don’t know if I can prove it. I might hate her, but she isn’t stupid. And not stupid enough to leave a trail to get caught.
I push aside my feelings and smile at Daya when she shyly opens her bathroom door, stepping out with her head down. She’s wearing the cutest pajamas, a button down short sleeved shirt and matching shorts with Grogu fromThe Mandalorianall over them. As cute as she is, I don’t like that she’s not wearing my clothes anymore. It’s impractical, yes, but caveman emotions are not supposed to be practical.
I pat her bed, and quoteThe Mandalorian, “This is the way.” The joke loosens her posture, her head tossing back on a hearty laugh. Pulling back the comforter, I slide in after her. Her bed is tiny, but I don’t mind, it means I get to hold her close. My arm under her waist, I tug her until her head is on my chest, her leg draped over mine, my fingertips running up and down her back. With my free hand, I nudge her head up with my fingers under her chin, then close the distance between us to kiss her. Her lips are soft, breath minty, her sighs ghost across my skin. I don’t deepen the kiss; I don’t push for more. Now isn’t the time. And honestly, I feel like I could live a lifetime with my lips on hers and die a happy man.
I lift my head, smiling at her contented smile, and her closed eyes. Her breathing evens out within minutes and she’s out. I don’t know how long we lay here entwined before my phone rings. It’s a campus number but not one I recognize.
“Hello?” I answer, my voice low, trying not to disturb her.
“Elijah Addelsbach?”
“Yes, this is he.”
“This is Mason Smith from the university campus security. We spoke earlier outside Daya’s dorm.”
“Did you find anything? Do you know who did this to her?” I have zero chill and I’m not sorry about it.
“We reviewed the footage from Daya’s dorm and the stadium. The same person appeared on both; however, they were covered with a hoodie. It’s difficult to determine gender based on the images, though they are about 5’7”.” Well, that doesn’t rule out Shaye or her friends. They are all around that height, give or take. But it doesn’t confirm it’s them either. I sigh in frustration and lay my head back on the pillow. Daya moves in her sleep, stilling after I kiss the top of her head and restart rubbing her back. “Unfortunately, at this time there isn’t more we can do. Please report any suspicious activity or persons immediately. I have sent a copy of our report and Zeigler’s to the police.”
“Thank you for trying.”
“I’m sorry Miss Moul is going through this. She can report to the main security office in the morning to get a new ID card.”
“She will, thank you. Have a good night.”
“You as well, Mr. Addelsbach.” I click on the screen to disconnect, then lay my cell phone on her nightstand.
“Do they know who did it?” she whispers hoarsely, still half asleep.
“No, Itty Bitty, they don’t.” I turn on my side and wrap myself around her until she’s cocooned and protected. “Go back to sleep. I’ll wake you up when the food gets here.”
“Will you stay?”
“Nothing could make me leave.” I’m hungry. I’m gonna have to pee soon. But I’m not moving. Not yet.
Daya 9.
I woke up yesterday in Addy’s arms and it was…perfect. Swell. Amazing. Nice. We lazed around my dorm room, had brunch sitting on my bed. We showered separately, I spent a little more time on my hair and light makeup, then Addy led me hand in hand to the main security office to get a new ID. After that was done, we replaced my phone and walked around campus with a permanent smile on my face listening to him talk about his time here. The way he spoke about the university and what he’s learned in and out of the classroom, made it all less daunting. Manageable. A little exciting. So many new things to learn and see, people to meet, places to visit.
And if he’s with me for even a fraction of it, then my future is looking bright. I’m growing addicted to Elijah Addelsbach. His laugh, his scent, his cadence, and his attention. When we’re together, it’s as if the rest of the world fades away. Wow. That’s super clichéd. And perhaps a tiny bit juvenile, but I don’t think I care. I really, really like him.
We stopped for dinner; talking about our families, sharing anecdotes from our childhoods, just genuinely getting to know each other on a deeper level. He walked me home to my dorm and we stood outside my dorm kissing and smiling until I shooed him away so I could go to bed alone, giving myself time to process everything that’s happened. Except, I missed himinstantly. As I was moping around my room getting ready for bed, he called because he missed me just as much and we stayed on the phone for two hours.
I woke up this morning determined to put the events after the game Saturday behind me. It was cruel and undeserved, but it’s over and done with. My brother and I are texting back and forth as I walk to the athletic complex for the afternoon workout. I glance up to press the button on the crosswalk and come face to face with my face. Dread settles into my stomach like a lead weight. My eyes dart across the street and all around. I’m everywhere. That stupid, embarrassing picture is printed in technicolor and taped to every available surface from here to the complex doors. I rip them down as I go, crumpling them in my fists.
I scan my card and enter the building, thankful not to see any on my way to the locker room. I push open the doors and there I am for everyone to see. To mock. The other girls are standing around staring at them. A few laughing, but several, including Eva, are angry as they tear them off the lockers.
