Page 119 of The Pass Protection
Rolling over top of me, Crew places his elbows on either side of my face, resting his weight. Leaving a smattering of kisses over my face, he stares down at me. “Don’t worry, Rebel. When I propose to you, you’ll know it’s a real proposal.”
“When?”
“Yeah, baby. When. I can’t wait to put my ring on your finger and call you my wife.”
I hum. “Say it again.”
“Mywife.”
“Okay, let’s go get married now.”
“Patience.”
I smile at the memory as a knock sounds from my door. “Damn, baby girl. You clean up well.”
“Thank you.” Turning, I take in JP as he stands in the doorway dressed in navy dress pants, a white button-down, and a navy and light blue striped tie. “You look handsome, JP.”
Tears well in my eyes as I stare at my roommate. We’ll watch him graduate in a few short hours as he moves on to bigger and better things. I arrived with a brother when I stepped foot at Central Texas University. Now, I’ve gained a whole family of brothers and sisters. It’s crazy where life can take you.
“We’ve got to get going if you’re riding with me.” I nod, slipping into the black pumps I pulled out for the day.
Cocking my head, I stare up at him from where I’m clasping my shoes. “Why is it always you getting me?”
“Those two fuss over their hair too much.”
“I think they’re worse than me.”
His eyes widen as he nods. Reaching for my purse, I follow JP to the living room, where the other two emerge. Everyone looks dapper—Harris in his dark-brown dress pants and a cream and deco-printed shirt. Crew wears black slacks that hug his thick thighs and a tailored white button-down. I feel his gaze as he takes in my outfit like I did him.
Stepping closer, Crew places a strand of hair behind my ears before leaning in. “You look breathtaking.”
My cheeks heat as he places a chaste kiss on my temple. A soft smile tips the corner of my lips.
Reaching into my purse, I pull out my cell. Tapping the camera icon, I shout. “Roommate selfie!”
With a few groans, the guys all close in around me as I take a picture of the four of us.
“One more,” JP adds as I lower the camera.
With it hoisted in the air, I adjust the angle. As I go to click the screen, the three of them all plant kisses on the sides of my head. I laugh, and tears well in my eyes.
“My favorite,” I whisper as I look at the image.
It ishotinside the Central Texas Athletic Center as we wait for the graduation ceremony to conclude. I fan my face with the program as I scan over the graduates sitting in the center of the room, all dressed in navy caps and gowns.
As the keynote speaker concludes his speech on resilience and hope, he encourages the graduates to reflect on their journey at CTU and the time spent getting to this momentous day. Crew’s arm stretches behind my seat as he rubs my bare shoulder with his thumb. Chills run through my spine, and goose bumps cover my skin. Tilting my head, I rest it on his shoulder.
“I’m glad my journey brought me to you.”
“I love you, Rebel.”
“I love you, too.”
My mom smiles at us from beside me while my dad glares at Crew. He likes to act as if he’s not okay with our relationship, but he’s given Crew his blessing. The two met to discuss their roles on and off the field and their dynamic going forward.
Applause fills the large space as the speaker finally wraps up his speech. The moment we’ve all been waiting for is finally here. The graduates stand row by row, and each name is announced as they walk across the stage.
“Grant Campbell.” Clapping, I watch my big brother move across the stage, shaking hands, before accepting his diploma. Pride swells in my chest as I watch my best friend achieve a degree, which puts him one step closer to chasing his dreams.
