Page 103 of Vacancy

“I would’ve waited more than two years for you,” I whispered. “Without question.”

26

DAMIEN

Oaklynn was true to her word and stayed the full weekend. But early Monday morning, she had to hurry back to her apartment to change and get ready for classes. So I walked her out to her car as the sun was beginning to rise.

Before opening her door, she groaned out a fake sob and leaned against her car to squint up at me. “I’m not ready to go back to school and real life again. These two days were so nice.”

Stepping in, I wrapped my hands around her waist and leaned against her as I grinned. “They were, weren’t they?” Dipping my head, I pressed my mouth to hers, and Oaklynn hugged me as she kissed me back.

“Next time, you should just bring a change of clothes,” I suggested. “Then we could ride to campus together and squeeze in another hour or so of paradise before class.”

She hummed out a sound of agreement and added, “Throw in my favorite cappuccino, and you have a deal.”

“I think I can swing that. I do know exactly where they’re located in the store.”

“Yes, you do.”

I was proud of myself; I didn’t ask when I’d get to see her again, even though my curiosity was killing me. I was well and truly addicted to this girl.

Thankfully, I didn’t have to wait long.

By noon, she’d already sent me a text.

Hey, when’s your lunch break?

Sitting up straight in the booth I’d been slumped in, I glanced across the table toward Parker who was completely ignoring me and absorbed in something on his laptop. Fully prepared to desert him if need be, I wrote back,

Having it now. What about you?

Ditto. Are you on campus?

My heart rate picked up over the anticipation of seeing her again. I answered immediately.

Yep. Basement of the student union. Southwest corner booth in The Stable.

The Stable was a burger joint, but if she didn’t like hamburgers, I’d gladly go somewhere else to meet her.

But she answered,

Ooh, that sounds good. Want some company?

I exhaled in relief.

From you? Always.

After she told me she’d be right there, I sat up straighter, feeling fuller and happier inside, and I set my phone down, eagerly waiting.

Five seconds later, I was already glancing around, looking for her.

Without lifting his face from his laptop, his fingers flying over the keys as he spoke, Parker demanded, “What?”

I returned my attention to him and frowned in confusion. “Huh?”

He paused typing to click the enter button then moved his finger around the touchpad. As he worked and kept his attention on the screen, he told me, “You’re vibrating like a kid on Christmas morning.”

Funny, because that’s exactly what Ifeltlike.

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