“Wow. So while you were partying and getting arrested, I was leading pep rallies and cheering at the football games on Friday nights.”
“Yeah, I remember.” He smirks in my direction.
“Really? You actually went to a game?”
He shrugs, taking a sip of his beer. “A few. My crew kinda hung out under the bleachers and smoked while everyone else actually focused on the game.”
“Oh my gosh! That was you and your friends? Everyone always wondered why the stands reeked of pot.”
Javi laughs. “Yeah, we took strange pride in that accomplishment.”
“I take it you never took honors or AP classes either since we didn’t have class together at all.”
“Nope. I barely passed and graduated, even though I could have easily. I just didn’t like to do homework.”
“I don’t think anyone likes homework, Javi. Have you … have you ever thought about going back to school?”
He nods. “I did, especially when I was serving my sentence. But I got the job with Gibson Construction when I got out and knew I could make a decent living, so I decided against it. Loans and homework didn’t sound appealing.”
“Yeah. I understand. So, uh … how long were you in for?”
He pauses, staring at me across the table as my heart beats nervously. “Two years.”
“Wow. And was this … recent?”
He nods. “I got out about seven months ago.”
“Oh.” I don’t know what to say. I didn’t think his sentence was something so fresh. No wonder he’s apprehensive to talk about it.
“Yeah. Um, are you done?” He stands and grabs his plate, reaching for mine as well. I look down and realize I actually ate during that conversation, but don’t think I could eat any more.
“Yes. Thank you. It was amazing.”
“You’re welcome, Princess.”
“Are you still insisting on calling me that now that we’re dating?”
Javier chuckles as he rinses the dishes and starts putting things away. “I think it just suits you, babe. I always thought you gave off that princess vibe.”
“I thought you called me that because you hated me.”
The water runs in the sink as he scrubs at the plates and loads them into the dishwasher. “At first, yeah. But now, I think it has more meaning.” He shoots me a sideways glance with a small smile on his lips.
“Oh. Okay then.”
While Javier finishes cleaning the kitchen, I go to his room to change into more comfortable clothing. I was still in a navy shift dress from work while we were eating.
My head spins a bit from knowing more about Javier now. It’s no wonder we never crossed paths in school. We certainly didn’t have the same priorities or run in the same circles. Hell, I didn’t even have my first taste of alcohol until the summer after graduation at a lake party when Ally shoved it in my mouth, stating she was tired of my bitching. I was a nervous wreck thinking my father would disown me if he ever found out. Funny how much I think of his opinion now.
As I walk back into the living room, Javier is sitting on the couch, scrolling through his phone while he waits for me. I take a moment to appreciate the specimen of a man that has invited me into his home tonight—not as a hookup, but as someone he genuinely cares for. He may be nervous and uneasy about progressing our relationship, but there’s a resounding firmness in my gut that tells me this is right—he and I together feels inevitable.
Sometimes two people find each other at the right time, and that might mean living lives prior to their connection that don’t necessarily add up. But now, with the way he’s staring at me as I walk to him in my gray tank top and black leggings, it reminds me that beyond this physical pull I feel for him, there’s an emotional one too.
I see a man that just wants to be accepted, reassured that he’s making up for his mistakes and the wrong decisions he’s made in his life. And I want to be that woman for him with every bone in my body. I am falling so incredibly hard for him, especially now that I have permission to, that I’m afraid what the ground will feel like this time if he lets me fall again.
“Hey. You more comfortable now?”
I nod, reaching him at the couch and sinking down on the cushions next to him. “Yes. Very.”
“Good. I refilled your wine and brought you a blanket in case you get cold. I have the air down low to fight the humidity.”
I gaze around the room where a few candles have been lit and admire the work Javi has done in this house. My hand finds his face as I cup his jaw and lightly press my lips to his. “Thank you for having me here tonight … as your girlfriend, Javi. I want you to know how impressed I am with what you’ve done with this place and with that meal you made me. Even though I’ve been here several times before, tonight feels different in the best way. I’m in awe of you. You are hardworking and respectful. You’re loyal. You are an amazing man and I still can’t believe you’re letting me in.”
His eyes soften as they drop to my lips and then back up to my eyes. “I’m glad you’re here too. Even though I tried to fight it, I feel like you and I were inescapable in some crazy way. I’m still shocked we’re here, but thank you for not giving up on me.”
“I don’t think I could if I tried. Just like you never
