"By down low I mean just keep it to relevant parties. I know you would not want to hide this from your friends or family. But keep in mind who will be better at keeping it secret. Trust me I would love to shout to the world that we are together, but I need to keep you safe. And ensure the future you want is yours if I can have a hand in it."
Her face had softened from its neutral state that she puts on when she is hiding her thoughts. Truthfully I felt like I was struck by lightning. The luck I was having these couple of days has been insane. I reflected on the morning before we got here.
When I woke up I almost convinced myself it was dream. A good one at that but not real. But feeling her wrapped up in my arms and struggle from beside me alerted me to the realness of the moment. It was not a dream, everything was real. Her cries, her taste, the softness of her beautiful hair, her scratches as she dug her nails into my back. I forced myself to stop replaying the events. One because I had pressing matters to attend to but also my morning wood was getting harder.
I was thankful she was keeping her eyes forward. I wasn't sure how I would react to her seeing me in this state. I left once I was sure she was fine and took care of it before coming back in and waiting for her to finish. I just put on some boxers I had in the meantime.
After cleaning up and getting her the clothes she needed it was soon time for us to leave. I ended up putting on one of my loose knit sweaters and a turtleneck under. I was not ashamed of the marks but her parents had a point, I did not need anyone casting stones on her.
The drive was mostly uneventful with us making small talk after our decision on how to move forward. As much as I wanted every man, woman and child to know we were an item there was things in the way. For starters that stupid rule.
I figured I would first talk to my lawyer friends to see how feasible overturning the law would be. But I had to be good about keeping it away from my parents noses. My mother in particular was like a bloodhound when it came to things about me.
She just knew and would sniff me out before I could hide.
Once I saw Celestes driveway I knew it would be a while before I saw her again. She would still have the rest of her vacation before returning to finish the exhibition. But I suppose in that time I can figure out ways to create fun dates to take her on.
I fully intended on doing things the right way. She deserved to get the full dating experience. I parked but grabbed her hands before she could leave the car. "Call me ok? Don't be a stranger to me." Her face looked a bit taken back before smiling brightly. Her cheeks turning a beautiful shade of pink. "Did you think after all that I would hit it then ditch? Trust me I am not going anywhere. Stay safe and keep me updated until we meet again."
Her hands caressed me cheeks and I took that opportunity to give her a deep hug. I breathed in scent and tried to memorize the way her body felt against mine in my mind. "I would kiss you but your lips are already swollen a bit from last night. No need to make things more apparent."
She laughed and gave me a chaste kiss against my lower jaw and neck. "See you soon ok." We ended up parting and while she walked ahead to her home I grabbed her belongings from the trunk and followed from behind.
"Hello Mr. and Mrs. D'Angelo!" A staff member was waiting at the door to collect her things. "Thank you Dean. She is back in one piece." Her father joked as he tousled her hair. For a brief second I saw a hint of a love bite peak out but I forced myself to look away to not draw attention to it.
"Enjoy the rest of your vacation. Celeste, see you later for the exhibition." As much as it was a habit to call her by her nickname I needed to be very low key. I was not sure if her parents knew that I called her princess among other names. I often said it in front of them but as to whether they heard me I could not recall.
"Take care of yourself kiddo and come by sometime! The playoffs are more fun to watch with a friend." The sudden invitation was a blessing for me. It gave me an excuse to come by.
"Are you sure? I wouldn't want to impose on your vacation." Her father came up and gave me a firm clasp on the shoulder. "Whoa some delts you got there. Of course! I would not offer if I did not want you here. Besides Celeste's grandfather on her moms side is coming by as well. The more the merrier!"
Celeste looked surprised clearly also taken aback. "Alright well you have my number? Text me and I will be here."
Unlike Celeste I did not have a vacation. But I will be damned if I let this opportunity slip by. I just needed to get up earlier and work like a mule. It was doable. "Ok see you then." I left once I gave her father my number. I flipped through my contacts looking for people I could ask about the law when I felt like I was being watched. I discreetly looked at my peripherals while keeping my head down on my phone.
It was not until I got into my car that I began scanning more carefully. My tinted windows blocking whoever was watching me from tracking my eyes. I spotted some quick movement and saw what looked like a young woman dart off.
My eyes narrowed. Her sense of fashion was distinctly European. I did not get a look at her face but something felt off. Were they watching me or watching her? I decided to put off the legal team and contact my usual guys. "Hey I need you to check someone again for me."