Accepted Fate (26 page)

As I come into the seating area, I stop to catch my breath. I see Ryland looking really nervous standing next to the terminal. He's talking to Breyson, whom has his back turned towards me. As Ryland catches sight of me, a smile spreads across his face. I don't think I've ever seen him smile so big. I'm not sure what he says, but Breyson turns around staring at me in the eyes. I can't even move. Maybe I should have planned what I was going to say. What am I supposed to say? I always seem to be at a disadvantage around him.

He looks a little surprised, but he begins to smile. I'm not sure I'll ever be immune to him. I've heard the term
panty dropping smile
and it never made sense until now. It makes me slightly weak in the knees seeing him smile. He drops his bag next to Ryland and begins walking towards me, never breaking eye contact. He stops in front of me, but giving me space. When he looks me in the eyes like this, I can't seem to look away. "Hi," I say nervously.

"Hi," he quips back.

"Why are you leaving?"

"I didn't have a reason to stay."

"What reason is that?"

"I just figured if I couldn't hang around with you, I didn't have a reason to be here. You've kind of grown on me," he says teasingly.

I can't help but to smile. "I guess you've kind of grown on me too."

"I'm sorry about Friday. I shouldn't have done that to you. I did end things as soon as it happened. I swear it. When it did, I should have told you and what happened at the party..."

I place my hand over his mouth stopping him. "It doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is that you're upfront with me from here on out. No more omitting the truth. Honesty is a make or break with me."

He nods and steps closer. Removing my hand from his mouth, he kisses my palm. Releasing my hand, he cups my neck in his hands. He tilts my head back to look up at him. "You have my word." He tilts his head slightly to the side and leans in pressing his soft lips to mine. Each time his lips touch mine, tingles spread all over my body. He interlaces his tongue with mine. Our mouths fit together perfectly and his breath taste of fresh mint, barely numbing my tongue. The world fades away and for a moment it's just us; two people becoming lost in the other. I may be young and I may be headstrong, but even I know saying goodbye in four days is going to be the hardest thing I'll ever do.

CHAPTER 12

Kinzleigh

As the sun beams in through the windows, my eyes pop open. Glancing at my phone, I notice it's still early. Usually, I like to sleep but today I have too much to do. It's my last day with Breyson and I'm determined to make it count. I still haven't figured out the best way to tell him goodbye. Sitting up, I rub my hands over my eyes trying to wake up.

I turn my body, placing my feet on the floor. I stand up from the bed and walk towards my balcony door that is covered in the sheer curtains that are the same hot pink as my satin sheets. I love my room. It's decorated in a mixture of black, pink, and gray palettes with Eiffel tower's everywhere. Usually my parents take us on a family vacation every year and the year we went to Paris I completely fell in love. It's kind of weird that I don't want anything to do with love but my favorite place is known for the very thing I want nothing to do with.

I open my balcony door and walk outside. From my balcony, I can see the beach in the distance. I love sitting out here people watching and staring at the palm trees and the ocean. Leaning against the railing, I close my eyes and bask in the sunlight warming my face and shoulders.

It's hard to believe it's been four days since that day in the airport. It's all been very surreal. If I had to put a word with the emotions I've experienced, I would use magical. Breyson and I have been together the entire four days with the exception of sleeping. We've done just about everything time would allow.

Monday when we left the airport, I took him around Los Angeles and Hollywood. He said this is his third year here, but I wanted this year to be special. I wanted him to experience the beauty and the personality of California, the way it's meant to be experienced. I wanted him to see what I love about this place. I didn't only do it for him, but since I'm about to be gone for a year, it was a little for myself too. It was definitely one of best days of my life.

Tuesday, we just hung around Ryland's pool house. The four of us swam for most of the day, playing pool games and his parents grilled lunch for us. They are really nice people and a lot like my parents. We even played board games inside. I really felt like a kid again. It was nice.

Last night, though, was the best night yet. Breyson picked me up from my house just when the sun was going down. He had told me earlier that day to dress comfortable. I had no idea what he had planned, but I was full of excitement. Once we got in the truck, we headed over to the beach. I didn't think much of it, until we got there and I saw he had a picnic planned. I didn't know people even did that anymore, other than in the movies.

I couldn't help but smile when he pulled out that big picnic basket from the back seat. He slipped up and said his Aunt Susan helped put it together. We walked down to the beach hand in hand. He spread out a blanket and we ate fruit and sandwiches. We just laid there, under the stars, snuggled up and talked for hours.

It's amazing how much alike we are. He is as devoted to football as I am about cheerleading. He gets it; to want something so bad you'd do anything to obtain it. He has been nothing but a gentleman. We have had quite a few heated make out sessions, but nothing more. Those times were absolutely amazing. No words will ever be enough to explain it.

I've decided that tonight, the fifteenth of June, I will give myself to him. At least in every way I can. I may not be able to give my heart away, but I will give him my body. I realized throughout this week that there really isn't a reason to hang on to my virginity anymore. If I had any intentions on getting married I would save it, but that just isn't the case with me. With that thought, I also don't want to be a slut either. I love Presley and she is always really picky and safe with who she hooks up with, but all that is a job in itself. The only reason I have made this decision is because come tomorrow morning, Breyson will be hundreds of miles away. I know it will be special but not permanent. I want it to be perfect.

Tonight, I even have the house to myself. Mom and dad left this morning for Turks and Caicos, to celebrate their twenty fifth anniversary. They won't be back until Sunday night. Konnor is with Kyle at some kind of event, with several bands, in Los Angeles for the night. Since it's summer, they decided to get a hotel.

I have all day to get prepared for Breyson to come over. I told him we could just watch movies and hang out since he has to get up so early for his flight. He is supposed to come over this evening. I really need to get together in my head what all I need to do for when the time comes. Isabella, the house keeper, has already cleaned the house for the week so everything is tidy for tonight. I thought about making a trip to the mall to pick out some lingerie and candles, maybe even a new outfit.

I told him not to eat dinner because I was going to attempt at my cooking skills. I'm not really sure why I am going to try this because there are only a few things I can cook from watching mom in the kitchen. I guess I will need to check the kitchen before I leave for town.

Walking into my bedroom, I make up my bed and pick up what I have messed up since Isabella cleaned. I'm a pretty neat and organized person but I haven't been home much over the past few days. I remove my favorite Lavender and Vanilla spray from by bedside table and spray the pillows and my big fluffy comforter so they will smell nice for later.

Since I showered last night, I am going to wait until right before he comes over to shower so I'll be freshly cleaned. I am really nervous about being intimate, since obviously, I've never done this before. Opening my dresser drawer, I pull out a pair of white denim shorts and a t-shirt. Pulling them on, I tousle my curly hair and pull it into a low side pony tail.

I imagine it will probably be busy at the mall, so I really need to get started if I'm going to get back in time and have everything ready by the time Breyson gets here. I grab some no show socks from my drawer and remove my Puma sneakers from my closet. Once I am fully dressed to go, I put on a pair of simple hoop earrings and reach for my purse. Grabbing the doorknob, I turn and look at my room one last time before I go. Next time I see it, everything will change. I may not get to stay in the house I love but for another couple weeks, but I will always have something to remember it by.

I walk downstairs into the kitchen to make sure I have everything for dinner. I think I am just going to put salmon steaks on the grill with green beans. It's easy and I know it will be edible. I check in the freezer to make sure we have everything I need. I pull out the salmon from the freezer and lay it in the refrigerator to thaw. I turn out the lights and begin walking towards the garage door. Grabbing my keys from the key holder on the wall beside the door, I open the door locking it behind me.

I pull into the mall parking lot in record time. Picking up my purse from the passenger seat, I lock my doors and head for the entrance. First stop on my list is Bath and Body Works for candles. I usually keep a stock of everything scent related, but I haven't done much lately with my busy schedule for cheerleading practice. I have a lot to do for my upcoming tryouts, taking priority over everything else including shopping. I'm normally a Scentsy girl, but I am out of all my wax scents and haven't reordered yet, so today candles will have to do.

Walking in the store, it looks as if they are having a big sale. I grab a bag and begin stocking up on a little bit of everything from wallflowers to candles and sprays in all different scents. I love this store but I can never stay in here long because all the different scents consuming you at once can give you a headache in a hurry.

It doesn't take me long to get the things I need and head towards Victoria's Secret. Now, each time I go in this store I will think of the day Breyson was in here with me. It's the funniest thing, all it takes to embarrass a masculine man is to bring him to this store. We talk about it all the time at school. Every girl brings her boyfriend here for the sole person to embarrass them. I personally never experienced it until that day.

As I walk into the store with my bags in tow, I am immediately greeted by a store associate. "Hello, my name is Heather. Is there anything in particular you're looking for?"

"Maybe," I say. "I'm trying to buy something for someone but I'm not sure what to buy." Personally, it kind of embarrasses me to be in here buying this type of item. Usually, I'm only in here to buy underwear, swimwear, or clothes so this is a little different.

The associate looks to be in her mid twenties and can obviously sense my discomfort. "I see. Is this someone a special guy in your life?" I nod because really, I don't know what else to say. "I think we can find something for you." She smiles discretely. "Follow me sweetie."

She begins walking towards the back of the store, on the side with all the frilly and sexy lingerie. I'm getting more nervous passing some of the items that become scantier as the store deepens. She walks me into the dressing room. "Tell me what type of thing you're looking for. Do you want something you can wear under clothes or something to change into?"

She makes a good point, one in which I have not thought of. Maybe I should have chosen the outfit before I came here. I shrug my shoulders. "I'm really not sure. I never got that far in the thought process. I'm not even sure what I'm wearing. I'm sorry I'm not much help. I've never really bought anything like this before."

"You don't have to be sorry, hun. That's why I'm here. Luckily for you, I'm a pro," she says winking at me with a grin spread across her face. She stands there looking me over. "Let's see. We probably want to stay sexy but simple." She begins tapping her index finger over her pursed lips. "You have a killer body and gorgeous hair. How about we go for something under the clothes so you can knock his socks off and it can be unexpected. What do you think?"

Clearly I am out of my league here. "Whatever you think; I'm your model so you can do as you please." Her face takes on a mischievous look. Apparently I just made her day.

She opens a dressing room door and leads me inside. "Stay here and I'll be right back with some things for you to try." Disappearing into the store, she comes back about fifteen minutes later with an arm full of items.

As I'm leaving the store, I have come to the conclusion I never want to go through this experience ever again. I have tried on more lingerie than I ever care to see again in my lifetime. I have no idea what time it is because I've been stuck in a dressing room for what seems like all day; with different items being shoved at me. Now I know why people just hire personal shoppers for this sort of thing.

I ended up leaving with some really sexy black and pink underwear, a garter belt and stockings to go under my clothing. I'll admit with my natural skin tone, pink is one of my favorite colors to wear. I'm actually comfortable in what she chose. It's sexy but yet simple just like she said. The push up bra is a black undertone covered in a lace design of dark pink with a small bow between the breasts. The panties are the matching design in thong with the same bow in the center of the back, sitting right above the beginning of my bottom. Naturally, I didn't try on the bottoms but I know it will look really good all put together. The last stop is a boutique close by and then home to get ready.

Looking at my cell phone I realize I need to hurry. I only have another hour or so before I need to be arriving back at home and traffic will take up a good portion of that time allotment. I have gotten a few texts from Presley asking if she could give Breyson my number and he has asked each time we're together, but my answer remains the same. I don't want any complications. As much as I would love to talk to him more, it's just not plausible, with him living in a different state than me and also leaving tomorrow. There is no reason to continue talking once he's gone. It will only make things worse. When he leaves here, I want him to take away a fond memory and that be that.