Author: Teresa Mummert

I deserved it. I shouldn t have said all those things last night.

I understand why you did.

He smiled a little and my stomach turned.

We need to talk.

I was ringing my hands together out of nervousness.

I like you, I really do, but I don t think we are right for each other.

What? Sinthia, we are perfect for each other.

No, I tried to be what you wanted but it s not fair to either one of us.

He stepped forward but I put up my hand to stop him.

So that s it?

he asked, sounding defeated. I nodded and he shook his head.

I m sorry,

I said and he looked down at the ground, kicking a few stones.

Don t be. Have a good life, Sinthia.

He turned and made his way back to his car. I took a deep breath and went back into the dorm. I felt a lot better about everything going on but I still had not figured things out with Collin. I grabbed my luggage and called the local cab company. My phone rang off the hook as I sat on the curb waiting for my ride. Collin s voicemails ranged from sad to downright pissed off. I turned the sound off as the cab pulled up. A million thoughts ran through my head as we reached our destination. I paid the driver and watched him drive down the road and disappear. I turned to look at Collin s building, summoning the courage to go inside.

Chapter Twelve

Sin!

Collin yelled from his window. I shielded my eyes from the sun to look up at him.

I ll be right down!

He yelled and in record time, he burst through the front door of the building. He walked slowly towards me as if I were a mirage that would disappear at any second.

I thought you were going home?

He asked looking confused and relieved at the same time.

I m here aren t I?

I smiled. He laughed and took a step closer to me.

Kiss her you idiot!

Taylor yelled from the window above us. We glanced up to see Taylor, Beef and Jake staring at us like a sideshow.

Collin wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me hard against him, his lips finding mine hungrily. Cheering erupted from above us as my feet left the ground. He slid his hand under my knees and carried me in up the front steps.

Make yourself useful and come grab her things!

Collin yelled up at the window. He carried me effortlessly up the steps as Beef slid by us to retrieve my belongings.

Thanks Beef!

I smiled. He turned back at me and winked. Collin kissed me quickly on the cheek as he kicked open the front door. Taylor and Jake stood on the other side clapping and cheering.

I feel like I m in a John Hughes movie.

I laughed as Collin set me down.

This is your kingdom. Everything the light touches &

Collin began in a deep voice.

Lion King? Really?

I punched him in the arm.

Ouch! You hit almost as hard as I do!

He yelped.

You guys are meant for each other!

Taylor rolled her eyes.

Where are we going to celebrate?

She looked at us expectantly.

I don t know about you lightweights but I could use a beer.

I smiled. Collin picked me up and swung me around.

First, I get to do something I have been dreaming of for months. Body shots!

Collin yelled.

I got this.

Beef picked me up like a sack of potatoes and threw my over his shoulder. I kicked and screamed as he sat my on the kitchen counter. I laughed and screamed as they held me down and Collin poured tequila into my belly button and slurped it out. It tickled and I fought against them to let me go.

Alright. I think she has been tortured enough. Let s go party!

Taylor yelled. I crawled off the counter and jumped Collin s back. He carried me down the steps and we headed to Filly s for Midnight Margarita night.

The place was pack, as usual and we had to fight our way up to the bar. We each got our margaritas and headed out onto the dance floor. If began bumping through the speakers and I used it to my advantage. I shook my hips against Collin. I spun around and dropped my hands to the floor. I flipped my hair back as I slowly stood up against him, reaching behind me and running my hands down his neck.

Shit, Sin. Where did you learn to dance like that?

His hands slid down my sides.

Television, duh.

I laughed. He turned me around, pulling me tight against him.

You have no idea how many times I wanted to do this.

He leaned in and kissed me in the middle of the dance floor. Our friends around us yelled and clapped like a bunch of drunken fools and I loved every minute of it. I felt like I was in the middle of a sappy love story that just kept getting better.

Take me to bed or lose me forever!

I said dramatically, channeling Meg Ryan in Top Gun. I found it fitting after being called wingman for the past several months.

You don t have to ask me twice.

Collin lifted me in his arms and the crowd parted around us as we made our way to the door.

When we reached the apartment, I could barely think straight. I had thought about this moment for months but now that it had arrived, I suddenly felt afraid.

We don t have to do this now. We have forever.

Collin reassured me, tucking my hair behind my ear.

Shut up and take me to bed already!

I grabbed his face in my hands and pulled his mouth to mine. He kissed me back, as we stumbled down the hallway together, unable to take our hands off each other. We reached his bedroom and he kicked the door shut behind us, turning the lock on the door.

I should have done that the first time.

He laughed. I smiled, pulling off my clothing as his face turned serious.

I love you, Sin.

He breathed as he pulled off his shirt and grabbed my face again for another kiss. We collapsed in each other s arms onto the bed, tangled together.

Collin &

I whispered. His expression looked worried as if he may have gone too far.

I love you.

It felt like a huge weight lifting off me as the words left my mouth. I never meant anything more than those three tiny words. They carried the power of the world.

Five Years Later &

I unlocked the door to my home. It was small but it had a decent size backyard and was just minutes from downtown Savannah. The weather was always warm and the people were incredibly friendly. The house was dark as I slipped inside. Collin was working late tonight. I pushed the door open, my hands full of a few items I had picked up at the bakery. As I flicked on the lights, the room filled with sound.

Surprise!

Everyone I loved in the world was there. Taylor ran up to hug me, leaning over my giant stomach. My Mom followed kissing me on the cheek. Tears sprung to my eyes.

I thought you wouldn t be here until next month!

I wrapped my arms around my Mother s neck, squeezing her tightly.

I couldn t miss your baby shower!

She replied, grabbing my face with her hands.

How is my grandson?

She placed her hand on my belly. I placed mine on hers and smiled. My eyes scanned the room, full of all of my friends. In the back, I spotted Collin, grinning. People swarmed me and I could not take my eyes off him.