Page 114 of Under His Protection
“Are you okay?” I ask as I slip my arms around his waist. He seems unusually tense.
Philip rests his chin on the top of my head. “I don’t ever want to see those AI videos. Just knowing they exist makes me sick.” He blows out a heavy breath. “I’d give anything to get my hands on Christian right this second. I’d gladly commit a felony.”
I release him and pull back so I can meet his gaze. “Don’t you dare commit a felony, Philip. I need you in my life, and not in prison.”
Philip checks the time. “Let’s grab your overnight bag from the dorm room and head back to my apartment. I have a surprise for you.”
“Oh, yeah? What is it?”
He laughs. “If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise, would it?
* * *
It’s almost five o’clock when we arrive at Philip’s apartment. He unlocks the door and pushes it wide open, and before I can even step inside, a lot of people I love step forward and shout, “Surprise!”
I see Layla and Jasmine, as well as Miguel and Ruby. Even my dad and Erin are here.
“You guys!” I say, laughing. “It’s not even my birthday.”
My dad steps forward and wraps me in a bear hug. “We wanted to celebrate your life getting back to normal.”
Jason and Liam come in from the balcony. Jason’s waving a big metal spatula, and Liam’s holding a platter of burgers.
“Food’s ready,” Jason says.
My mom steps out of the kitchen holding a large glass baking dish. “And I brought two of your favorites—brownies and twice-baked potato casserole.”
Dave is right behind her holding the brownies.
Tears prick my eyes. All these people are here for me. I turn to Philip. “This was your idea?”
He nods as he reaches out to tuck my hair behind my ear. “I thought you might enjoy seeing your friends and family.”
He knows me.
I throw my arms around him. “This is the best surprise ever! Thank you!”
Philip kisses me right in front of everyone, including my dad. “I love you, sweetheart.”
Dad steps forward and claps Philip on the back. “Good job, son.”
* * *
That night, after we clean up and our guests head home, Philip and I get ready for bed. We’re both too wired to sleep, so we end up cuddling on the sofa and watching a rom-com.
This is how my life is going to go for the foreseeable future. I’ll have school Monday through Friday, and then I’ll spend weekends here with Philip. I couldn’t ask for more.
“My dad called yousontonight,” I point out as we lie in each other’s arms stretched out on the sofa.
Philip chuckles. “I guess that means I have his approval.” He begins to nuzzle the back of my neck, kissing my throat and stroking my hair.
Shivers run down my spine. “Are you even watching the movie?”
“Mm hmm,” he murmurs as he trails kisses down to my shoulder. “I’m paying attention.”
“You’re such a liar.”
When he slips a hand inside my sleep shorts, I’m no longer paying attention to the movie either. I groan when his fingers sink between my thighs and begin stroking me with teasing, light touches. And all the while, he’s kissing my neck and whispering sweet things.
