Page 39 of Your Love

Landry plasters on a fake smile as I unwrap it and lift the lid, revealing the contents of the box.

“Landry,” I say, lifting the jersey from the box. “Is this your Mavericks jersey?”

“It is,” he confirms. “It’s my extra jersey. No one has ever worn my jersey before, except my mom when I was, like ten. I thought you could have it while you’re away at school. Maybe remind you of me,” he says sheepishly.

I look up from the gift, the tears back in my eyes, and then launch myself in his direction. We fly off the couch and he catches me before gently lying us on the floor. He hovers above me, looking at me expectantly.

“This is the sweetest, most thoughtful gift I’ve ever received. It means so much to me because it means so much to you. I will cherish it forever.”

Landry kisses me and then pulls back with a mischievous smile on his face. “Wanna make out until your grandparents get home?”

“It’s like you can read my mind.”

Chapter 17

“Sex And Candy”

Landry - Age 18, 1988

Isit on the edge of Kerri’s bed, watching her pack a suitcase for her trip to Texas. She folds clothes meticulously, placing them in the bag with care. My chest feels tight at the thought of her leaving, but I try my best not to let my disappointment show. We’ve been stealing moments together all week, and it’s been everything I dreamed of. Her fingers brush against her lips as she contemplates what else to bring. I will never grow tired of looking at her.

As she zips up her suitcase, I can’t help but feel like she’s carrying my heart with her. The thought of her being far away settles in my chest like tiny needles. But I have to be strong for her. Taz would say I’m acting like a “giant wussy,” so I do my level best to reign it in.

I’ll see her again during spring break in April, but it’s going to be four long months. She’s going to try to find work as a veterinary technician someplace around school, so only her weekends will be free, while my weekends will be busy with Mavs practices and games. Every moment we have together only reminds me how much I want this woman in my life. And if waiting is what it takes, then I’ll wait.

Besides, I would never do anything to dampen her excitement about seeing her family in Texas. She’s talked about them almost nonstop for weeks and misses them desperately. She deserves every minute of happiness with them.

But at the same time, my heart clenches with fear and worry. Kerri’s douchebag- ex-boyfriend still lives somewhere in the area, and I can’t shake off the feeling of unease. As we sit on the bed together, I fidget with the edge of the blankets, struggling to find the right words that won’t reveal just how much I am going to miss her. “Um, what’s the forecast for when you get back home?”

Kerri sits down next to me on the bed, her eyes searching mine. “Is that really all you want to talk about? The weather?”

I let out a sigh and shrug, unable to hide my true feelings. “I guess it’s safer than admitting how much I’m going to miss you and how nervous I am for you to go back.”

Being vulnerable isn’t easy for either of us, but if we’re going to make this long-distance relationship work, we need honesty. Kerri nods understandingly, knowing that we don’t have the luxury of holding back our thoughts and feelings anymore.

Her hand rests on top of mine, providing a comforting warmth as she speaks. “I understand you’re worried,” she says softly, “but Beau isn’t a concern anymore. He hasn’t tried to contact me, and my parents say they rarely see him around town. I’m not on his radar anymore.”

I let out a sigh of relief but find it impossible to relax. “I hope you’re right,” I reply, “because fixations like that are difficult for people to get over. And I’m telling you this now— if he ever comes near you again, I’ll fly there and break every bone in his body.”

Kerri chuckles at my words, but her gaze meets mine, and she knows how serious I am. “You’d have to get in line behind Daddy. He’ll be waiting with a Louisville Slugger.”

“Then I’ll be behind him with my stick,” I say honestly.

Kerri sighs and drops down to sit on my lap. “I appreciate you so much,” she says sincerely, placing her hand on my heart.

I inhale deeply, taking in the sweet scent of Kerri’s perfume and feeling her warm body pressed against mine. Her bright blue eyes shine with emotion as I speak the words that come straight from my heart. “Kerri, I am so in love with you.”

Tears glisten in her eyes before she throws her arms around my neck, holding me tightly. “I love you, too,” she whispers before pressing her lips against mine in a tender kiss. She pulls back and raises her eyebrows expectantly. “We still have a few hours until you take me to the airport.”

As she straddles my lap, her breath catches in anticipation. Our eyes lock, and I feel a surge of desire course through me. “I can’t wait to be inside you,” I whisper.

She bites her lip and shifts her hips, her fingers tracing the outline of my collarbone. “I know,” she purrs. “And we’re taking things slow, and that’s a good thing.”

I chuckle, knowing what’s coming next. “But?” I prompt.

Her gaze turns mischievous as she leans in close. “Well, we haven’t exactly gone past second base yet,” she teases, her lips grazing against mine before pulling back with a smirk.

I chuckle at her sweet innocence. “You’re right.”