Well I don’t. My feet hurt, I’m cold, tired and I’m running out of lipstick. I grumbled.
I know princess. I’m sorry. Nathan murmured, placing his hands on my waist.
I slightly relaxed and leaned into him. Then how am I getting back home ? I asked him.
I’m giving you my ticket. Nathan spoke softly.
What ? I pushed myself away from him to step back and look at him. But then how are you- I started but he intercepted me.
The whole scene at the mall may not have been caught on tape, but the witnesses saw my face. It’s best if I stay away for a while. I’ve decided to go to Europe for a while. Victoria already told me that Ryland’s given my name to the police and is trying to get me stuck somehow, so if I leave for a while, I’ll be safe. Nathan explained softly.
And here I thought he was done with dropping bombs on me…
Are you serious ? I asked after a long silence.
Nathan opened his mouth, before closing it and settling with a nod.
I didn’t know how to respond. I could feel the tears emerging and threatening to spill. Finally, I found my voice. Didn’t this all mean anything to you ? I thought I made it clear that I wasn’t going anywhere. Do you not want to be with me ? I asked, my voice breaking off in the end. I could feel my shoulders start to tremble.
Nathan’s expression softened, before a fierce one took over. Don’t you ever doubt my love for you Sky. I do want to be with you. I want us to spend our lives together, get married and have a family and grow old together. You don’t know how much I love you Sky. I want you more than I’ve ever wanted anything. I love you Skylar, and I will always want to be with you. Nathan finished, his hands gripping my waist tightly. His words softened my heart.
Then why are you leaving ? I asked him in a small voice.
I have to. Nathan gave me defeated look. I don’t want to but if I stay then I’ll not only be putting myself at risk, but you also.
Then take me with you. I said automatically, my mind made up. I didn’t care where this crazy boy went, but since he had my heart, I had to follow him.
I would love to princess. But I can’t. I want you to finish high school. I want you to finish this important step in your life and make your decisions on what you want to do. I don’t want to drag you away from your life. Nathan explained.
I felt my heart swell as he said those words. I didn’t want him to leave but he was right. If I just took off with him right now, then how would I have a future ? Of course I’d be happy if I had him, but I knew better than to throw away all my goals and dreams and take off.
I stared up at his handsome face. His eyes were swirling with determination, but he looked pained. This must be hard for him. He was forcing himself to throw away his desire and do what was best for me.
It was obviously anything but easy for me. I knew this would crush me, but what would crush me more was Nathan being sent off to jail. It worked out technically. I would get to finish my school and graduate, and then we could come back and we could finally be together.
I just wished things were easier and that he didn’t have to leave so soon…
I let out a small sigh. How long would you be gone ? I asked Nathan, who’s face lifted as I finally agreed.
Not long. He answered. I can’t keep myself away from you for that long.
And you promise to write to me ? I asked, forcing my voice to come out strong.
Every single day. He said with burning promise in his eyes.
Damn you Nathan. I shook my head at him, before pulling our bodies close and kissing him passionately.
He didn’t take long to respond as he wrapped his arms around me and kissed me back just as intensely.
Once we pulled away, breathless and somehow newly energized, I looked up at him. Promise you’ll come back ? I asked.
I promise. He replied.
When’s your flight ? I asked then.
An hour after yours. He answered.
Then let’s make the most of it. I said, not wanting to waste a single second of our time together.
I could have spent the next ten hours being upset and distant from him, but damn I loved him, and that love went beyond anything. I would continue to uphold my faith in us and wait for him. I knew his safety was integral and I knew that our happily ever after would be that much more sweeter if we waited until everything was stable and any loose ends were tied.
Sounds good. But I want you to know that this is not goodbye. I don’t want to see you sad when I leave. I can’t stand to see those tears and knowing I’ll be the cause of them will be hell for me. Nathan said, resting his forehead against mine.
I slid my hands up and grabbed his face. I promise, I’ll be strong for the both of us. I vowed.
Then, just as I pulled his face towards my lips, a loud cough interrupted us.
I dropped my hands from Nathan’s face and turned to see his three brothers standing there. Jordan looked a bit uncomfortable while Max shot us a disapproving look, although his eyes held amusement.
The room’s ready, Tyler and Landon are already up there. Shall we ? Max asked us.
After you. I politely nodded at Max, biting my lip from grinning.
Thank you fair lady. And try to keep your hands off of each other behind my back. Max said, before walking off to lead the way with Jordan and Dustin.
I let out an amused laugh as Nathan groaned at his older brother, before taking my hand and pulling me along.
The hotel which was inside the large airport wasn’t too far from the entrance. We didn’t have to check in as Tyler and Landon had already done that.
They said room number 401. Nathan said as we stepped out of the elevator that had brought us up and took a right.
It wasn’t too far down the hall and once we found it, Jordan reached out to knock.
A few seconds later, Landon opened the door and grinned at us all. Yeah ! Let’s get this party started ! Landon whooped out loud, probably disturbing the whole floor.
Jordan glared at him and pointed to a sleeping Dustin who slightly stirred in his arms.
Oh, sorry. Landon immediately apologized, before stepping to the side and allowing us all to enter.
You only got two beds ? Max asked him as we all piled into the room, Nathan closing the door behind us.
It was a single room suite with two California king sized beds side by side with a large flat screen across from it. A glass desk sat next to the TV with a small chair. To our right was a door which led to a bathroom. It was a bit small but it was still luxurious.
Yeah, they didn’t have any larger rooms available since we didn’t book a room beforehand. Tyler explained from his spot on one of the beds, turning away from his movie.
How are we all gonna fit ? Jordan asked, moving to one of the beds and tucking Dustin in.