75

I’m going to miss you guys, Lily said. I’ll be thinking of you when Noah and I are stuck in classes whilst you’re relaxing in Rome.
Are you kidding me ? Dick laughed, poking Jackie in the arm. There’ll be no relaxing for us. This one here has got a full itinerary of all the sights we’ll be marching to see. It’ll be just like when I have to go shopping with her and carry all the bags.
I burst out laughing as Jackie arched an eyebrow at him. Just because we’re married doesn’t mean you can start being a pleb like my brother, she muttered.
Hey, Mrs Caulfield, Dick grinned, and I could see he took great pride in calling her that. I haven’t started being like a pleb.
That’s because you were one already, I mumbled under my breath, but I knew Dick had heard me when he gave me the finger.
Lily laughed softly. I’m sure you guys’ll have a great honeymoon.
Anyway, I said, knowing we were running late as it was. We better get going, but thanks for coming to say goodbye to us.
Of course, Jackie smiled, watching as Lily and I walked back over to the Harley. I glanced to the front door and saw my mother, father and JJ still standing there. They obviously wanted to go over and see Jackie pretty badly, but they were giving us some time to say goodbye first. Smiling at them, I waited as Lily climbed on to the bike at looked up at me.
One second ! I muttered, before running back to Jackie and Dick who were beginning to make their way over to the house.
They both smiled at me as I reached them, a slight look of bemusement on their faces. What’s up ? Jackie asked. I thought you were in a rush.
I am, I nodded, as I turned my attention to the person standing next to Jackie. I stuck my hand out and Dick looked down at it, a surprised look on his face. After a couple of seconds, he reached out and shook my hand. You look after her, Rich.
I will, he smiled, before his eyes went wide. Hang on, did you just call me Rich ?
I did. I figured it was about time.
And as Jackie and Rich both stared at me, I spun around and ran back over to the bike. Throwing my leg over, I stuck the key in the ignition and the engine roared to life. I took one last look around as Lily wrapped her arms around me and rested her head on my shoulder. Jackie and Rich had made their way over to the front door, so my whole family were standing by the house waving at us.
Thank you for bringing me here, I heard Lily whisper behind me.
Any time, gorgeous, I said, winking at JJ before I turned around and began to drive away from the house. The feeling of sadness was still there as we left Lake Michigan behind. But I knew I’d be back soon, taking Lily with me again.
And if truth be told, I was already counting down the days.
Lily POV :
I slowed down and pulled in to a free parking spot outside the apartment building. The drive had been long, taking almost two days. Noah and I were extremely tired and and we practically had to drag ourselves off the bike. The sun was shining over head and the sidewalk bustled as countless people strode past. Looking up at Noah, I smiled and grabbed the front of his t-shirt, pulling him towards me. He came willingly, wrapping his arms around my waist.
Home sweet home, I whispered, kissing him lightly on the lips. And all I want to do is get in to the apartment and go to bed.
He cocked his eyebrow at me and smirked, a hint of mischief in his eyes. I’d be more than happy to go to bed with you, he chuckled, reaching up and stroking my bottom lip suggestively. Maybe we could take a shower first.
I kissed the pad of his thumb and stared up at him, causing him to moan deep in his throat. You’ve got sex on the brain, I whispered, smiling as he nodded at me. But sorry to disappoint you college boy. I actually meant go to bed as in sleep.
He leant down and nibbled my earlobe gently. I could feel the heat spreading across my cheeks as he trailed kisses down my neck. My breathing got faster and I knew that Noah could feel it. He pulled back slightly and placed a hand over my heart. I would never be disappointed to lie down with you, he murmured, his breath fanning my lips as he spoke, his face barely an inch from mine. Dreaming isn’t the same without you.
I bit my lip and looked in to his deep blue eyes. Everything he said to me made me fall in love with him even more, something I didn’t think was possible. My heart ached when I was in his arms, and when I wasn’t. It was something completely new to me, and I didn’t ever want it to go away. What kind of things do you dream about ? I asked, wrapping my arms around his neck and threading my hands through his hair.
Lots of things, he said, pulling me closer so I was pressed against him. Mainly you. Like where we’ll be in ten years. Or fifty.
And where do you see us ? I whispered, afraid of the answer.
I don’t know, he said honestly, tilitng my chin up when I looked down at the floor, a little sad at his answer. But I know we’ll be together, you and me. Who knows, maybe when we’re both ninety we’ll be sitting out on our porch in our rocking chairs.
I laughed softly as he smiled at me and kissed me on the tip of my nose. That doesn’t sound so bad, I smiled. In fact, it sounds wonderful.
Good, he said, dropping his arms from around my waist and stepping back. Whenever I felt the loss of his body heat, I was surprised at how much my body craved him, even if he was only standing a few feet away like he was then. Because that’s what’s going to happen Lily. You and me. Always.
He smiled at me and started backing away from the bike, aiming for the sidewalk still bustling with people. I frowned as he stepped on to the curb and winked at me. Where’re you going ? I asked, thinking we had agreed to go straight to the apartment and unpack so we could spend the rest of the day relaxing from the drive.
I’m going to cook us dinner tonight ! He grinned, shoving his hands in his pockets as he rocked back on forth on the balls of his feet, looking extremely happy with himself. And who knows, maybe my beautiful girlfriend will say thank you in a variety of ways…. and positions.
I burst out laughing and glanced around, hoping to God that no-one had heard him. But people walked on, too busy with their own lives to pay any attention. Glancing back to Noah, I saw him standing in the same spot, a goofy grin on his face. It better be some good food college boy, I smiled. And if it is…. you can do what you want with me.
His eyes widened and his mouth fell open, looking like he couldn’t quite believe his luck. Seriously ? he mumbled almost to himself, scratching his head nervously. Damn Lily, you don’t know what you do to me.
What about Dean and Jen ? I asked, trying to not to burst his bubble. He was still gawking at me, his mind seeming to be in another place. Hello ? Did you hear what I just said ?
Uh, yeah, he nodded, seeming to snap out of it. Sorry, I was thinking of a few things that I’ll be doing to you tonight. And as for those two…I’m sure they won’t mind spending an evening together. And if they do, I’ll force Dean out of the apartment even if I have to knock him unconscious and practically shove him out the door myself.
I laughed as he nodded seriously, trying to keep a straight face. Just go and get the food college boy. I’ll take up my bags and wait in my apartment. Might give me time to pick out the underwear I’ll be wearing for you later.
He gulped and released a breath, still looking like he couldn’t believe it. As he practically sprinted down the street, I chuckled softly to myself and grabbed my bag from the bike compartment. Grabbing hold of the strap and resting it on my shoulder, I entered the apartment building and climbed the stairs slowly, my tiredness suddenly getting to me more than I thought it would. Taking a deep breath, I wondered through the hall until I came to the front door. Grabbing the handle, I pushed it open and stepped inside, shutting it behind me.
Jen ! I shouted, expecting her to come running through the apartment. But she didn’t. Jen, are you here ?
That’s odd, I thought to myself. I had spoken to her on the phone barely a couple of hours ago when Noah and I had stopped for a quick break. She told me that she’d be waiting in the apartment to welcome us home. Shrugging, I glanced around the apartment momentarily before stumbling to my room, trying to fight the urge to just collapse on the bed and go to sleep for days. Opening my door, I smiled when I entered. Things looked just the same. My guitar was resting in it’s stand by the corner, and my window was open, casting streaks of sunlight in to the room. I noticed one of Noah’s t-shirts on my bed ; the one I now slept in, something which he found great delight in.
Sighing loudly, I stepped forward and threw my bag on the bed and sat down. I took my shoes off and ran my hands through my hair absent mindedly. As I took a minute to just close my eyes, images of the weekend played through my mind ; swimming in the lake with JJ, dancing with Noah and laughing with Jackie. All of it was ingrained, and they were memories I would cherish. Not just because of Noah, but because of all of them. Smiling to myself, I glanced up and noticed that Jen’s bedroom door was shut. I got up from the bed and winced as a sharp pain shot through my side.