58

You go, Derrick said.
Okay, well, I was just going to ask why you were really here, I said. Because while I don’t doubt you remembered today was my defense, you live in Los Angeles. A text or phone call would have sufficed, and after a couple weeks of not talking-which I know is just as much my fault as it is yours-I can’t imagine it’s a coincidence that you’re back in Boston.
I needed to know, because there was a strong urge inside of me to do away with the space between us. To put my arms around him and fall into his embrace as though the weeks since our last conversation hadn’t happened.
Except they had. This was the first time in weeks that I was hearing his voice, and while I couldn’t blame him for vanishing and turning his focus elsewhere, since I’d done the exact same thing, we needed to talk.
Derrick sighed before meeting my gaze. I’m here because I miss you. I miss talking to you about my day and seeing your smile, even if it was through my phone. I miss hearing you talk about your work and helping you study. I just miss you. When the Royals got knocked out of the playoffs a few days back, the only person I wanted to talk to once the night was over and I was alone in my condo was you.
I tried to be there for you though, I pointed out. I reached out that night.
I know. He raked his fingers through his hair, grimacing. When I saw your text come in, there was a part of me-a large part-that wanted to respond. To talk to you about how much it sucked the season was over, but I also didn’t want to just sweep our fight under the rug. And I wanted to be able to apologize in person.
I’m sorry, he continued with sincerity, taking the smallest step forward. I’m sorry that I brought up distance being an issue with our relationship, because while it did suck to be far away from you, it wasn’t a big enough issue to make things fall apart completely.
But you weren’t the one to bring it up, I said, fidgeting with my hands. I was.
You tried to apologize after that first outburst though, he countered, while I was in my head. I’d just talked to a teammate about his long-distance relationship, and I’d been thrown by the fact that he’d spent three years with his fiancee and only gets to see her a few months a year. It had me thinking that was the direction we were heading, and after not seeing you for a couple of weeks, I was getting down on myself.
And if I’d let you talk, you would’ve told me that, and I would’ve understood, I said, and it was true. I was upset and emotional and I immediately directed my anger toward you.
How did that whole situation go by the way ? Did Miles get what he deserved for stealing your work ?
By a technicality, he didn’t steal my work. I rolled my eyes, still of the mindset that he did, in fact, steal my work for his own gain. He credited me in fine print and didn’t deny it was my work when questioned by the department. So, he passed his defense, but he definitely got what was coming to him. The department is letting him go, which means after he hands in his final report, he’s done with this research team.
Good riddance, he mumbled.
Yeah, I won’t have to worry about running into him this summer.
It took Derrick a moment to realize what I meant, but when he did, his eyes widened. You mean you got the lecturing position ?
I nodded, unable to keep the smile off my lips as I thought about it.
A cheery laugh escaped him, and I didn’t stop his movements as he wrapped his arms around my shoulders and pulled me into his chest. His happiness reinvigorated my own and I found myself grinning into his shoulder, closing my eyes as my hands drifted slowly up his chest, landing on his pecs.
Congratulations, Lia, he said, pulling back and lifting a hand to my cheek. Rubbing his thumb softly against my cheek, he continued, I know how much you wanted it.
Thanks, I replied softly.
Looking into his eyes, seeing the sincerity of the man I’d fallen in love with, it was impossible for me not to lean forward. The feeling of his mouth was familiar, even with the barely there contact.
Wait, Derrick said, leaning back once more. I need you to truly understand how sorry I am about the lack of communication these last couple of weeks.
You don’t have to apologize anymore, Derrick, I said. I did the same exact thing. I turned my focus to my work, and I can’t fault you for it.
And while that’s great to hear, because I also don’t fault you, I want to say that I do think we can make our relationship work. Long-distance isn’t for the faint of heart, but if it’s the only way to keep you in my life, as my girlfriend, you bet your ass that I’m going to do it. And when I get the schedule for next season, I’ll immediately sit down with you and try to figure out every possible chance we have to see one another.
My hands smoothed down his chest. You’d do that ?
Of course, he said, as if it was the easiest question he’d ever have to answer. After all, I seem to have fallen in love with you, so I definitely don’t want to let you go. If you’ll have me, that is.
A feeling of euphoria washed over me at his words, leaving me beaming up at him. I love you, too, I said, unable to think of any other suitable response, and before I could get another word out, Derrick’s lips were on mine.
For real this time.
The way our lips moved wasn’t tentative or soft ; we were hungry for one another. I used my teeth to nip at his bottom lip, prompting a moan, and in return, his tongue delved into my mouth, tangling with mine, reigniting the sparks that seemed to always flow between us.
When I tipped my head further to the side, not even thinking that we were currently in my office, his mouth trailed down my jaw and found the spot beneath my left ear that always seemed to light my body aflame.
Bringing my hands back to his cheeks, I fused our mouths together once more, indulging in hot kiss after hot kiss until I finally pulled back, breathing hard.
How long are you in town ? I asked, my cheeks surely flushed pink.
Well, he replied with a smile, his fingers tracing the soft skin just beneath the hem of my shirt, I’d planned to stay long enough to apologize and win you back. Then I figured we could make a plan together.
You don’t have any other plans for your off-season ?
He shrugged. I mean, not really. I’d like to see my parents, maybe find my way to a tropical island, but I know for a fact I want to be with you, for however long you’ll have me.
I quirked a brow. Are you saying you want to move in with me for the summer ?
We hadn’t known each other long-it hadn’t even been four months-but the possibility of having him around for the foreseeable future had my heart loop-de-looping inside my chest. It was a risk, but it was one that felt right.
It depends, he trailed, is that something you’re comfortable with ?
Grinning up at him, I nodded. I think I’d like that.
Well then- He leaned down to peck my lips. -it looks like you’ve got yourself a roommate.
My features softened as I leaned into him. I love you.
I love you, too.