Fault Line (Coastal University #2)

by Ki Stephens

I mean, sure, he’s ridiculously good-looking. And he’s great in bed. But it’s more than that. It’s the way his laughter hits me right in the fucking chest. The way he touches me, soft and gentle when I need it and rough when I don’t. The way he leaves me those goofy little notes in the morning before he sneaks out.

I’m acting like a lovesick teenager. But I can’t fucking help it. The boy has wedged his way so far under my skin, and now I’m not so sure I want him to leave.

“I think about you when we’re apart. All the goddamn time.” He brushes a strand of hair behind my ear, cupping my jaw. “Do you think about me?” “Beck . . .” “Just answer the question.” “Yeah, I think about you,” I say softly, flushing at the admission. He smiles, and it’s the kind of smile that makes my knees weak. “Good to know.”

“There’s nothing fucking wrong with you, Kaia,” he says fiercely, pulling me even closer. “All that shit you just listed—it’s what makes you human. Uniquely fucking perfect. I don’t like you in spite of who you are. I like every little piece that makes you whole. I’m not getting bored of you, ever, so don’t even let your mind take you there.” “Are you sure?” I ask, desperately in need of affirmation. “If that’s what’s holding you back from giving this, us, a real shot, then let it be known—there’s not a world in which I do better than you. I want you, Kaia, every conceivable part of you. Tell me you want me, too.”

“I think of you when we’re not together, all the fucking time. And I don’t even know if I can pinpoint when it shifted from something physical to something more. But I don’t want to lose you. I can’t even make myself picture it.” His eyes light up, sparkling in the dim light. “I was hoping you might say that.”

“It’s so fucking easy to turn you on. You’re a little slut for me, aren’t you, Karras?”

I’ve never felt this way about anyone before, and the thought of that is terrifying. But it’s also exhilarating, knowing how much I want her—to hold her, to be with her, to go through this phase of life with her by my side. And it feels really fucking good to know we’re on the same page now.

“I mean, he’s still kind of a dick sometimes,” I admit, voice soaking in unexpected tenderness. “But I guess he’s my dick now.”

I want this girl. I want her in all the ways that matter. I want to be the one she turns to when she’s feeling down, the one she laughs with, the one she dreams with. The one she trusts with every tiny secret and insecurity.

being with him feels like the most natural thing in the world. He’s become my safe haven, my lighthouse in the storm.

“I spoke to Lizzie this morning. Since you’ve been staying the night, she wants you to pay a portion of our rent.” He leans back in the booth, slinging a casual arm over my shoulder. “Huh.” “Isn’t that fucking ridiculous?” I lean my head against his arm. “I told her I’d just stay over at your house instead.” “Well, how much is your rent?” I cock my head to the side, giving him a quizzical look. “Eighteen hundred bucks a month, why?” “I could just pay the whole thing. Get her off your back.” “Stop.” He shoots me a mischievous smile. “I’d love to be your sugar daddy, Karras.”

“Can we please change the subject?” I say, my voice sharp. Sofia tilts her perfect little head. “Why? Is our discussion bothering you, Kai?” “Yes,” I snap. “It’s bothering both of us. Holden’s hockey career is important to him, and it’s not something to be made fun of.” Holden squeezes my hand under the table, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. “That’s my girl,” he says, voice low, an endearment meant just for me.

This girl’s always had a way of getting under my skin, of making me want all the things I shouldn’t—of making me want everything—as long as it’s with her.

She’s the epitome of perfection, and she’s all mine.

“I just want you to know that this isn’t a competition for me.” “What?” “This. Tonight. This whole weekend.” I tap my thumb against her inner thigh, swirling it in small little circles. “Despite whatever thoughts are brewing in that beautiful brain of yours, none of this is a competition between us. Sure, I’d like to make a good impression on our advisor, but that’s never going to come at your expense. You got that?” “Got it.”

“Don’t worry, Beck.” She smooths out the nonexistent wrinkles in her dress. “I don’t need to tear you down to build myself up.” “Because you think I’ll fumble on my own?” “No, I know you won’t.” Her voice dips, a disingenuous sweetness to her tone. “We can both shine this weekend. But I also won’t apologize if I naturally shine brighter.” “So happy you’re willing to share the stage with me, Karras.” “Anything for you, Becker.”

“Hey, Beck . . . this isn’t weird, right?” “This, what?” I ask, brows knitted in confusion. “Us, here, going to research symposiums together.” Avoiding my gaze, she rolls onto her back beside me and stares up at the ceiling. “Sharing a hotel room. Complimenting each other and genuinely meaning it.” I chuckle softly. “I sure fucking hope not, considering the fact that you’re my girlfriend and all.”

“Kaia, baby, will you please be my girlfriend?” “No,” she says simply, settling back onto the bed. My brows shoot up. “Excuse me?” “Ask me again later.” She tilts her chin, glancing away from me in a shoddy attempt to hide her smile. “Ask me again when it’s not an afterthought.” “Impossible. Fucking. Girl.”

I miss her—the feeling of her body pressed against me, the taste of her lips, the sound of her sweet, hard-earned laughter. I miss the way her hazel eyes spark when she’s excited about something, the way she scrunches her nose when she’s deep in thought, and the warmth of her hand as it fits perfectly into mine. I miss the conversations we’ve shared late into the night, discussing everything from our dreams and aspirations to the trivial, everyday moments that make up our lives. I miss the way she challenges me, pushing me back when I piss her off.

I know she’s been swamped with her own work. But tonight’s game’s important to me, and I want her there. I want to see her in the stands, wearing my jersey, cheering me on like the other girlfriends do for my teammates. It’s not only about her being present—it’s about having her as a part of my life, a part of this world that I’m so passionate about. I know that she appreciates and supports me, but having her physically there, sharing in the excitement and the tension of the game, would mean more than I can put into words.

I grab my phone and send her a text, hoping she’ll make an exception for me just this once.

🥲

I understand that she’s busy and that her future’s important, but I’m still hurt by it. She won’t even take a couple of hours to support me when I need her the most.

“I’ll sleep here,” he says, already gathering some blankets and a spare pillow. I shake my head, fighting back a yawn. “Come on, we’ve shared a bed before,” I remind him. There’s no reason to make him sleep on the floor when there’s plenty of space beside me. I’ve known the guy since primary school, and we’ve had plenty of sleepovers in the past. This is no different. He hesitates for a moment before giving me a tired nod. “Alright,”

This is not going to end well 🫣

“So, that’s it, then? We’re done?” “No, we’re not fucking done. I’m not breaking up with you, Karras.” She worries her teeth over her bottom lip, shoulders slumping. “You’re not?” “No,” I say firmly. “I really, really like you. Do you know that? And all I fucking want is to be there for you. Your person—the one you come to when you’re in need, the one you call in the middle of the night when you can’t sleep. And I thought that’s where we were headed, together. But somehow, you’ve defaulted to pushing me away while letting Elio in. And I’m starting to think that it will always be that way.”

“Fuck, Kaia,” I rasp, unable to keep my emotions in check. “You’ve been treating this relationship like we’re living on a fault line, ready to destruct at a moment’s notice. It doesn’t make me feel very good, especially when I’ve done nothing but try and stick beside you. So if you’re looking for an out from me, I’m not gonna give you one.”

“And you know what else? I fucking needed you too. Last night. This morning. I got a bomb dropped on me by my dad, and you were the first fucking person I wanted to come to about it.” “Oh Beck, what happened?” “It’s not even worth it.” I blow out an impatient breath. “When you’re ready for me to be there for you—fully—then maybe I’ll let you return the favor.” “Holden,” she whispers, voice breaking. “Goodbye, Kaia. Have a nice morning with your friend.”

With Rai’s number in hand, I work up the courage to contact him. He’s undoubtedly warm and receptive, even going so far as to sneak a jersey for me to wear—Becker #16 flashing across the back in big, bold letters. My heart swells with gratitude, and I feel like this might be a turning point for us. A chance to show Holden that I’m here for him, that I’m finally ready to go full-in.

Rai points me out in the stands. I watch, shaking in my boots, as Holden’s gaze follows his friend’s finger. And when our eyes finally meet, I can see the happiness that overwhelms him in spades. A broad, genuine smile lights up his face, and it melts the ice inside my chest. He skates right up to the glass that separates us and waves enthusiastically, brown eyes sparkling. I wave back, my cheeks burning as I return his smile. The joy I see on his face is contagious, and a wave of optimism floods through me. Before he heads out to the locker room, he mouths, “That’s my girl,” and my heart swells.

“I have to say, it’s a nice surprise to see you here.” “I figured someone needed to keep an eye on you this weekend, make sure you didn’t get too full of yourself after winning another game.” He laughs, eyes sparking with interest. “Oh, so you’re just here to keep me grounded, huh?” “Among other things,”

“You know, I scored that last goal for you, baby. I hope you were paying attention.” My cheeks flush, but I manage to maintain my composure. “Trying to impress me, Beck?” “You know I always am.”

And as we both drift off to sleep, Kaia’s hands, her body, her soul intertwined with mine, I know that we’ll tackle whatever comes our way, side by side, using trust and open communication as our foundation.

“What the hell, Beck? Did you seriously just bribe my roommate with ten grand?” “Yeah, well, it’s my dad’s money anyway. Not like I did anything to earn it.” “Still a waste.” He chuckles, a playful twinkle in his gaze. “It’s not a waste if it makes you happy.” “You’re ridiculous, you know that?” “But you like me anyway,” he retorts, pulling me close and pressing a tender kiss to my forehead. I sigh, leaning into his embrace. “Yeah, I really do.”

“You’re thinking too much into it, Kaia. I’ll get you another orchid. I’ll get you fifty orchids, or tulips, or daisies, or whatever fucking flowers you want.” “Shut up,” I say, laughter bubbling up in my chest as I swat at his arm. “I know I’m being dramatic, but I felt like it was important.” “I’m being serious,” he insists. “We’ve just made it clear that you like gifts, and I like giving them. So you better expect me to give you so many fucking flowers that you’re gonna be drowning in them.”

“Hey, Kaia?” I murmur the question of her name against her soaked skin, pressing a kiss against the tiny beauty mark just there. “Yeah, Beck?” “I love you.” “I love you, too,” she whispers back, her voice full of contentment, and it feels like I’m in fucking heaven.

there’s this unbreakable bond that’s woven its way between us. And as we lie here, entwined beneath the stars, slumber tugging at the edges of our consciousness, I know that there’s nothing—in this entire goddamn world—that could feel any better than this.

“Hey,” he says softly, his voice full of reassurance. “No matter what happens in the next few months, we’ll figure it out as a team, okay?” I look over at him, my heart bursting with love and gratitude. “Okay,” I agree, squeezing his hand back. “You’re right. We’re a team now.”

I just wanted to make sure you knew I wasn’t simply parroting your feelings. That I really fucking mean it when I say the words. And even if you didn’t love me back, or you weren’t the one to tell me first, I’d still say them anyway.” I smooth my hands across my thighs. “What I’m trying to say is that I really, really like you and I love you, so much more than I ever hated you.”

“I love you, too, baby,” he says, pulling at a strand of my hair. “And I really fucking like you, just as much as I love you. Always have, and always will.”

“You were incredible, baby,” I say. “I knew you’d be amazing, but you surpassed my expectations a hundredfold.” She smiles, her eyes shining with happiness. “Thanks for being here, Beck.” “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” My voice drops, low and sweet as I add, “That was really fucking sexy, by the way.” “Oh, God.” She swats at my arm, laughter bubbling out of her. “Please take your student/teacher fantasies elsewhere.” “Don’t mind if I do.”

“Hey, Karras,” I say, my voice steady despite the pounding of my heart. “Yeah?” she asks, not bothering to turn around, her eyes still glued to the stars. “I know you’ve got a lot going on right now, but do you think you’d be at all interested in marrying me?” At the sound of my words, she whips around so quickly that I’m afraid she’ll lose her balance. Her eyes widen as she takes in the sight of me, down on one knee, the ring held in my outstretched palm. For a moment, she’s speechless, her eyes darting from my face to the ring and back again. Then, with a grin that lights up the entire room, she breathes out, “Um, yeah, you could say that I’m interested. Are you . . . ? Is this really happening?”

“Kaia, these past two and a half years have been the most incredible journey of my life. We’ve faced challenges and overcome them together, always emerging stronger and more united than before. I can’t imagine my life without you, and I never fucking want to. You’re my rock, my inspiration, my everything.”

I can perfectly envision our future stretching out before us, laid out in plain sight. It’s a fucking beautiful thing, unbreakable, and it reassures me that we’re ready to face whatever life has in store for us—together, no longer as adversaries, but as partners. In this life and the next.