First Meet Foul

by Jaqueline Snowe

red. “I’ll do it.” Callum’s smile grew, and his eyes beamed with victory…like he knew what he was doing. Lorelei looked up at me, her eyes swirling with mystery. “Do what?” “Make him regret hurting you.”

wanted to fucking kiss her,

“To kiss you whenever I want, to see you every day, to not hide you. To introduce you to my grandma as someone more. To watch scary movies with you and let you borrow my sweatshirts when you hide. To have you wear my jersey with my name.” His gaze softened, that gooey, tender expression reappearing.

“No, baby, it’s me. I begged him to let me help you. I needed to make sure you were okay.” The voice grew soft, warm, and breath hit my face. “I’m going to take care of you tonight, okay?”

He was like my favorite sweatshirt, my favorite season, and favorite song all rolled into one. He was comfort and love, and I fell asleep within seconds, feeling safe in his arms.

“I love you, Lorelei. I want your smiles, your laughter, your attitude, and your hanger attacks. I want to wipe away your tears when you cry out of joy, fear, or even if you’re sad. I—” My voice shook, and I blinked away emotion. “You want someone to put you first, and I’ll be that person. You deserve the world, and I can try to give you that. I’m done being afraid of all the what-ifs in my life and want to focus on the what-I-haves, and that’s you. So, can you forgive me?”