It was very unwise of me to get involved with Dominic the weekend before finals week. I've been trying to study for the last two days but the only thing I can think about is him and his body and the way it felt on mine. On Saturday afternoon, after the awkward and thought provoking (post-sleepover) breakfast, I came back to my dorm and made attempts to study. As you can probably assume, I didn't get much done.

I figured Sunday is a new day so I can definitely get things done but here I am, preparing to go to dinner, having done nothing all day. It's not like I haven't tried. I sat here for at least six hours rereading the same slides and study guides but retaining nothing. I'd get halfway through the packet before realizing the entire time I was busy thinking about the feel of Dominic's lips. Long story short, I'll have to get through this weeks tests using the studying I did this past week.

I can only think that if this is the effect of just kissing him, imagine what would've happened had we gone all the way. I also keep thinking about his stupid proposal. 'I'm just a call away if you decide you want to lose your virginity, or do anything, with me.' I hate him for being so sweet and thoughtful and talking me out of doing it the other night. Everything about that night was so good. His mouth was crafted by a magical being and his skin is so smooth and his body is so- you're doing it again.

I sigh loudly as I stare at myself in the mirror, shaking my head shamefully. All I know is that I want more of him. I've been craving it and it's only been two days. Now I get what Edward meant when he called Bella his personal brand of heroin. Except I don't crave Dominic's blood; I just crave his touch. I clear my mind by jumping up and down a bit and further prepare to go out into the chilly December air. I zip up my coat and grab my belongings before heading out to the dining hall.

I meet up with Dominic, who invited West and Jack. I'm secretly grateful; things have been a little awkward between us. It's less of a 'oh no we made out' kind of thing but more of a 'when is it going to happen again?' scenario. For example, he leaned in for a hug when he walked me back to my dorm after breakfast on Saturday; I tensed because I wasn't sure if it was going to be a kiss or a hug. He sensed this and paused, giving me a second to catch on. We laughed it off but it was clear that both of us were on the tips of our toes. Not to mention, I fall into a trance whenever my eyes land on his lips; he'll be talking but I won't hear a word of it. Embarrassingly enough, he'll notice and call me out on it, sometimes even snapping in my face to get my attention. No matter how hard I try to play it off, he always picks up on it.

"Hey," I cheer as I join them in the queue for chicken fingers. They all glance at me and nod in acknowledgement.

"How's studying going?" Jack asks, which earns a loud sigh from me.

"Not that great. I can't focus. You?" Dominic offers me a secretive smirk, which makes my face go red. By the unbothered look on the boys faces, I can tell that he hasn't told them. I'm grateful for that.

"Yeah, same-," he starts but Dominic cuts him off.

"Don't lie to her. You've been playing PS4 all day," Dominic scoffs and Jack shrugs.

"I mean, you're not wrong," his friend rebuts. "I just haven't had enough focus to stop playing the game and to pick up my books."

"Understandable." I just haven't had enough focus to stop thinking about Dominic and start retaining information.

"I, for one, have gotten copious amounts of studying done. I spent the day in the library," West butts in with a smug look on his face.

"No one cares." Jack mocks his friend with a twisted up face.

"Good job," I compliment West, dismissing Jack with an eye roll.

"Thank you, Nova." West smiles at me before flipping Jack off.

We search the dining hall for a table big enough to seat all of us. Once we find one, we settle down and start making more conversation. The guys talk for a minute before Jack suddenly gasps in realization. I look from him to Dominic, who shoots him a threatening glare. His friend ignores it and turns his attention to me.

"So, Nova, do you have any idea who gave Dominic the hickeys on his stomach?" Jack prompts as I chew on a chicken finger. I immediately start coughing, which leads to choking. Dominic pats my back as I gasp for air, eventually clearing my passageway. He hands me my water and I gulp it down, blinking a couple times as I grapple with the fact that I almost died.

"Are you okay?" Dominic looks me over a few times with a concerned expression and I nod and sip at my water.

"So I'm going to take that as a no." Jack frowns sadly and I shake my head.

"Yeah, no, not a clue. I haven't even  seen them." This is partially truthful; I wasn't aware that I'd left marks on him.

"I thought he'd tell you." He didn't have to because it was me. It was all me.

"I don't know why he's being so secretive," West speaks up with a frown. "He told us everything else he's ever done."

"Why does it matter so much?" Dominic responds before taking a large bite of his food.

"Because you've been going through a dry spell for a couple months now and you suddenly show up with markings from a sexual encounter. Of course we're going to wonder." Jack rolls his eyes dramatically.

"I don't have to tell you guys everything," Dominic reminds him.

"Was it with a guy? Is that why you won't tell us?" West questions with a tilted head. "You know we won't judge you, right? We just want to know."

"Oh man, was it with a guy?" Jack looks to Dominic, who has a look of pure confusion on his face.

"What? No. It was a girl," Dominic tells them. I chuckle quietly and Dominic shoots me a look as if asking 'what are they talking about?' I shrug in response, which earns a scoff from West.

"Well we don't know what else to think," West defends himself. "Was it a bad experience?"

"No, it was actually really good," Dominic nods. I bow my head lower as my face blushes. Dominic nudges my leg beneath the table and I repress the urge to smile.

"Who was it?" West is now desperate to know.

"I'm not going to tell you guys so just drop it." Dominic offers both of his friends sharp glowers but neither of them care enough to stop.

"Nova, why aren't you upset about this?" Jack blurts and I have no choice but to look up.

"I am. My throat just hurts from almost dying a few minutes ago," I fib. "I'll interrogate him about it later."

"I bet you're going to tell her, right?" Jack motions to me and I only nibble on a chicken tender.

"Maybe I will." Dominic shrugs with a smirk on his lips.

"Seriously, Dom?"

"Look I'll tell you guys when I figure things out myself, okay? You'll just ask a bunch of questions that I don't have answers to," Dominic snaps, clearly irritated with the interrogation. I have a feeling that me being here is only putting him more on edge.

"Wait...do you like this girl?" West blurts and my eyes widen as I stare at the asparagus on my plate.

Before Dominic can even answer, Jack speaks up. "Drop it, West. You heard him; he'll tell us eventually." Oh, now you want to quit harassing him?

The topic changes but I can't help but wish Dominic had a chance to comment on West's question. Eventually the dinner comes to an end and Dominic insists on walking me back to my dorm. Once we're out of the guy's earshot, he groans loudly. "They're so annoying sometimes, I swear." He says this as if I haven't been preaching it for two years.

"I think they just want to be in the loop." If I was in their shoes, I'd also be extremely curious.

"Yeah but they act like they're entitled to the information." That's what happens when you tell your friends everything. I don't want to tell him that he acts like that sometimes but he does.

"How'd they notice anyway?" We walk side by side towards my room. I stare at his sneakers as he matches my slower pace.

"The gym- we were all changing in the locker room and West pointed them out." He absentmindedly touches his stomach and I bite back a satisfied smirk.

"Sorry. I didn't even realize I left them." He shakes his head dismissively. I wish I'd have known so I could've taken a picture with them for my scrapbook. I'd have captioned it: the hickies I gave Dominic.

"It's fine. I don't mind," he replies.

"Why didn't you just lie and say they were bruises?" This question gets a chuckle out of him. He stops walking and pulls up his hoodie, which takes his t-shirt with it. I'm a bit surprised at the markings decorating his abdomen. There are five reddish blotches scattered about on his lower stomach area. My heart thuds a little faster as the memories are catapulted back into my mind. I remember how I felt in that exact moment. It sends a jolt through my system as I run my eyes over them once more.

"They don't look like bruises." He drops his hoodie and I look the other way. 

"Yeah, they don't," I respond. "Sorry about that."

"I'm not. It felt good." This sends my stomach into a frenzy and it takes a lot for me to not drag him to my room and reenact how he got those marks.

"You know, I'm a bit surprised you didn't tell them." I change the subject. 

"You expected me to?" He seems surprised.

"Not expected but I would've understood had you told them," I clarify.

"I didn't tell them for a couple reasons. The main one being that I didn't think you'd want them to know your business." Typical Dominic.

"I wouldn't have been mad. I just would've been annoyed with their commentary," I respond. He quirks a brow and I sigh. "You know how they tease me about how they don't think I can sustain our friendship without messing around with you?"

"Oh..." he trails. "Well I would've made sure they didn't say anything."

We reach my dorm and I look up at the multistory building to avoid looking at him. "I'd invite you in but..." I swallow nervously as I think of what might happen if we're alone again.

"But what?" He eggs me on with a knowing beam on his face.

"But I have to study," I clarify with slightly narrowed eyes. What a tease.

"Sure. How are your thoughts?" What's that supposed to mean?

"Huh?" My face reddens as I recall every dirty thought I've had in the last ten minutes alone. How can he tell?

He grins at me. "Your thoughts- are you feeling stressed for finals week?" He tilts his head in amusement. I can tell he didn't mean that with his original statement.

"Yes, which is why I'm going to go study and you should, too," I attempt to end the conversation with my arms crossed tightly across my chest.

"Oh, I can't focus for the life of me," he confesses with a shrug of his shoulders. He licks his lips as his eyes bounce between both of mine. "I keep thinking about the way your mouth tastes."

My eyes widen as my stomach butterflies light on fire. "Bye, Dominic," I blurt as I turn and enter the building, listening to his laughter grow quieter.

+++

"You know, maybe I'm just stupid," I confess as we sit in Montgomery lounge. My legs are in Dominic's lap and he's rubbing my calves (and strictly my calves).

"No you're not. They make the exams hard for a reason," he replies. "Just be glad it's over and by this time tomorrow, we'll be back home with no classes to worry about for a month."

"Are you all packed?" I know he's probably not but hopefully me asking will give him some incentive.

"Yes," he replies hesitantly. I peek out from underneath my hands and shoot him a pointed look, to which he sheepishly smiles. "For the most part; I just have a couple more things to pack. Are you?"

"Yeah. My roommate left this morning. It was very awkward."

"How so?" He seems entertained by my roommates brief interactions with me.

"She barely said bye. She had her parents help her lug her bags out of the room and then nodded at me before leaving. I know we're not close but you'd think she'd tell me to have a nice break. Especially because I told her to."

"Oh well, screw Campbells." His comment earns a breathy laugh from me.

"What time are we leaving tomorrow?" I question.

"I was thinking noon. But I don't really care." I can sleep in and still be back before 2. Nice.

"Noon's fine with me." I wonder how much we'll hang out when we're back home.

"Are you excited to go home?" he wonders as his hands rub circles into my legs. I scoff in response.

"And deal with my irritating parents and Maritza?" I summarize this vacation. "Nope."

He suddenly gasps, which catches me off guard. I jump slightly and uncover my face. "Are you going to tell her?" he questions with wide, excited eyes.

I stare at him in confusion for a second before I realize what he means. Am I going to tell her that I kissed him? I shut my eyes and rest my head back on the arm of the couch. "Of course not." That would not go over well.

"She can live vicariously through you," he teases me and I chuckle at the thought.

"She'll probably get jealous and tell my parents." I can see it now. 'Mom! Nova kissed Dominic!'

"What do you think they'd do?" he wonders.

"There isn't anything they can do. I pay for school myself so they can't take me out. They don't want me to go far away so trying to send me to another school wouldn't be an option. They'll probably just make me promise never to do it again," I suppose with a shrug. I doubt it'd be that bad. They'd probably just never trust me again and anyone that I claim is just a friend will be subject to extreme scrutiny. "Plus, you'll never be allowed over and vice versa."

"Jeez," he mumbles.

"But then again, my mom begs me to marry you so maybe she wouldn't be too mad." I chuckle at the memory of her trying to nudge me in his direction last break.

"Really?!" This seems to excite him and I laugh.

"Yes. She thinks you're such a good boy. Little does she know, right?" I chuckle wildly and he lightly shakes my legs.

"I am a good boy!" I open one eye and gaze dubiously at him.

"Sure you are," I comment playfully before shutting my eye.

"What makes me a bad boy?" I can think of a lot of things. 

"You're a pervert, for one," I list with a small smirk and he sucks his teeth.

"I flirt, so what? I get good grades. I'm respectful. I have manners." I know all of these good traits about him. They're part of the reason why I like him.

"Dominic, I was joking. I know you're a good boy," I calm him worries while opening both of my eyes.

"My parents like you, too. They think you're a good influence on me." They've told me this personally so I know he's not lying.

"Because I am." I grin widely at him and he stares at me for a second.

"I know you are," he whispers. 

His eyes search my face and I feel my heart starting to race. The intensity of his gaze causes my stomach to bubble so I close my eyes and focus on his hands rubbing my calves. I sense them inching higher but I don't bother saying anything. In fact, I adjust my legs to give him more room to massage. When he reaches my upper inner thigh, I sigh in slight frustration. "Dominic, we're literally in the middle of a very public lounge," I remind him. If we weren't, I'd let this play out and see how it goes.

"My room is right down the hall," he mumbles suggestively as he switches legs. My stomach feels as though it's on fire and I want nothing more than to put it out with his help.

"Yes and Jack is in there," I remind him.

"He can go to West's room." I wish but I know better.

"How suspicious will that sound? You ask him to leave so you and I can hang out in there?" He sighs noisily as if we've exhausted every option.

"Yeah, I guess you're right," he announces in defeat.

"Besides, don't you have to pack?" I chide with a growing smile.

"I hate you for always being right." 

"I should get back to my dorm." If I stay here any longer, I'll probably seek out a cozy janitor's closet and have my way with him.

"Do you want me to walk you?" he asks.

"No, what you need to do is go upstairs and pack." I extend my hands and pull him up.

"Aye, aye, captain," he responds before leading the way to the exit. "Am I allowed to hug you?"

I roll my eyes at him before reaching my arms up and around his neck in a hug. I shiver against him when his arms wrap tightly around me. I pull away and zip up my coat. "I'll see you tomorrow." I push open the door and let myself out. I hate how much I want him.

+++

12:21AM. I stare at my messages and press Dominic's contact. Our chat opens and my fingers hover above the keyboard before I close out and lock my phone. I repeat this for five more minutes before exhaling loudly and sitting up. He said it himself last week; he's a phone call away if I decide I want to sleep with him. That's what I want. In all honesty, it's what I've wanted for over a year. And for the past week, it's been the only thing on my mind. I stare at the condom on my dresser. I open Dominic's chat and type out a message before deleting it and trying again. I finally draft the perfect one before closing my eyes and pressing send.

Nova: You up?

I stare at the screen and cringe when I realize how I sound. At least it gets my point across. It only takes a couple seconds to get a response.

Dominic: Did you really just send me a 'you up?' text? I've created a monster.

I chuckle at his response. My message was understood.

Nova: So are you up or not?

Dominic: Jeez, I'm up.

Nova: Do you want to come over?

Dominic: I'll be there in 10 minutes.

I get up, grab the condom, and tuck it under my pillow. I hurriedly switch into cuter undergarments and listen for a notification as I pull my pajamas back on. I'm adjusting the room's lighting when my phone dings from my bed. I grab it and hurry downstairs to let Dominic in. When I open the door, he gives me a half grin.

"Hey." His hands are shoved deep in his hoodie pockets as he takes in my appearance.

"Hi." I try to hide how nervous I am but it proves to be difficult.

We're both silent until we board the elevator. He licks his lips nervously and looks at me. "Just so we're on the same page, what exactly am I here for?" I give him a flat look and he returns it with a smirk. "I thought so; I was just making sure."

We get to my room and I let him in. Immediately, he unzips his hoodie and tosses it on my desk chair. I lean over to remove my shoes and he follows suit. I'm barely back on my feet when he throws himself at me and I don't mind one bit. He doesn't waste any time, which is very much appreciated. My hands are around his neck as he pins me to the door, pressing his lips against mine fervently. His hands glide down my sides to my thighs, sending shivers through my body. I gasp into his mouth as he hoists me up.

I'm surprised at the lack of effort it takes him to put me on my bed and then get himself up here. I feel the familiar fire blazing in my stomach but it feels better somehow. As he continues kissing me, I feel myself growing more and more sure about my goal for tonight. I flip over so that I'm on top of him with my hands pressed against his chest. He lays back and stares up at me with a desire in his eyes so strong that I feel it in my gut. His chest heaves up and down as he searches my face curiously.

I remove my shirt and his eyes fall on my bra. He leans his head back, closes his eyes, and allows the boyish smile on his face to grow wider. "You're so beautiful, November."

"I wore it because it's your favorite color," I admit as I look down at the strappy red bra I put on a little while ago. "Do you like it?"

"I love it," he says as his fingers trace the straps on my chest.

I lean over and reach under the pillow to take out the condom. I hold it up for him to see and when he does, his eyebrows rise. His smile grows even larger as he looks from the foil square back to me. "Tonight?"

"Yeah." I give him a confident nod. "If you want to."

"I do," he quickly assures me. "You're sure about this?"

"I thought about it and I can't think of anyone else I'd rather to give my virginity to," I confess honestly. "I trust you."

"Thank you," he mumbles as he gazes up at me. I smirk at him before putting the condom in the band of his underwear. He guides me back down and gives me a short kiss before pulling away for a second. I hover a few inches away from him and lightly bite my lip.

"Not to mention, I like the way your hands feel on me," I whisper flirtatiously as my eyes flit between both of his. His eyebrows rise even higher on his forehead as he stares at me. I watch as he opens and closes his mouth at a loss for words. I grin at him smugly, waiting for him to formulate a sentence.

"You know, I always knew I'd be the one to do this." He lightly glides his fingers up and down my back enticingly. 

"Oh, did you?" I whisper and he nods while biting his lip. I chuckle quietly and roll my eyes. "You wished."

"And prayed." He brings his hand around to my face and rests his finger beneath my chin. I lean in to kiss him again, feeling my stomach jolt as his free hand grips my hip tightly. When I pull away, he looks at me anxiously. "You're not going to regret it and hate me forever, right? Because as much as I want to do this, it won't be worth it if that's the case."

"Dominic, I will be okay." I will be more than okay, actually.

"But are you sure-?" he starts but I put my hand over his mouth. He takes the hint and stares up at me.

"In this moment, the only thing I want is you," I confess and he exhales into my palm. "Can you deliver that?" He nods slowly and I grin in satisfaction. I lean closer and replace my hand with my mouth, allowing my body to catch fire again.

He has no problem delivering.