"Alright, we're going home now." Nicolàs and Camilla snatch up their cooler from beside the barbecue and give us a wave. "If you decide to stay tonight Mija, give us a text."

It's late now, the sun has set, the stars are out and we're all full from a delicious meal. Spencer bids her parents farewell and as soon as their out of sight she snatches another beer before she settles down beside Grayson. We're all sitting around the outdoor table. Minus Alden who ducked out when an old flame messaged him upon finding out that he's in town.

"We should get going as well." Drayton stands with reluctance, reading the screen of his phone. He had promised his mother that he would come home tonight and talk with her about what happened this afternoon. I know that he doesn't want to leave from how he glances down at me with a small pout.

Grayson stands but keeps his fingers laced with Spencer's. "Do you want to come?"

She thinks about it for a moment but shakes her head. "Na, I need a bit of girl time." She grins at me from across the table. Nathan stands up and begins clearing the dishes, piling them up in silence.

I let her know that I'll be back in a minute and walk Dray and Grayson through the house after he's given Spencer a goodnight kiss. Grayson leaves in the Jeep and I stand beside Drayton as he slings his leg over the bike. I feel a little bout of anxiety when I think about how things might go for him when he gets home. I kick the stones on the footpath and nibble on my lip until a thumb grazes my mouth. "Don't stress baby. I'll be fine."

"I know." I chuckle and wave a hand in dismissal before I slide my hands into my back pockets. "Just attempt to stay calm when you get home okay?"

"No promises." He winks.

I roll my eyes but smile as he leans over and gives me a soft kiss. "I love you," he murmurs, pecking my cheek before he leans back and pulls his helmet on.

"I love you too."

The sound of the motorcycle rumbles through the quiet street and I watch as he takes off, admiring how good he always manages to look on the back of that thing. I take a deep breath when it feels like the air is escaping me. He drives me insane in the best way.

When I head back inside, I'm greeted with the sound of Spencer's adorable giggle and find her sitting on the kitchen countertop while Nathan stands on the other side of the room and throws skittles at her face. "What is going on?"

"Dude, she's so good at this." Nathan digs his hand into the packet and lifts his hand as Spencer opens her mouth. "Watch this."

He throws the skittle and Spencer flicks her head with the slightest movement so that the skittle lands in her open gob. The two of them lift their hands and cheer. "I think it's your aim." Spencer points at him while she chews the candy.

He grins, turning to me as he raises his hand again. "Let's test that. Dallas, catch."

I quickly drop my jaw and flinch when the skittle smacks me in the nose before landing on the floor. "I guess you two just make a good team." I shrug and pick the skittle up, popping it in my mouth. "Five-second rule."

"It's alright," Nathan shrugs and saunters over to Spencer to hand her the packet of candy, "I mopped today."

"You mopped?!" Spencer gasps as though she can't believe what she's hearing. She's teasing though. Nathan keeps the house pretty clean at all times.

He rolls his eyes and waves her off before clapping his hands together. "My turn."

She gets a little red skittle out of the bag and lines up her shot, throwing it across the room. The sound of the hard candy connecting with his tooth makes me wince and he curls over, clutching his mouth as he chuckles through the pain. Spencer dives off the countertop and runs towards him. "Shit, I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!"

They both laugh as she clutches his shoulders and shifts her feet, apologising over and over again. I giggle at the pair and wander over to the sink to help clean up the dishes. "She's had a few beers, I wouldn't have trusted her to make that shot," I mention over my shoulder.

She gives me a little shove in the back but agrees that she can't be trusted with such things. Especially when she's been drinking. I turn around and dry my hands with a dishtowel as Nathan wraps his arm around her shoulder and pulls her into a side hug. "It's okay. I forgive you. I'll help you work on that arm if you want."

Spencer claps her hands together and bounces with excitement. "Yes! Let's go and play passes outside. In the dark. It'll be fun."

Nathan looks to me with raised brows and I smile. "Sure, I'm in."

• • •

A week has passed since the celebratory barbecue and Drayton and I are yet to discuss what had gone down with his father that morning. We'd briefly spoken about it when we'd been granted our solace later that night. He'd come back and stayed with me, deciding he wasn't ready to be under the same roof as his dear old Dad.

"Dallas, I can't give you the answer you wanna hear. I can't promise that I'll make it to California with you. But I promise it won't mean the end of you and I. Okay. I love you."

It's obvious that he's torn between honouring his family and being with me. I can understand that; family is a strong pull in decisions. And his promise that we'd still be together was enough to tie me over for the moment. But I couldn't squash the burning curiosity to know what college he'd accepted or what was going on inside that head of his.

We hadn't had a lot of conversation since that night. Both of us deciding to immerse ourselves in study for exams and subconsciously we'd put a bit of distance in place.

But when we do spend time together, there isn't a hint of emotional distance in place. He's still very much the affectionate and doting Drayton that I love so much.

"Good morning Dallas."

"Hey Nicolás."

Spencer's father opens the front door, stepping aside to let me into their freshly decorated living space. It turned out beautifully. The maroon feature wall really warms the place up and looks perfect with the cream walls and new carpet. There's even a new lounge suite that hadn't been here a few days ago and I'm impressed at how much difference it's made to the room.

"You and Spencer have big plans today?" He shuts the door behind me and I follow him through to the kitchen where he'll - without fail - pour me an orange juice. He doesn't even ask anymore. It's a little bit adorable how effortlessly he's glided into the position of a family man.

"We're going to pick up our prom dresses. We tried them on last week but we're going for a final fitting before we purchase them."

I accept the tall glass of OJ that he hands me and smile appreciatively. We've come a long way from our first encounter where I told him to stay the hell away from my best friend and treated him as though he had the worst intentions. It's a relief to me that he only wanted his family back. It's a rare occurrence, one that I could never have imagined happening. But Spencer always seems so content these days and it's heartwarming to say the least.

"Do either of you need some cash to go towards the expense?" He leans against the countertop, which is scattered with tile samples. I seem to remember Spencer mentioning the kitchen was their next project.

"No thanks Nicolás." I throw back the last of the juice and place the glass in the sink behind me. "Dray actually paid for my prom dress."

My cheeks blush at the understanding smile that Nicolás flashes me. It's a sweet gesture when Drayton showers me with pricey gifts and shopping sprees, but the last thing I want is for people to view me as some sort of gold digger. In fact, I told him not buy me the dress, I would have pulled the cash from my savings, but he'd gone out of his way to hound Spencer for the price tag and then deposited the money into my account, refusing to let me pay it back.

Little does he know, I gave Grayson the cash to pay for the limo. He wouldn't have it. So he won't be finding out.

"Don't be embarrassed Dallas. For a man to have the privilege of spoiling the woman he loves, is a great, great honour." He straightens up and winks before he turns and starts organising the tile samples into a neat pile. "It feels wonderful to be able to provide for that special someone, to see the surprise in her eyes, the appreciation in her smile. It's very rewarding."

"I just wish that I could return it, ya know?" He turns around and eyes me with furrowed brows. "I can never equate to how much he spends on me."

"Believe me, all we want in return is the love of a good woman. Support, a listening ear, a body to hold at night. That's more than enough in return."

Spencer enters the kitchen at that moment, a questioning expression adorned on her made-up face. She sets her clutch on the countertop so that she can readjust the strap of her cropped tank top.

"What are you guys talking about?"

"Your Dad was just sharing his romantic wisdom with me." Nicolás and I exchange a knowing grin. Who knew he'd be so good to talk to about these sorts of things. "Are you good to go?"

"Yeah!" She picks her clutch back up and I get a jolt of excitement. I'm beyond thrilled to be seeing the dress I chose again. I'm absolutely in love with it. "I'll see you later Dad. Tell Mom I said goodbye."

"Of course mija. Have a good afternoon."

• • •

On Friday evening, Spencer, Gray, Drayton and I, all gather in the den to hang out and watch a movie. Spencer has strict instructions that tomorrow will be a girls' day only so that we can get our nails, hair and makeup done. She'd wanted to book us in for a full-body wax too but I'd convinced her that doing that on the day of prom was far too risky. Either of us could break out in a post-wax rash and I'd prefer not to sport red spotty arms and legs in the photos that will last a lifetime.

"Do you guys want this popcorn?" I hold the bag at arm's length from our end of the couch. Spencer and Gray are curled up on the other end, their legs intertwined and it's hard to tell who's body parts belong to who. "One of you take it off me before I don't fit my dress tomorrow."

"No!" Spence holds her hand up and halts Grayson's attempt to retrieve it. "I feel a bit gross. Don't send it down here. I'll eat it and then I'll feel worse."

"So I can't eat it because you don't wanna eat it?" Grayson pouts but Spencer refuses to look apologetic.

"Go over there and eat it." She points to a singular love seat that's situated to the left of Drayton and I.

"Meh, na. Can't be bothered." Grayson settles back into the couch, his eyes refocusing on the thriller that's playing on the big screen.

Drayton snatches the popcorn from my grasp and drops it over the back of the couch before he pulls me tighter into his hold. I'm curled with my back pressed into his front, but he's slightly elevated in a half-sitting position so I can glance up and have the perfect view of his strong jaw.

"I hope you're not feeling sick tomorrow, Spence." I absentmindedly graze Drayton's arm - which rests over my waist - while I glance at Spencer's pale complexion.

"Tell me about it!" She grunts, swiping her palm across her glistening forehead. "I'll be so disappointed if I'm coming down with something."

I'll be disappointed too. This is our last school event before graduation. I absolutely have to have my best friend there. It just wouldn't be the same without her.

"Are you staying tonight?" Drayton mumbles, his fingers streaming through the curtain of hair that hangs in soft curls across my shoulder.

"Is your Dad going to be here tonight?"

When I don't get an answer, I glance over my shoulder and see his conflicted expression.

"I'm not staying here with your Dad in the house. In fact, I'll be leaving soon because he'll be back."

"We can hide out in my room," Drayton pleads, his grip tightening on my waist. "I'll get some food delivered and we can lick whipped cream off each other. It'll be fun."

"That conversation just went in a really weird direction." I laugh at his guilty grin. "You can come back to my house?"

"I'd prefer neither of us stayed there considering that, that Alden dick keeps showing up."

I admit that Drayton has a point. Alden's been in town for a few weeks now and he doesn't seem to be leaving anytime soon. He isn't a major problem but I don't like hanging out with him any more than Drayton does.

"I just don't feel like copping any abuse from your dad over your college choice, which"- I lower my voice to a mumble - "I don't even know anything about."

Drayton's body tenses behind me and I feel my mood beginning to plummet with panic. The last thing I want to do - especially before prom - is to argue. But there's less than four months until graduation and I still have no idea what his plans are or if he's accepted a scholarship.

"Excuse us a minute," Drayton declares with a loud voice, causing Spence and Gray to glance in our direction with curious expressions. Drayton swings his leg over my body and hoists himself off the couch before he pulls me to my feet and drags me along behind him.

Considering he has no issue with making crude remarks and sexual innuendos in front of everyone, but prefers to argue in private, I can guess where this conversation is headed. My heart feels heavy as he keeps a tight grasp on my hand and pulls me up the second flight of stairs towards his bedroom.

"What's going on?" he asks, shutting the door behind him. I stand beside his bed and defensively fold my arms across my chest. I don't know why, I just feel as though I'm not going to like where this discussion goes.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, why the subtle dig? If you've got something to say, just say it?" He shrugs as if it's as easy as that. But I know better.

"Alright then," I throw my arms up and let them fall back to my side with a thud, "where are you going to college? Are you going to let your dad bully you into what he chooses or are you going to man up and decide for yourself?"

"Man up?" His laugh is hollow and his eyes widen in disbelief. "Fuck, that's a bit uncalled for? So I'm having trouble choosing between a career or a long-distance relationship and that deserves attitude?"

"It's not the choice!" I cry in frustration. "It's the lack of communication. You're running out of time to choose a school and I have no idea what you're thinking! Besides, you'll have an incredible career wherever you go Drayton, your dad can't change that."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, babe." He sneers with sarcasm, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. "But my Dad has a lot of influence in the NFL world, he absolutely could ruin my chances at playing for a team."

"Then you're going to Baylor." I shrug with finality. "I won't be the reason that you give up a career doing something that you love."

"I want to go to UCLA, cheer and I'm working on it okay. I'm trying to soften my Dad and-"

"No!" I interrupt, causing him to drop his frantic sentence. "You can't always have things the way you want them in life. Sacrifices have to be made and that's okay. It's- it's okay."

"Not you." He steps forward and grips either upper arm with his strong hands. "I can't sacrifice you. Us. I can't."

His quiet voice and defeated expression tears away at my heart, causing a physical pain in the pit of my stomach. It's incredible how one person's hurt can literally break you.

"You're not sacrificing us." I step forward and encircle my arms around his waist, resting my head on his chest. "We'll be fine. I won't hold this decision against you Dray. I love you and even with a little distance, I'll still love you."

He returns my embrace.

"I didn't mean to sound harsh," I murmur. "I just don't want you to think that I would force you to change your plans. I don't want your decision to be based on me. Or your Dad. I want it to be yours. You're an amazing football player. You're smart and I'm so proud. I believe in you babe. So much."

His hold becomes firmer, his arms hug me so tightly that it hurts a little, but I don't protest. I just shut my eyes and let the feel of his kisses on the top of my head, soothe and relax me. The thrum of his heartbeat sounds in my ear and I could literally fall asleep to the sound. My entire body relaxes at the multitude of sensations that I get from his embrace.

"Let's not talk about it again?" he suggests, arching backwards so that he can glance down at me but keep me wrapped in his arms. "Let's just not acknowledge the fact that- that we won't see each other every single day after summer."

His voice hitches at the end of his sentence and I feel the drop in my stomach just at the mere suggestion of our impending long-distance relationship. But I have to agree with him. I'd rather not think about it until I absolutely have to. However unhealthy that could be.

"Sounds ideal to me," I murmur, casting my glance down at where our torsos are pressed together.

"Hey," his finger comes under my chin and tips my head back up so that I have to meet his soft green eyes, "none of that. I only want to see your smile, okay. Especially tomorrow night while you're looking like a goddess."

"You don't even know what my dress looks like." I laugh lightly, my heart skipping a beat when his expression brightens at the sight of my smile.

"I don't need to see it." His hands slowly move south, cupping my ass. "I know that you'll look fûcking stunning in whatever you wear."

I tiptoe up, meeting his eager mouth with mine. I can't imagine not seeing him every day, not kissing him every day, not sleeping beside him at least a couple of times a week. I savour the feeling of his tongue on mine, the feeling of his warm lips devouring me and the scratchy stubble of his chin that's somehow soft enough not to leave too harsh of a mark.

"So you're staying tonight?" he murmurs against my mouth, his knuckles grazing the hollow of my cheek.

"Mmm," I reply, my eyes still closed as a feeling of euphoria envelopes me. "You've convinced me. I still want dinner delivered though."

"Of course," he replies as he hoists me up by the back of my thighs, wrapping my legs around his waist and falling onto the bed so that I'm pinned beneath his large build. I adore being trapped beneath him, the view of his muscled arms on either side of my head, the sight of his lust-filled face travelling every inch of my own. It's bliss. "You're going to need refuelling after this."

His mouth crashes back against my own and I don't hold back the sound of pleasure that bubbles behind my lips.

• • •

"My parents said they'll be here at six." Spencer reads her phone before dropping it onto my bed. I once again take a moment to marvel her gorgeous dress. She's an absolute vision and I can't wait until Grayson lays his eyes on her. Her hair has been pulled back into an intricate bun with a plait stemming from the fringe and intertwining in the bun.

My hair is done in a similar way. We'd both opted for updos and let the hairdressers do what they pleased. I once again, find myself assessing my entire look in the mirror. I won't lie, I feel like a princess in this dress. It's perfect.

Of course the makeup artist that Spencer hired hasn't long left and he'd done a fabulous job as well. Using tones and shades that complimented our dresses. I'm pleased that we were able to go all out in preparation.

Now we were simply applying a few final touches and flittering about before we leave with Spencer's parents to go to Drayton's.

"Knock - knock!" Nathan calls out as he taps on the door and pushes it open. He wanted to get a couple snapshots of Spencer and I before we left but explained that he didn't need to come with us to Drayton's for the million more photos that would take place.

"Wow sis," he smiles proudly, "you look great!" His eyes slowly wander Spencer's slender frame with appreciation, an appreciation that I don't think I've seen him regard her with before. It weirds me out for a moment. "You look beautiful Spence."

"Aw thanks Nathan!" she replies, oblivious to his blatant staring because she's too busy gawking at herself in the mirror.

"Um, so photos?" I ask, which snaps him out of his predatory gaze. He's such a perv.

"Yeah, come on."

We arrive at Drayton's just after six. Camilla and Nicolás follow behind Spencer and me, who link arms and walk with an excited jostle, up the front steps to ring the doorbell.

"Ah, hello girls!" Ellie pulls the front door open, looking gorgeous as usual. She gives us a once over and claps her hand over her mouth. "You both look so gorgeous. My goodness!"

She puts a hand over her heart and looks as though she's about to burst into happy tears as we shuffle into the foyer. Introductions aren't necessary as Ellie has already met Camilla and Nicolás. But they all greet each other with loud hollers and big smiles.

"The boys are just- oh I don't know" - Ellie waves her hand flippantly as she leads us into the living area - "doing guy stuff. Who knows. They'll be out in a minute."

"This feels backwards." I laugh. "Usually the guys wait downstairs for the girls."

"Oh they're not upstairs." Ellie gestures for us all to sit but Spencer subtly holds my hand and shakes her head when I attempt to take a seat on the couch. "They're in the den. Probably having a scotch or something. You two should dash upstairs so that you can come down!"

Spencer and I share a look and both shrug our shoulders. We give the seated adults a quick wave and make our way up the staircase. We reach the top just in time to hear the den door opening and Drayton and Grayson laughing together. I'm incredibly excited to see how handsome my man looks in his tux.

"How come you didn't want me to sit?" I ask Spencer, leaning on the banister out of sight from the bottom of the staircase.

"My dress is so fucking tight!" She squirms, clutching at the fabric. "Dude, I've put on weight because it was not this tight a week ago. I thought it was going to rip in the car."

"That's weird," I mumble, absentmindedly clutching the flowing fabric. "Are you feeling better?"

"Yeah? I was a little clammy this morning but I'm fine." She shrugs her shoulders and I can't believe that she's genuinely so oblivious to what I'm suggesting.

I don't get the chance to clue her in though because Ellie's voice comes booming up the staircase, asking us to make our debut. I suppose I'll just have to ask when she had her last period later.

When we're halfway down the steps, the boys come into view, waiting at the bottom, clad in their dapper outfits. My eyes immediately lock on Drayton's and I almost melt at his expression.

His eyes widen and his mouth pops open, drinking me in from head to toe with deep, heated eyes. I take a moment to admire his fitted black tux. The sleeves stretch at the seams around those arms that I adore, his black shirt is the perfect base for his white tie. I'm hardly surprised that he'd have found out what colour he needed to get. I certainly hadn't told him, of course, he'd never asked either.

When we reach the tiled floor of the entryway, our heels clacking against the marble, I take a quick moment to appreciate the way Grayson stares at Spencer. Pure love and adoration plastered across his awestruck face.

"Fûck me!" Drayton all but shouts, his voice echoing through the foyer as he wraps his hand around my wrist and pulls me forward. "You look fucking perfect."

"Drayton!" Ellie scolds from somewhere nearby, I'm honestly not aware of anything else now that my man stands before me, looking so damn handsome that I can't help but wish we were alone. I have to admire the fact that he can pull off sweats and a singlet but look equally as edible in a tuxedo.

"Not sorry Mom." He angles his head slightly over his shoulder but keeps his eyes locked on mine as his hand reaches out and grazes his fingers along my cheek, wrapping around the nape of my neck. "You, cheer, you look so fucking incredible. I can't believe how damn lucky I am."

"You look pretty handsome yourself." I grin, throwing my arms around his neck, pressing my front against his. "I'd say I'm the lucky one."

"Mmmm nope," he hums, keeping one hand tucked at the base of my neck, the other travelling to my lower back so he can press us even closer together. "I'm fûcking blessed beyond belief."

He kisses me fiercely, not holding back despite our small audience. His tongue slides inside my mouth and I don't bother to deny him entrance. At this point, I couldn't give a damn who's watching.

"Alright you two!" Grayson puts a hand on either of our foreheads and pushes us apart, earning a disgruntled scowl from Drayton. "Photos. Or we'll never make it to prom."

Drayton sighs but drops his hold and laces our hands together and we begin to follow everyone else out to the garden. Dray leans in, his hand slinging over my shoulder as he whispers in my ear.

"To be continued."

• • •

We're coming to the endish.. I won't give a definite number of chapters because I'm an impulsive writer. I veer off plan all the time and end up writing more or less than I plan. But that's what's happening 😂

I'm also pleased to announce that there will probably be a sequel. The plan is to have it from Dallas's POV in California and Spencer's POV in Archwood. There will be some big things in store for both characters. So my question is. Who will read !? ❤️

Much love. Until next time. x