Free Bellissimo Fortuna (Beautiful Fortune) by Leigh Ann Lunsford

Bachelor’s degree. His struggle lies within himself regarding what he will do after school. He doesn’t want to join the business, but he doesn’t want to let his dad down, either.
    “I’m always here. Always. Whatever you need.” I know this; he makes me feel it every day. Every moment. I have no doubts about his devotion to me. He gives me the kiss he is known for, the side of my head right on my temple, and leads me to the car. Dinner passes with ease, both of us catching up on our week, and I am careful not to bring up anything about his plans. He knows he needs to make a decision with only three months left in the school year.
    “I have a question for you, Callie.”
    “I’m sure I’ll have an answer.”
    “Smartass. Will you go to my senior prom with me?”
    “I’d love to.” I try to calm the inner part of me that wants to stand on the table and dance, but I don’t manage to control it totally. I leap out of my chair and crawl in is lap, smothering his face in kisses, giddy as hell.
    “Just tell me the color of your dress when you get it so I can match.” He doesn’t care much for pomp and circumstance, but he’s doing this for me. Giving me the girly memories I cherish.
    “I love you.” First time I have spoken those words out loud to him. I think them a million times a day in my head, but I need to let him know.
    “I love you too, Callie. With all that I am.” He pulls a box out of his pocket and hands it to me. “Happy Birthday, beautiful girl.” I sit back in my chair and open the black velvet box. When I lift the lid, I find a silver Posey ring inside. I love the simplicity of these rings and have been admiring them for a while. Lifting it out of the box, I see the inscription.
     
    Semper Amemus -
    Our Love Is Forever
     
    He leans over and brushes away the tears falling down my cheeks. I can’t imagine any other gift, even though he didn’t need to get me anything. Gifts have only been from his family in the past years not just from him. I am melting in my chair.
    “Thank you,” I whisper around the thickness in my throat. So full of emotion right now . . . joy, wonder, gratefulness, and an overabundance of love. So much it hurts. I feel my heart forever expanding in my chest to hold it all.
    Our goodnight kisses in his bedroom quickly become heated, and before long he is pulling away, leaving me wanting more. I’m frustrated, confused, and have no clue what I need. “Why do you always stop?” My tone is angry, hurt, and he is silent as he studies me.
    “It’s not time, yet.”
    “Why do you get to decide when it’s time? Maybe I’m ready.”
    “It’s my job to take care of you, and you aren’t ready. You don’t even know what you want right now. I promise soon we will share more, but right now, this is enough.” I want to get mad, I want to storm out with a grand exit, I want him just as irritated as I am, but I do none of those things, because he’s right. I have no clue what I want. I know I get turned on, but have no idea what to do to ease it. I’m not ready for sex, and I’m very lucky he doesn’t push it, but I’m ready for more than just kisses. I do pout and turn to head to Bianca’s room without saying goodnight. I want to lick my wounds in private. Before I get three steps away, he stands and walks me to Bianca’s door, kisses my lips once more, “Goodnight. I love you.” As confused as I am, he tends to know what I need. I fall asleep with the taste of him on my lips and his words replaying in my head. He loves me.

 
    Chapter 8
    Bronson
     
    Holding her off is getting harder and harder. My birthday passed, and she was really going all out, flaunting her tempting body in clothes that made me weak in the knees. I plan on taking things a bit further tonight, exploring her body, it’s prom, and we have the entire night together. We won’t be having sex, and as frustrated as I am, and as much as I hate pleasuring myself as I fantasize about her,