We walk across the quad toward the parking lot and I wonder if I’ve ever been happier. The air is soft and mild, campus is bustling with students unloading cars and hauling boxes into their new rooms, and Matt’s hand is warm in mine. This must be what walking on sunshine feels like.

“No fucking way!” I hear a loud voice shout. And it sounds a lot like a particular asshole we know. Matt tenses.

“Val, I told you he was with her again and you didn’t believe me!” Geoff hoots.

Matt and I turn slowly and find a whole group of frat and sorority girls standing in the middle of the lawn, clearly catching up. Some of them snicker, some of them giggle behind their hands, and some of them stare right through us. Matt advances toward them purposefully. I try to pull my hand away to stay behind but he tugs me along, smiling grimly.

“Hey guys,” he says smoothly and I can’t help but admire his poise. Again. “This is my girlfriend, Annika. I’ve spent nearly two years trying to get her to go out with me and she finally agreed. Annika, these are some people I used to hang out with. I can’t quite call them friends….” He drags the last word out, sounding dubious.

Valerie has a sour look on her face like she tasted something bad. Geoff just smirks, his eyes roaming over me. But this time I don’t care. I’m still coasting from happiness and multiple orgasms and the warmth of hearing Matt call me his girlfriend. I squeeze his hand and pull him closer to wind my other arm around his neck.

“Baby, we don’t have time to talk to these people now. I’m in a hurry to get back to your place.” I pitch my voice low but loud enough for them to hear.

Matt and I exchange grins as I bat my eyelashes at him. His other hand moves to the small of my back and lingers, edging just under the hem of my shirt to touch the bare skin at my waistband. Even though I was play-acting a moment ago I can’t help but shiver and we exchange another, longer look. The light brush of his fingertips is reassuring, soothing, and tantalizing at the same time.

“Gotta go. I doubt I’ll be seeing much of you guys this year,” he says, steering me away from the gawkers. I flutter my fingers in their direction but my attention is all on Matt.

Halfway across the quad he pauses, turns back towards them and yells, “I’m in love with her!”

The whole world seems to still into one perfect, suspended moment.

I cover my face with my hands, feeling the blood rushing to my face. I’m shocked, embarrassed, overwhelmed. When I peek through my fingers I see Matt is gazing down at me, his arms loosely wrapped around my waist as he tries to see my expression. He looks happy, determined, and oh my god sincere. Even a little anxious….

I throw my arms around his neck and press as close as I can. He makes a muffled sound before my lips meet his. Then we’re kissing deeply, madly, passionately out here on the quad for everyone to see. I could care less.

By the time we break to breathe the world has moved on. No one is paying any attention any more. I grin and run my hands through his hair, our eyes locked together.

“You liked that, huh?” he murmurs, leaning his forehead on mine.

“I liked that,” I confirm, then add with a whisper. “I’m in love with you too.”

I feel surprisingly shy. I’ve never said that to anyone but I’ve never meant anything more. His eyes flare and he kisses me again, more tenderly.

“Let’s go.”

I nod, wordless. My body and brain and heart are overflowing. This guy! We start walking again toward the parking lot, fingers entwined and a little dazed.

“Unless….” I tug him to a stop and meet his eyes again. He raises one brow and waits. “You want to finish what we started in that bathroom?” I tip my head toward the coffeehouse.

My face is probably a little pink because I’m not entirely sure of the rules here. Of what he wants or likes. Or what I want or like. But I have instincts and they’ve worked well with him so far. Really well.

He shakes his head. “Anni, you are so bad!” But he’s already pulling me in that direction. I laugh as he speeds up and he shoots me a warning glance.

“You’re asking for it.” He’s grinning now and he’s irresistible like this. What am I talking about? He’s always been irresistible to me.

“Yeah?” I lower my voice. “You going to spank me? Bend me over the sink?” My breath is coming faster and I’m enjoying this game.

He stifles a groan and clutches my hand tighter as we get closer to the entrance. “I think I’ll have to now. God, you make me crazy!” He stops abruptly to kiss me hard again. “And I love you so much.”

Another hard kiss and I’m vaguely aware that we’re stopping traffic on the path again. I touch Matt’s face gently with my fingertips, just to make sure this is real, he’s real. The warm, rough texture of his skin reassures me and I can barely contain my giddiness as I echo the words right back at him.