Mag-log inFor a moment, I feel that crushing guilt all over again. I don’t deserve her. I know that. But God, I love her. The song ends to roaring applause, but I barely hear it. Anxiety suddenly claws back into my chest, heavy and sharp. I turn away quickly and head back toward the pit. Focus. I need to focu
The stadium lights burn bright against the darkening evening sky, throwing silver across the packed dirt track and turning the haze of kicked-up dust into glowing clouds. The air smells of gasoline, hot rubber, sweat, and rain-soaked earth. To me, it smells like home. My chest tightens as I stand
My dad hugs me next just as tightly. “You’ve worked harder than anyone I know.” I laugh shakily against his shoulder. “I think I’m running purely on caffeine at this point.” “That sounds about right,” Chase calls from nearby. I immediately laugh as my brother pulls me into another hug. “You surviv
By Friday afternoon, I am fairly certain I have survived what could only be described as hell week. The past several days have blurred together into one endless cycle of stress and exhaustion. Exam after exam. Meeting after meeting. File after file. Paper after paper. Every morning starts before sun
I straighten my shoulders and steady my breathing just as the exam papers are handed out across the room. The second the instructor announces we could begin, something inside me shifts completely. Focus. Pure focus. My pencil moves across the paper almost instantly. Question after question flows fro
Sunlight filters softly through the curtains the next morning, casting a warm golden streak across the bed. I start to stir slowly beneath the blankets, still wrapped in the lingering comfort of sleep. For a few moments, I stay curled up on my side, eyes closed, listening to the quiet hum of the apa
“Since you were a good girl for coming for me, as I promised, I will reward you.” Garrett leaves a trail of kisses down my neck as his hands roam around me to untie my dress, keeping me trapped up against the door. Once he’s finished untying the ribbons, he pushes the dress off of my shoulders and,
We stand in the lobby waiting for the elevator to arrive, Garrett is standing behind me leaning down nibbling and sucking on my ear. If I were wearing any panties, they would be soaked right now. That’s the surprise waiting for Garrett. I have gone commando under my dress. I feel myself getting wett
“We will be fine, babe, I have confidence that your folks will love me and support our relationship.” I nod and revel in his confidence. He’s right, we will be fine, I just need to believe it myself. I have never been the one who lacks confidence. I have always executed it. Maybe I lost who I used t
I pick up the black dress and slid into the bathroom to put it on. It’s a short A-line black dress with sheer embellished sleeves and a lace-up back. It looks stunning on me. It hugs my curves and makes it look like I have legs for days. I fasten the top lace around the shoulders for the sleeves of







