My heart beats like a drum in my chest as I walk into the backyard where all of my friends and family are gathered to celebrate my eighteenth birthday.
Mom holds the cake as I blow out the candles. “Happy birthday, sweetheart,” my father says, pulling me in for a hug.
“Thank you, Daddy. I can’t believe y’all did this.” I turn to my best friend, Jayla. “And kept it a secret.”
“Trust me, it wasn’t easy,” she says.
I scan the crowd as I hug each and every one of my family members and friends, thanking them for being a part of my special day. A day I never thought would come.
I’m an adult now.
A woman.
The heaviness in my body only worsens as I look around the crowded backyard, searching for the man I’ve been waiting to give myself to him for four long years.
I’ve been secretly in love with Colter Steele since I was fourteen. Sure he may be older than me. A lot older. But I don’t care how old he is.
I want him.
I want h
im to own me and possess me in every way a man can possess a woman.
Heart. Body. Soul.
He hasn’t missed a birthday since he moved in next door five years ago so I don’t know why he would start today. He’s been there for every major moment in my life. When I got my driver’s license. My first prom. When I graduated high school. He’s always been there with pride beaming from his handsome face.
But why isn’t he here now?
“You’re looking for him aren’t you?” Jayla leans over to whisper in my ear as the party kicks into high gear. My parents went all out. Catered barbecue, a DJ, and a cake that will be talked about around town for weeks to come.
“No, I’m not.”
“Kaylee Marie, I’m your best friend. Don’t you dare lie to me.”
I give her a pointed look. “He’s never missed a birthday.”
“And he’s probably not going to miss this one. He’s just running late. Will you relax and try to enjoy yourself? You only turn eighteen once you know. Besides, there are far cuter boys here than Colter Steele.”
None that I want.
Jayla knows all about my obsession with Colter and even though she thinks I’m crazy for wanting him, she’s always been supportive.
Probably because she thinks I’ll eventually grow out of it. There was a time I wished I could grow out of it but the man dominates every single one of my thoughts and late at night when I’m lying in my bed, my hand sneaking beneath my wet panties, it’s his hands I’m thinking about touching me.
His gorgeous face hovering above mine as he claims me once and for all.
As the night progresses and the hours wear on, hope deflates in my chest. It’s the first time I’ve blown out my birthday candles in five years without Colter looking on and it makes me wonder what could have kept him away. Just when I’m about to give up on seeing him all together, he emerges from the back patio door.
And he’s not alone.
Jealousy burns in my gut like hot acid as I take in the tall, slender brunette whose hand is firmly clasped in his. Colter greets everyone he passes as he makes his way over to where I’m standing. I paste on my best smile but there’s no hiding the irritation in my voice.
“About time you showed up,” I say as he releases her hand and embraces me in a hug.
God, I love his hugs. He’s about two feet taller than me so his large frame engulfs mine, making me feel small but so incredibly safe. I breathe him in, his familiar scent tickling my senses and bringing my body to life.
“Sorry I’m late, kiddo.”