If Only They Knew (Book 1.5) (AU Series) - INTERSEX

Chapter Twenty-Six

Valiana

I parked in front of Ms. Jain's mansion contemplating if I should actually go in. Any other time I'd rush in there completely ecstatic to see her, but at this point, my brain is running a thousand miles per second. Not only did I say those three words by accident but I also planned a whole evening with my family to meet my girlfriend without even telling her. What if she refuses to meet them? Or thinks it's too early. What if the entire dinner is awkward, and everyone just stares at each other?

Although I never intentionally said those three words, the meaning behind them was genuine. Deep down, I know exactly what my feelings for my teacher are. I just never had enough courage to actually go in there and admit it.

I look towards the steps and Jefferey is standing there patiently waiting. I texted Deleena 20 minutes ago that I was on my way. I got here 10 minutes ago and it's taken another 10 minutes for me to muster up some courage. She's probably pacing in her room wondering if I actually meant to say it. Or maybe she doesn't even care because she doesn't feel the same. Or she didn't actually hear me and I can spare myself from the rejection.

I take a deep breath and finally exit my truck. "She's in her suite," Jefferey states bowing before taking my keys to park my truck for me.

"Thank you," I say rushing through the door and up the stairs. After what feels like a never ending walk down the narrow hallways, I finally get to her door. Filled with anticipation, I turn the doorknob and as it slowly opens, I'm met with the goofiest grin and the most beautiful woman in her silk purple robe.

"Hi." I speak first, breaking the silence between us.

"Hi," she whispers back, her gorgeous smile never leaving. Her cheeks were rosy and she rubs her hands nervously together.

"I..." we both speak at the same time and then giggle. I'm not sure we've ever been this timid in front of each other. Even when we met for the first time. The thought of repeating those words again caused my stomach to knot.

"You go first," Deleena offers.

"I'm sorry I just... dropped a bomb and left... then canceled on you." Her stance shifts as if my words have caused her to grow anxious. As if my word bomb signified destruction and she's terrified they weren't meant for her.

"Yeah, a big bomb," She answers, slowly nodding and chewing on the inside of her cheek. I walk towards her with the biggest smile on my face, glance down at her, and rubbing the side of her face.

"Don't bite a hole in your cheek, baby. If you do not feel the same way, I understand." She looks up at me with a puzzled expression.

"I do," she whispers as her eyes flicker to the ground. I'm not entirely sure what Deleena's been through, or what her previous partners were like, but by the way her gaze shifts to the floor, I know she's questioning the decision to open her heart back up to love. Jefferey told me that she's opened up to me more than she has with anyone in many years.

"I'm sorry, what was that? I couldn't hear you quite well," I ask, smirking. She looks up from the ground and I gaze into those brown eyes I fell head over heels for.

"I do feel the same. And I know I said I don't do feelings but..." We both share the same goofy facial smile. "I love you too, Valia." Her voice is strong but quiet as those three words penetrate the air between us again.

My excitement is bursting through my veins as I hug her small body, lifting her into my arms. She instinctively wraps her legs around me. "You do?" I ask for assurance.

"I do." She leans in, slowly kissing me and it feels as if fireworks are exploding in our mouths, as if this was our first kiss all over again. But it's more intense because we know now that our feelings are not unrequited. I backed us into the bed, tossing her down gently.