Dive into Temptation [ManxBoy]

18. First Day of Classes

A/N: Hi reader. I'm kinda tempted to make Dominic older. Like 36. What do you think?

~*~

"You look so handsome!" Lily exclaimed, her excitement evident as she caught sight of me all ready for school.

"Stop it," I grumbled, attempting to wriggle out of her tight hug, not sharing her enthusiasm.

"My baby brother is finally off to college!" Lily beamed, her smile wide. "Let me get a picture!"

"Oh, please no," I protested, trying to escape her grasp.

From a distance, Dominic watched with an entertained smile, only deepening my embarrassment.

"Oh, come on!" Lily pouted, her eyes pleading. "You've had one every year since kindergarten. Please, let me have this one?"

I let out a sigh, crossing my arms. "As long as you don't post it on your social media."

"Aw, but you look so cute in all the previous ones," Dominic teased, a knowing grin on his face.

My face went red at the thought of Dominic noticing my photos over the years, the ones my parents used to share on Facebook. Had he actually gone through the trouble of stalking my parents' profiles to find them? Maybe Lily had just shown him some...

"No posting it," I grumbled, and Lily nodded eagerly.

I let Lily arrange me into place on the driveway and narrowed my eyes at Dominic who stood leaning against the garage, a smile on his face as he watched us.

"Say cheese!" Lily called out, her phone poised for the perfect shot.

Rather than saying cheese, I managed a close lipped smile, wishing for this to end. I would be utterly humiliated if she posted this online for people to see as if I were some child starting elementary school.

"Perfect!" Lily beamed, trotting over to show me the picture.

I nodded my pretend approval, not really caring how it turned out as long as it didn't end up on Facebook.

Then, my phone buzzed. I glanced down, expecting to see Ryan's name, but instead, it was a reminder from California State University about my tuition deadline. A knot formed in my stomach as I remembered the loans I still hadn't applied for.

"What's up?" Lily asked, noticing the frown on my face. She followed my gaze to my phone.

"Well, I have pay my tuition by Friday," I said awkwardly, avoiding eye contact with Dominic.

"How much do you need?" Lily asked, and I blushed immediately, unsure if she was offering to help.

"Huh?" I asked, wanting to make sure I understood. "It's like 5 grand."

"I can cover it," Dom said casually, like it was no big deal. "It's the least I can do for my Atom Bomb, for bringing a joy into my life that only a child can."

There was a moment of silence before both Lily and Dom burst into laughter at his absurd statement. I rolled my eyes, letting out a sigh. It was a bit of a relief that he was offering to help. At least I wouldn't have to stress about applying for loans. But what did this mean for Dom and me? I didn't want this to become a regular thing.

"Hey, I'm basically your father now," Dominic insisted. "I feed you, I shelter you, and now I'll pay your tuition."

"Thanks, daddy," I said sarcastically, finding him utterly ridiculous. I didn't want to seem ungrateful, though, so I forced a smile afterward.

"Oh no, I think he likes it too much." Lily teased but Dom's eyes lit up with a fiery spark at my words, a glint of arousal flickering in his gaze. It was as if I started a fire that might just burn me later. I looked a Lily uneasily, wondering if she really couldn't see her husbands obvious pleasure at my words.