Chapter 96 Side Story 3

Chapter 96 Side Story 3
Jessica.

Taking a deep breath, I try to click on the 'submit' button once more, but at the last minute, chicken out and close my laptop, my heart pounding in my chest. Standing up, I carry the laptop to my room in search of Devon.

The second I walk into the room, Devon steps out of the bathroom, seemingly out of a shower, the scent of his aftershave filling the air, his body still wet with water. I feel heat rush to my cheeks at the sight of his bare body but quickly focus on the task at hand. I watch him put on his glasses and turn in my direction, a brow raised. "Jessica?" He calls out, and I manage a small smile at him, walking deeper into the room.

"Hey," I call out, pausing slightly. "I wanted to talk to you about something," I add, my grip on the laptop tightening.

"Hold on, let me get dressed," he says quickly, donning a cotton t-shirt before going to sit on the bed, taking me along and placing me on his lap. I breathe in his scent and feel some of my nerves calm down. "What's the problem?" he finally asks as he crosses one arm around my waist.

"Well, I've decided to continue my studies," I reveal, my voice small. I watch as his eyes behind his glasses light up, a smile adorning his face.

"Really? That's great!" He says, pecking me. His reaction makes my heart flutter, and I continue more boldly.

"Thanks, I already prepared what I would need..." I trail off, opening the laptop. "I was about to send my application to the university," I admit, then swallow hard, my voice steady but tinged with the weight of my decision. "but I needed to talk to you first."

Devon's lips curve into a warm, encouraging smile as he turns me to face him. He places his hands on my cheeks and kisses my nose, his touch grounding me in the reality of our shared journey. "Jessica, that's incredible," he says, his eyes shining with pride. "I'm so happy to see you're finally chasing your dreams."

"Thank you. It's just... I'm scared, Devon. What if things don't go the way I plan, the way we plan?"

"Everything is going to be alright," Devon says, his deep voice soothing me. "You should totally do this. Come, let me help you." He offers, holding my hands.
Together, we turn back to the laptop, and he guides the cursor to the submit button once more.

"You ready?" He asks, and with a shaky breath, I nod.

With a shared determination, we click on the "Submit" button. My application is sent, my dreams rekindled, and my future, uncertain yet filled with promise, begins to take shape.

"Done. See?" He mumbles, kissing my back. I feel tears spring into my eyes, but I quickly blink them back, not wanting to ruin this moment.

"Thank you," I whisper, my voice wobbly.

"It's nothing. I'm glad you're doing this. I'm so happy for you," Devon says before pulling me into a warm embrace, and I rest my head against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. It's a comforting rhythm, and I let out a breath, closing my eyes against it.

"We did it, Jess," he murmurs, his voice filled with pride and affection.

I smile against his chest, my heart soaring with a newfound sense of purpose. "Yes, we did."

Pulling away from him, I kiss his lips. Almost instantly, he deepens it, wrapping his hands around my waist as he pulls me closer. It's a kiss filled with hope, with dreams, and my heart swells with love. Pulling away slightly, Devon stares into my eyes.

"Have you told your sisters yet?" He asks, and I shake my head.

"Not yet. I didn't want it to take away from Emma's preparation for the university. You think I should?"

"Of course, I know they would be happy for you."

I smile at him then. "Okay, I'll tell them tomorrow."

"What about right now?" He asks, his eyes glinting.

"Right now, I just want to cuddle and get cuddled," I reply, standing up to my feet to place the laptop in a much safer place. I discard all the outer layers of my clothing and hop back on the bed, meeting Devon who's already waiting for me. Sitting on his thighs, I lean down to kiss him.

The kiss is deliberate, unhurried... a dance of longing and desire. Devon soon takes charge, kissing me like he has all the time in the world. I sigh into the kiss, letting myself surrender to all the sensations Devon is making me feel as his hands roam around my body.

With a soft, tortured moan, I melt against him, the taste of his lips intoxicating. Before long, Devon swaps our positions, and I'm beneath him, my fingers reaching out to touch his muscled chest. I see his gaze darken, and a smile graces my face. Lowering his head to kiss me once more, he takes me through a moment of blissful rapture...

The next morning after Devon had left for work, I call up my sisters and decide to tell them about the latest development. Putting all of them on a video conference call, I take a deep breath and spill the beans to them.

"I'm going back to college," I announce, and the entire space falls silent for a full minute.

"Really?" Emma shrieks, her eyes widening. "That's awesome! Why didn't you say anything sooner!?"

"I don't know; I guess I was scared," I reply, grinning from ear to ear.

"I'm so happy for you!" Emma repeats, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"That's so cool!" Sophie says. "What course will you be studying?" She asks.

"Um... business management," I reply.

"Business management," Sophie repeats. "Sounds cool. Always about the money." She snickers, and I giggle. "That's great. It's nice to see you finally living your life."

"Ugh, whatever..." I mumble, rolling my eyes before chuckling.

"Is Devon cool with it?"