Honor Student - By Teresa Mummert Page 0,51

lot. After about ten minutes, William’s black car pulled in beside me. I beamed from ear to ear as I waited for him. He got out of his car and slipped into the passenger seat of my car. He wrapped his hand in my hair and kissed me hard.

“God, I love you” He smiled, his forehead against mine. “Are you ready?” I nodded. I couldn’t wait to get away from this place. He smiled and kissed me quickly on the forehead before getting out of the car and retrieving my bags. I got out, locking my doors as I looked around. No one was in sight and I jumped into the passenger side of his car. He smiled, slipping his hand over mine and lacing our fingers together before heading to the airport.

We arrived in the early afternoon at LAX. I held William’s hand as he pulled me to the baggage claim to collect our belongings. He wrapped his arm around me and pulled me against him. It was so freeing not having to hide from anyone. After the incident with Angela, he was much more kind. He grabbed our things and we made our way anonymously through the crowd. The only stares we got were from woman shooting William a flirty smile or two.

As we stepped out into the sun a row of cars lined the street with men holding up signs for their passengers. William ran his hands through his hair and let out a sigh. I followed his eyes to a car sign that read ‘Honor’.

“Come on” He smiled, pulling me by my hand behind him. The man wearing a black suit smiled and opened my door for me. I politely thanked him and slid inside. The car smelled of leather and made me think of the third floor in at William’s place. I couldn’t help but grin.

“What?” He asked with a half smile.

“Nothing.” He squeezed my hand tighter as we made our way through the busy streets. I couldn’t take my eyes off the million dollar scenery. Huge gates lined the road where mansions set back in from the streets. Tourists stood out front snapping pictures. Everything here was larger than life. “Have you been here before?” I asked, not taking my eyes off the people outside.

“A lot.” He said with laughter in his voice. I shot him a quick smile as he pulled me into his side. I wrapped my arm around his waist and hugged him tightly. He was in an amazing mood and I was going to take full advantage. There was also something else there. He seemed nervous, which was adorable coming from a man who was so in control. Our car veered off the main road and made a few turns before pulling up to a gate. The driver reached out of his window and punched in a code on the keypad, causing the gate to slide open.

“Where are we?” I sat up, trying to get a better look but William playfully held me against him. The car circled a huge fountain and came to a stop just outside of a large building. My door opened and I looked to William. “Go ahead.” He kissed me on the forehead and released me. I stepped out into the balmy air, taking in the view of the spectacular house.

“This is amazing.” I said in awe as William joined my side. Huge pillars lined the white porch that was covered in beautiful flowers.

“Come on” He smiled, taking my hand and pulling me to the door.

“Our stuff” I motioned back to the car. He made a face at me.

“It will be brought to us.” He said with the wave of a hand. We stepped inside and I had to stop to look at my surrounding. The floor was a white marble with a massive chandelier that hung above. Ahead where two massive identical staircases. William smiled at me. “Overwhelming?” He asked and all I could do was nod. “I figured after the last few weeks we could really use a nice vacation. “Come on. I want to show you our room.” He grinned and made his way to the right staircase. I followed behind him to a door at the top of the steps. He opened it to reveal a room the size of my home. The walls were covered in expensive dark wall papers and massive crown molding. In the center was a giant ornately carved four post bed. I stepped inside and ran