Don’t hold back how you feel - Love Always (Love, Life, & Happiness, #5) by Sheena Binkley

Published: November 19th, 2014

Description

Riana:

From the first moment I’d laid eyes on Shawn Walker, I never thought he would be the love of my life. In the three years we have been together, we have been through so much, and I couldn’t imagine anyone else I would have wanted by my side. Now, we’re about to experience another event that has us both in shock. Will we be able to get through this one together, or will it end up destroying our relationship?

Shawn:

I never thought I would experience love again until Riana Robertson entered my life. The two of us have been through hell and back, but we’re still standing. Now that I’ve graduated Shaw and heading into the real world, I have a lot of responsibility, not just for myself, but for my growing family. With all of the issues surrounding Riana and me, will we slowly lose sight of the love we have for each other, or will it strengthen us as a couple?

EXCERPT

We have shared various dances together

But there’s one that no one knows

This one can go all night

As our bodies move together in the same rhythm

The hungry stare we have for each other

When our bodies become one

I love the sexy way you say my name

As we match each other’s moves

The sensation I get when you touch me

Makes me want you even more

Don’t hold back how you feel

I know how naughty you can be

Especially when you take the lead

We make our own music

The only music I want to hear

As we continue our dance

The one that no one knows

But you and me.

Riana

December, 2014

I watched as Monica Taylor left with Donnell Patterson and smiled. Those two had been through so much together. From their constant arguing to their various break-ups, they finally were able to talk out their problems and were pretty happy. I knew our friends were still in denial about them staying together, but I had faith in them.  Them deciding to move in together, shows that they're serious about their relationship lasting.

I glanced over at Shawn Walker, and he smiled. I still couldn't believe how our relationship had grown. When I first laid eyes on him in our Introduction to Journalism class, I truly despised him. Although I couldn’t deny my attraction to him, his arrogance made me run in the other direction. Well, that, and I didn’t want to fall in love again. But once we were both able to let down our guards, we were able to love each other, which I’m truly happy about.

He wrapped his arms around me and kissed my cheek. “So, what’s your decision?”

My heart started to beat furiously. I didn’t know what to do. A couple of days before Monica made her announcement about moving in with Donnell, Shawn asked me to do the same. He asked after his brother, Marcus, moved out of their apartment to stay in the house their parents gave him; my cousin, Cheryl Thompson, moved in with him. Honestly, I didn't think it was a great idea; however, since we’re always together, it might not be too bad being with him every day and night.

“Do you really think it’s a great idea? Since Monica moved out and I might, what would Britney do?”

“Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine,” Britney Lewis interjected as she wrapped an arm around my brother, Jayden. After I told him about potentially moving in with Shawn, he had an uneasy expression on his face. He had one now, while he was staring at me.

“What are you going to do?” I asked.

“I might try and get my own place. I’ll convince my parents that I need a one-bedroom.”

“You sure your dad will agree?” Jayden asked.

“He might. He’s been pretty easygoing lately, so it’s a possibility.”

“Then, it's set. What do you say, Ri?” Shawn jumped in.

“I still need to tell my mom, and you need to tell your parents.”

“You know my parents. I told them, and they don’t have a problem with it. They know we’re always together anyway.”

“Shawn…”

“If you don’t want to, just say so. I won’t be disappointed.”

I stared at him and touched his mocha-colored cheek. How could I say no to him? I gazed into his brown eyes, which instantly made me melt. I loved his eyes and could look into them all day and all night. 

I caressed his cheek and smiled. “Okay.”

He smiled and kissed me. “When do you want to move in?”

“Soon. The lease is up in a couple of days. I’ll inform the office that Britney and I are not renewing it.”

“Don’t we need at least 30 days to inform them?” Britney inquired.

“We do, but this is a special situation,” I explained.

“If you need to pay the remaining amount in your lease, I’ll cover it,” Shawn offered.

I glanced at him, while Britney raised an eyebrow. “Seriously?”

“Yes. I do have money saved, plus I have money from my internship, so it’s no big deal.”

“Baby, there's something I needed to ask,” I told Shawn. “Since Marcus was paying for the apartment–,”

“That’s something else you don’t have to worry about it. I've got everything covered. Marcus paid the apartment up until the middle of the semester, and more than likely, the news station will be offering me a position after my internship. So you don’t have to worry about getting a job if that's what you were going to suggest.”

I sighed. Maybe this would work out after all. If needed, I would get a job. Since college housing and financial aid paid for the majority of my current apartment, I didn’t have to get one. But since Shawn’s apartment was off-campus and pretty swanky, I figured I would have to; but if he insisted that I wouldn't need a job, then I wouldn't worry about it. Not right now, anyway.

“Okay. We can come to campus one day during the break and move everything out.”

“Great! I’m really happy about this,” Shawn exclaimed.

“I am, too.”

He hugged me, and I sighed. Although I was happy about my decision, why did I feel we were getting in over our heads? I knew I shouldn’t think like that, but there was a feeling in the pit of my stomach telling me otherwise. Right now, I’d just have to take things day by day, and hopefully, I wouldn't have this feeling any more. Besides, what could possibly go wrong between us? We loved each other too much for things to become out of control. And if it did, we’d work through it. We always had and that would never change.

Or so I hoped….

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About the author:

Sheena Binkley first discovered her love for storytelling when writing her first story for a class project at the tender age of nine. Since then, she has composed several short stories and numerous tales that are not only engaging, but simply entertaining. She is also a freelance writer, penning articles on various topics including education and entertainment. 

Besides writing, she loves reading, shopping, and spending time with family and friends. 

She lives in Houston (where the weather is always unpredictable) with her husband and son.

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