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J J W O O D F O R D

Eight months later

Exam season is the worst. Especially when it's your last year of University. I've been non-stop studying, late nights and library runs. I can't wait for it to be over. I can't wait to get into the real world and find a job perfect for me.

I've enjoyed the last few years but I'm ready to fly the nest.

I'm also stupidly excited to spend an entire summer with Ivy. I haven't seen her in over a month, we've both been so busy with exams and coursework. We both agreed to making our degrees a priority because we both want to get good grades. It sucks but when I finally see her it'll be worth it.

One more week and all of this will be over.

We text everyday, FaceTiming when we can and catching each other up.

I have to admit it's been tough. I knew it would but I didn't think I could miss someone this much. It actually hurts.

Being at Universities at the opposite end of the country is fucking hard. But we've made it work, I knew it would because I know how I feel about her. I want to be with her for the rest of my life and I know she feels the same way.

Finn keeps saying he's never seen me so soppy but he's glad to see how much I truly care about his sister. I think he's finally coming around, even though he makes the odd comment here and there.

I drop the pen I'm using to make notes and I grab my phone, bringing up my last conversation with Ivy.

JJ: I miss you, princess

Her response is immediate and I relax back in my chair at my desk. God, I don't want to study, I just want to talk to her all night and listen to how her day has been.

Ivy: I miss you too

Ivy: Not long now, only a few more weeks and we can see each other

JJ: I need you now.

JJ: Fuck, I just want to cuddle you. Is that too much to ask for?

Ivy: I want the same. Can't wait to squeeze you.

JJ: This summer is going to top last summer. I'm not letting you out of my sight.

Ivy: Not even for a second?

JJ: Nope. Even when I need to use the bathroom, you're coming with me.

Ivy: You've got issues

JJ: Yeah. I'm fucking obsessed with you.

Ivy: Once uni is over it'll all be worth it

JJ: Yeah, every second will be worth it to see your beautiful face

A knock at my bedroom door stirs me away from my phone. I glance up to see Finn lingering in the doorway. "Hey," he says. "We've made nachos if you want some. Study snacks. Come get some before the boys eat them all."

My stomach growls at the thought of cheesy nachos and salsa. "I'm coming."

I lock my phone and slide it into my pocket before heading downstairs. My head raises when I see Richard and Adam sitting on the sofas in our small living space. We've shared a house for the last few years and I'm going to miss them but not as much as seeing Ivy.

God, I've definitely got issues.

My eyes locate the nachos and we all dig in like vultures. I didn't realise how hungry I really was. I've had my eyes glued to a screen for the last four hours. I'm dreading this exam on Monday and that's why I'm trying to cram for it.

"How's the studying going?" Adam asks.

I grumble something under my breath. "As you think it's going."

Richard exhales a sigh and leans back in the chair, cleaning off his fingers with his tongue. "I'm so glad my last exam is tomorrow," he grins. "Fuck you guys."

Finn flips him off. I'm relieved I'm not the only one who has exams late. It sucks. Some people are already finished and off enjoying their summer but we're suffering it. It's so shit that I want to rip my hair out.

The doorbell rings and I glance at Richard who glances at me. "I'm not answering it."

"Who ordered something?" I groan.

"Not me," Finn holds his hands up in defence. "Go answer it."

"Why?"

"Because we made the nachos."

I roll my eyes and pull myself away from the table. "Fine."

As soon as I turn down the hall and walk towards the door I sigh. I'm exhausted and ready for bed but I've got hours left in me of studying before I can even think about hitting my pillow. I press my hand to the door handle and swing it open.

All the air in my lungs evaporates when I find Ivy standing directly in front of me with a big grin on her face and glistening blue eyes, her blonde hair up in a ponytail.

My beautiful girlfriend. My girl.

"Hey stranger," she says as her eyes flick over every inch of my face, still beaming like she's won the damn lottery.

"Oh my God," I rush forward and collect her in my arms, wrapping them tightly around her and bringing her up off the floor. She releases a yelp and then a chuckle before hugging me back. "What are you doing here?"

I bury my face in her neck and exhale her scent, letting goosebumps raise on my skin at the feel and touch of her. Even my heart pounds in my chest aggressively. Holy fuck. I'm shaking. I'm literally shaking.

"I came to see you," she whispers. "Surprise."

I place Ivy back on the floor and cradle her face in my hands, making sure that she's real, that this is real and she's right in front of me. "Hi," she exhales when I say nothing more and just admire her.

Then I slam my lips down onto hers as she grabs onto my arms. I tilt her face and deepen the kiss. It's hard and breathless and fuck. She's here. She's right here in front of me.

"Fuck," I rasp when I pull away, those blue eyes holding mine hostage. "I can't believe you're here."

"Good surprise, huh?"

I nod and peck her again, she hums and it vibrates my lips. "The best. But what about your exams?"

"I finished them yesterday."

"What? I thought you were finishing next week."

She shakes her head, ponytail swishing. "Nope. It's been my plan all along."

I'm in awe. Absolute awe. This woman will be the ultimate death of me.

I can't help but kiss her again and she giggles. "I love you," I murmur. "So much, Ivy. You have no idea."

"I do," she whimpers when I claim her lips over and over. "I do."

When I pull away I rest my forehead against hers, letting our breathing calm down for a moment. The door behind us creaks open further but I don't want to take my eyes off her, I still can't believe she's right in front of me.

"Hey, Iv," Finn's voice echoes from behind me.

I lean back and turn to see Ivy grin at Finn. "Hey, brother."

Their greeting is so calm that my brows crease. "Did you know about this?" I ask.

Ivy walks up to Finn to give him a big hug, his chin rests on her head as he stares back at me. "Sure did," he winks. "This one has been planning this for ages. Obviously I had to be in on it. Best surprise, eh?"

She laughs and turns back to me. "I think you're still in shock."

I nod. "I am."

"Come in," Finn motions his head inside.

My hand finds Ivy's and I give it a squeeze before kissing her temple. "I'm excited to see the house," she squeals.

"You shouldn't," I deadpan.

"It's a shithole," Finn finishes for me.

Ivy snorts quietly. "Can't wait."

I watch as Finn filters into the living room but I pause in the hall, tugging Ivy's arm back. She spins around to face me. "What?"

"Come here," I whisper as I slide my hand against her cheek.

Our mouths mould together as one and I feel her smile, it makes me fucking beam with happiness. "I'm so glad you're here." I stroke the skin on her cheek.

She grins and flicks those breathtaking eyes up at me. "Me too. I never want to be apart from you again."

Little does she know I'm planning on keeping her here until my exams are over because I can't bear the thought of being away from her. Not even for a couple of days.

THE END

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Author's Note

Awww my babies. I'm so sad. What did you guys think?🥹💘❤️😭🥰🥺

Of course they made it through University, they're soul mates.

I want to write a bonus chapter for you guys. Leave your suggestions here👉🏼:

Please let me know what you enjoyed most about the book! I'd love to hear your thoughts.🤩

Thank you so much for reading, supporting, commenting. It truly makes my day so might brighter!

Love Savanna x

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