~**~
Sean
I was so angry I could punch a wall. Scarlet was Theresa’s best friend and now she was totally off limits. Girls were weird about dating each other’s ex’s, and Scarlet made it clear she felt the same way. This was so fucking shitty. I didn’t even like Theresa. After I fucked her the first time, I realized how good in bed she was, so I kept her around until I got tired of her. I never expected her and Scarlet to be friends. They were so different.
Scarlet was cool. She was witty, smart, and beautiful. She actually liked sports. When I asked Theresa if she followed sports, she told me she only watched the swimming section of the summer Olympics because the guys wore speedos. And not to be mean, but she was pretty stupid. It surprised me she was accepted at Harvard. It almost didn’t make any sense. Scarlet on the hand, was sharp as hell. One conversation with her told me everything I needed to know.
The next day, I met her downtown at the bar. She was already there, standing by the window. She was watching the screen as the beginning of the game aired.
“Hey,” I said with a smile.
“Hi.” She looked around. “Where’s Theresa?”
“She couldn’t come.”
“Was she with you? She hasn’t been back to the dorm all day.”
I shrugged. “I haven’t seen her.”
She eyed me suspiciously then walked to a table. I sat beside her and got a wiff of her hair. It reminded me of spring flowers after a long rain. Her hair ran down her back. When the light hit it in the right way, it had a tint of red to it.
“Have you dyed your hair before?” I blurted.
“No. Why?”
“No reason. You want a beer?”
“You’re old enough to drink?”
“I have my brother’s old license.”
“It’s not worth getting in trouble.”
“They won’t even card me. I look older than I really am.”
“Someone is arrogant.”
“I’m confident,” I said with a smile.
The waitress came over and I ordered the hot wings and two beers. The waitress didn’t card me and walked away. I looked back at Scarlet. “You’re lucky we didn’t make a bet on that.”
“She’s probably just too lazy.”
She returned with the beers and placed them in front of us.
Scarlet drank half of hers immediately.
I was impressed. “You like it?”
“I love beer.”
“Really?”
“Why is that surprising?”
I shrugged. “Girls usually only like fruity drinks.”
“I don’t. They are too sweet.”
I turned to the television and watched the game. She yelled at the TV, blurting profanities when the referee didn’t make the right call. I smiled at her, enjoying her enthusiasm. She was definitely a cool chick.
“So you aren’t seeing anyone?” I asked.
“Why are you asking?”
“We’re friends, right?”
“No, I’m not.”
“Are you a virgin?”
“That got personal real quick.”
“Let me go first. I grew up in New York and Connecticut. I lost my virginity when I was fifteen. My family wants me to take over the business, but I want to start my own career. I feel like you aren’t really a man until you find your own way, stand on your own two feet. I’ve never been in love. I have more sexual partners than I can count. I love sports more than food, but I love food more than sex. I love my friends and my family more than anything. I can be a jerk, but I would die for anyone that I cared about.”
“That was a nice biography.”
“Now will you do me the honor of telling me about yourself?”
“I lost my virginity when I was eighteen. My best friend is my older brother, Ryan, who lives in Seattle. My favorite author is Shakespeare. I eat everything and anything, not caring how much I weigh according to a scale. I don’t have any friends here at Harvard and I feel pretty lonely. I’ve always been quiet and introverted, choosing to hide behind a book than stand in front of a group of people. I’m a tomboy because my brother raised me to be one.”
“I thought Theresa was your friend?”
She shrugged. “I guess.”
“I can be your friend.”
“You want to be my friend?”
“Why not? You’re a cool chick.”
“Well, you aren’t really my type.”
“How do you mean?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never had a guy friend before—one that was totally platonic.”
I didn’t want to be platonic with her, but I didn’t know how to get around that. I could tell I already ruined any chance I had with this perfect girl. And If I went for her while I still had a girlfriend, I knew it would just make me look worse. I wondered what would have happened if Theresa hadn’t thrown herself at me that night. Would I be with Scarlet? Since she was so awesome, I decided settling as her friend would be better than losing the opportunity to know her altogether. “I can be that platonic friend.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. I’m a really good friend. I have references.”
“My brother says I’m an annoying brat. I’m not sure if you want to be friends with me.”
“You want to know a secret?”
“Hmm?”
“I don’t have any friends either.”
“Why don’t I believe you?”
“I have friends, but none that are good friends. I can’t tell anyone what I’m really thinking or feeling. Those types of friends are hard to come by. I could use someone.”
“So we need each other?”
“I think it’s a symbiotic relationship.”
“Apparently.”
I stuck out my hand. “Friends?”
She smiled then took my hand. “Friends.”
I was sad that I lost an amazing girl to my own stupidity, but it was better than losing her completely. She was beautiful and sexy, too smart for her own good, and she had a bit of an attitude. I liked it.
To my dismay, my team lost. I wasn’t upset that I had to pay for the meal. I would have paid for it anyway, but I was sad to face the music. My new best friend knew more about sports than I did.
As the weeks went by, I spent more time with Scarlet. I eventually confided everything to her, making her my new best friend. Theresa and I didn’t last because I couldn’t stand her after a while. I wasn’t sure why Scarlet was friends with her. They were so different. As the dream of being with Scarlet started to drift away, and I knew she was too good for me, I started to get over her and really see her as a friend. I started seeing other girls and told Scarlet about every encounter. She never judged my asshole tendencies, but I knew it wasn’t a lifestyle she approve of.
Scarlet was refined and elegant, spending time with people that she actually wanted to be around. She was too smart for her own good. I became so attached to her that I couldn’t imagine being without her in any context.
I was in the accelerated program at Harvard, on track to complete my bachelors and masters degree in five years. Scarlet finished her degree in four years then stuck around, still working on campus and juggling other jobs. When I graduated, I told her to move to New York with me and she agreed. She and I became a two person set. Where she went, I went.
Our relationship was still platonic. I could tell Scarlet never wanted me in a sexual way. I didn’t think she was even attracted to me. That bothered me for some reason, but I let it go. I treated her like a friend even though I was still attracted to her. Little did I know that everything would change very soon.
Read the rest of Scarlet’s story in Only For You by E.L.Todd
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Amazon Bestselling author, E. L. Todd, was raised in sunny California where she still lives today, claiming it’s the best place in the country. Easily hypothermic and hateful of the cold, she prefers to be warm all year round. She attended California State
University, Stanislaus and received her bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, but still pursued her dream to be a writer.
You visit her at www.eltoddbooks.com
Follow her on Twitter @E_L_Todd42
Struck in the Club
A new adult paranormal romance by Kelly Risser
Mirage. The neon sign announced the dance club’s name to all who passed by. Humans had such ridiculous labels for things. What inspired this one? There was nothing mirage-like about the low, plain brick building. The windows and doors, shaded black, made it nearly impossible to see what was going on inside. Muted lights in red, blue, green and yellow flashed behind the tint, and loud, pulsing music escaped whenever the door opened. It was a preview of the sensory overload awaiting the eager teenagers who stood in line. Kieran rubbed his temples, sensing the migraine building at the nape of his neck. He rolled his shoulders to work out the tension while he waited. How anyone could see this assaultive environment as a means of entertainment was beyond his comprehension. And yet, she would be here tonight. That was enough for him.
If only he could get his companions to see things his way. Farren, Liam and Cole joined him willingly enough on the journey from their home near California to Nova Scotia, Canada. They longed for adventure, and he intrigued them with stories of David’s half-human daughter. Once they arrived, however, Kieran made it clear that David’s daughter was his target. They were simply brought along to assist. With that news, their eagerness faded. At the moment, they glared at him in accusation.
“Alex would never make us come here,” Farren complained. He was the most outspoken of the three. The other two grunted their agreement.
Kieran checked his anger and sighed. There was no use irritating the men further, and he wouldn’t admit that he had no more interest in this club than they did. It was simply a means to an end. Still, he couldn’t resist admonishing them slightly. “My brother is not here, is he? Nor would it matter if he was. I am the eldest. You must listen to me, not him.”
It was unfortunate, really. As identical twins, Kieran won the right to rule by mere minutes. Yet his brother, Alexios, truly had the personality that inspired loyalty in others. His charisma and natural desire to lead gained him untold friends and followers. Kieran only managed to piss off everyone. His father originally thought he’d grow out of it, but after Kieran celebrated his hundredth birthday, even Stephan gave up on that notion.
There was one thing Stephan did trust his eldest son with above all else – reconnaissance. Kieran’s ability to uncover information and hidden motives was uncanny. He bested his own father’s skills, and Stephen was a renowned warrior. Once Stephan made him an elder of their clan, Kieran headed every important mission. This excursion was no different. As close as Stephan and David were, Kieran knew his father still desired first-hand knowledge about David’s daughter. The directive was clear. He was to find her, determine her level of power, and decide whether she was a threat to their kind or not. Simple enough. The problem had been getting her alone. Between David and his two sisters, the girl was carefully guarded.
“Why are we at this hellhole anyway?” This time it was Cole who spoke. There was less bite in Cole’s question. Of the three of them, Cole was the one Kieran most considered a friend.
“We’re looking for the girl,” Farren responded before Kieran could. “David’s daughter.”
“What are your plans with her?” Cole asked, his expression mildly curious. The other two looked at Kieran as well. He hadn’t told them anything about tonight’s mission. They knew that she was expected to show up here, but that was all.
“Don’t know yet.” He shrugged and continued to search the crowd. It was an honest enough answer. He’d been tracking her for months, occasionally tapping into her thoughts. That was how he discovered she was coming here tonight. It wasn’t the honorable thing to do. He actually felt rather sleazy about it. She was unaware of his intrusion. If he hoped to win her trust, he’d have to own up to his actions at some point. For the time being, though, his visits into her mind served his purpose. Like now, he thought and smiled to himself. An older silver car stopped next to the curb. The doors opened, and three of the four females struggled to get out.
David’s daughter – her name was Meara, but Kieran hadn’t shared that information with his men yet – tripped as she got out of the car, catching herself before she face planted on the pavement. Thankfully, he resisted the impulse to run over and try to catch her. She managed on her own, although she teetered dangerously in her strappy, heeled shoes. By her giggling, Kieran knew she was okay, probably more than okay. A quick dip into her thoughts confirmed it. The girls had their own pre-party back at the house. He stifled a laugh when the thin brunette tried to stand up prematurely and bumped her head on the roof of the car. It was rather interesting to watch the intoxicated trio try to get their bearings. After wrapping their arms around each other, Meara and the brunette wove their way to the line at the club entrance. The driver came out of the car last. She was tall with straight blond hair. With a shake of her head, she put her arm around the shoulders of the other girl. This one’s hair was a mass of curls that bounced as she swayed on her feet. The driver swore loudly and scolded the lot of them, obviously she was the only sober one in the group. They ignored her. Her petite companion swayed and hiccupped, making Kieran chuckle. It was an amusing site watching them make their way into the club.
The entrance line, which had been long, shortened during the time that the guys awaited the girls’ arrival. It didn’t take long for the girls to be admitted. Kieran waited a moment and then motioned for his men to follow him. They skipped the remaining line and were admitted immediately.
The club was crowded, but Kieran tuned into Meara’s thoughts to find her. The girls placed their jackets on a table to claim it and were heading onto the dance floor. Dancing was something Kieran knew and understood. The moves came naturally to him, and he found himself anticipating this first encounter with her.
He stopped at the edge of the dance floor and felt the others standing behind him. Meara danced with abandon. It was clear she consumed enough alcohol that she wasn’t worried about what anyone thought. Her moves were free and joyful. Her sable hair hung in waves over her shoulders, and she’d done something to her eyes. They were smoky and dark, rimmed in black. Her dress clung to her curves. He couldn’t take his eyes off her.
“They’re attractive, I’ll give you that,” Farren mused, then added. “I’ll take the blonde.”
“Which one?” Liam asked. It was the first time he spoke since they arrived. Even that much speech surprised Kieran. Liam must have an interest in one of the two girls. It took something important for him to talk.
“The taller one with the straight hair.” Farren raised an eyebrow and waited to see if there was an issue. Liam relaxed and nodded.
So the petite blonde caught Liam’s eye. It mattered not to Kieran. His mission was clear. He was focused on Meara and no one else. He would uncover what he needed to know and report back to his father. “That leaves you the brunette,” he told Cole, who grinned in reply.
At Kieran’s word, the men bid their time, watching the human mating ritual unfold on the dance floor. It was rather bold, but interesting all the same. The males strode up behind the females, placing their hands on the women’s hips or shoulders, touching in ways that Kieran found somewhat intimate for strangers. Then again, one look at Meara sent a thrill of electricity coursing through him. How would it feel to place his hands on her skin? To feel and really know the power that flowed beneath, power that she herself was not aware of yet.
Now that they understood the expected behaviors, it was time. Kieran motioned for his men to follow him. As he ordered, they would each engage their targeted female in dance. Kieran slid behind Meara, his movements bold and sure. Inside, he was anything but. What if she rejected him? What if she knew what he was and confronted him? If he messed up this encounter, would he get another
chance? David kept her close to his wing. And if her father wasn’t around, then her boyfriend, Evan was. Not that Evan would be much of a challenge. He was more boy than man. However, he had her heart, which gave him a slight advantage. No matter, now was not the time to dwell on it.
Taking a breath, he placed his hands on Meara’s hips. It took all his strength not to let that same air whoosh out when her power slammed into him. It left him lightheaded and reeling. Momentarily, he wondered if that’s how she had been feeling when she first arrived. He ignored the ridiculous desire to grin like an idiot or ravish her delicious mouth. Focus, he told himself.
“I haven’t seen you before.” He spoke next to her ear, so she could hear him above the music. “Do you come here often?”
Her body trembled. He wondered if he’d scared her, until he realized she was laughing. What was so funny? She shook her head, but otherwise did not speak. “What’s your name?” he persisted.
“It’s Meara!” the brunette shouted and winked.
“Meara.” Kieran said her name slowly, pretending that he was hearing it for the first time. At any rate, he enjoyed the sound of it on his lips. Tuned into her emotions, he felt her indignation at her friend, followed by her response when he said her name. She relented, just a little. The notion thrilled him. She was attracted to him, too.
She was smaller than he expected. Most of the females back home stood almost eye to eye with him. Meara barely reached his shoulder. She danced well, her movements fluid and graceful, if not a bit reserved. That pleased him. He didn’t want her comfortable dancing with strangers. He didn’t want her comfortable dancing with anyone but him. The jealousy surprised him. He knew so little about her. What concern should it be of his who she danced with?
She looked up into his eyes, her sharp intake of breath pleased him. Her mouth was slightly open. Kieran didn’t think she realized it. It made her that much more appealing, and he longed to cover her soft lips with his own. Resisting the urge, he smiled and said, “I’m Kieran.”
“Do I know you?” Meara frowned at him. He knew that she was trying to place him. She had seen him twice before, once at the hockey rink and once on the college campus. She didn’t remember that, though. He was sure of it.
“We haven’t met.” He winked. “You would have remembered.” When she rolled her eyes, he tightened his grip her hips, feeling her muscles flex as she moved. He caught the beat and moved with her. “You’re not from here, are you, Meara?”
She shook her head.
“I didn’t think so.” Kieran wished she’d told him where she was from. He wondered where she’d been hiding. David contacted Stephan the month prior, excited that he finally found his daughter. It was only because David and his father were long-time friends that Kieran knew about Meara at all. Where had she been?
“What about you?” she asked, breaking him out of his musings.
“No, I’m not from here.” He didn’t elaborate. It was hard to focus. She was taking over his senses. The smell of her, sweet and floral, filled his nostrils. He could taste her power, untainted and barely constrained. She had no idea of what she was capable of. Kieran guessed that David had no idea either or he would’ve whisked her away by now. She was, in a word, incredible.
The song ended and another began. He dropped his hand from her side and took her hand in his, leading her off the dance floor to a quieter corner of the club. “Can I get you a drink?”
“I think I’ve had enough.”
Her wry grin made him laugh. “I meant a Coke or water or…” He found it difficult to look away. Her eyes, an unusual blend of blue and gray, mesmerized him.
“Diet Coke is great.” She turned and searched the crowd. “Where is everyone?”
Kieran pointed toward the back of the dance floor. Shortly after Meara started talking to him, he ordered the others to move away. They’d taken the girls to the furthest corner of the room and kept them occupied.
Meara relaxed when she spotted her friends, although when she turned back to him, her eyebrow was raised. “Friends of yours?”
“Friends.” He mulled it over. They were more Alex’s friends than his, and yet, they’d followed him on this mission and took his orders willingly enough. “Yes, I suppose you could say that.”
Meara tilted her head and studied him. He wondered what she was seeing. He refused to peek into her head and find out. Everyone was entitled to some level of privacy. That would be an unforgivable invasion for purely selfish purposes. Not that he wasn’t tempted. He focused on paying for the drinks. Handing her the Diet Coke, he tilted his glass towards hers, smiled and downed it.
Immediately, he wished he had asked for water. The drink she chose was revolting. The acid burned down his throat, leaving a metallic taste in his mouth. He watched her gulp the contents. She seemed to enjoy it. Perhaps it was an acquired taste. When there was nothing left but ice, she handed the drink back to him. He placed the empty glasses on the bar. His throat stopped burning, much to his relief.
She was watching him, her expression a mixture of anticipation and wariness. He didn’t need to read her mind to understand that she was struggling internally. Her thoughts flitted across her face. She was attracted to Kieran. That left her feeling guilty that she was betraying her boyfriend. Her struggle both amused and frustrated him. She was very young and naïve. He wanted to protect her. He ran his finger down her forearm. She shivered, but didn’t pull away.
“I have a boyfriend,” she blurted, then blushed.
Kieran laughed. “Oh, I know.”
She stepped back. “What do you mean, ‘you know?’”
He knew he reacted inappropriately. After coming so far, he couldn’t mess things up now. Perhaps a compliment would diffuse her anger. Kieran gestured to her. “A beautiful girl like you is never free.”
She blushed again, and he found that he liked watching her cheeks tinge bright pink. Given the opportunity, he might look for ways to bring out that color.
“If you know I’m not free, why are you here?”
She crossed her arms and waited. Her angry stance was rather cute. “I could ask you the same thing,” he said.
She looked scared. Her eyes once again searched the room. “I need to get back to my friends.”
“They are fine.” Once again, he worried that he was losing her, scaring her away. He took her hand and squeezed. “Please stay.”
He didn’t mean to influence her, but he knew he had when her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. He’d passed his emotions onto her. Normally he was in more control. Something about her made it difficult for him to concentrate. The pounding music slowed into a softer ballad. Holding out his hand, he asked, “Will you dance?”
Meara seemed to consider for a moment before giving him her hand and letting him lead her to the dance floor. He pulled her close against him. Her head rested over his heart, and it felt like she belonged there. She belonged with him. The connection was strong. Her power sung out to his. Did she feel it, too? He thought she might as she relaxed against him.
Kieran, Cole’s alarmed voice rang through his head. I think we’ve compelled them too much. We’re starting to gather unwanted attention.
Glancing in their direction, Kieran noticed two bouncers making their way toward his companions. The girls drooped in their arms. To an outsider, it would appear that the guys had drugged their dates. In reality, the human females had been overexposed to magic. With a sigh, he siphoned the magic from Meara’s three friends. The surge of power gave him an instant headache. Clenching his jaw, he worked through the pain to place a memory-erasing enchantment on them. The song ended, and he stepped back. His head throbbed. He tried not to let it show.
“I must go,” he said. “Can I see you again?”
“I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”
“I thought you’d say that.” He hid his disappointment. She was kind and faithful. Throughout this evening, Evan was never out of her thoughts. It
made Kieran angry. He bent his head, his eyes never leaving her face. The desire to leave her wanting him was too strong. He meant for the kiss to be chaste, just a quick taste of what he could offer, but when she responded to his touch, he lost control.
She was intoxicating. It took all his will to break the kiss. He was amused when he realized she gripped his shirt in her hands. She was as taken with their exchange as he was. He saw the moment she came back to her senses. She let go of his shirt and jumped back, her hands flying to her lips. His own tingled with the memory of their kiss. With relief, he realized his headache was gone, too.
“It was a pleasure to meet you, Meara Quinn.” He backed away slowly, his eyes locked on hers.
When he turned, he hurried to the exit, knowing that Cole and the others waited outside in the shadows a safe distance away. They narrowly escaped the bouncers, who continued to search the club in vain.
Kieran smiled to himself a moment later when he heard her ask, “How do you know my last name?”
He was already beyond her sight, so there was no need for him to respond. Better to leave her guessing anyway. In those last moments, her emotions combined with his own and threatened to overwhelm him. She was beautiful, powerful, and intelligent, too. He hadn’t expected to be so taken with her. No female made him feel that way before. With a sinking realization, he knew he met his match. Now he only had to win his way into her heart.
Read the rest of Meara’s story in Never Forgotten by Kelly Risser.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kelly Risser loves books—reading books, collecting books, and sharing books aloud with her kids. It's been her lifelong dream to write a book, and now, she’s done it! Contact Kelly at www.kellyrisser.com or follow on Twitter @Kar2b
Meeting Liz
A young adult contemporary romance by Kristina Renee
Austin followed Randy and I as we walked to the flag pole. We usually spent lunch there if we didn’t go off campus. There were a few other guys waiting when we arrived.
“Nice ride, Cooper.” Collin was a buddy from elementary school. His dad was my soccer coach through junior high. I didn’t see him much over the summer so he didn’t see my new car until I pulled in that morning.
“Hey, Col. Thanks.” I shrugged and turned to fist bump Noah. “An early graduation present.”
Austin nodded to the guys then quickly turned away, his focus on a blonde that was bouncing toward us.
“Hey, Austin. It’s good to see you.” She hopped into his arms. He stumbled for a sec then relaxed and set her down.
“Kim. You look good.”
Kim was cute but a little too flirty. I learned to stay away from girls that thought too much of themselves. I was not interested in high maintenance.
It didn’t take long before a group of three girls walked up behind him. Austin quickly reached out toward a brunette with long hair and pulled her into his arms. I couldn’t take my eyes off her.
She seemed a little stiff at first but then hugged him back. Austin held her like he was a soldier coming back from war. I didn’t realize I was staring until Randy nudged my arm.
“Dude, take a breath. She’s probably a freshman.”
I shook my head but didn’t look away. “No way is she a freshman...but she’s definitely new.” I wouldn’t have missed a face or body like that last year. She was curvy and sweet with perfect skin that made me want to run my fingers all over it.
“The blonde hanging on Austin seems kinda slutty but the one with short hair is pretty cute.” Randy was a little more subtle about his inspection of the four girls but I didn’t bother being discreet. I wanted her to know I was watching. It took a minute for the brunette to look in my direction but when she did, her eyes locked with mine and I felt it in my soul. Her eyes matched the bright blue butterfly on her shirt. Her wavy brown hair flowed almost to the edge of her skinny jeans and I had to stop myself from reaching out to her.
She rubbed her nose like she had allergies then turned her back and dug around in her purse.
I took a few steps forward, her pull undeniable. I needed to be closer to her. I sidled up to Austin and waited for an introduction. When the idiot didn’t take the hint, I spoke up.
“Hey, Auz, who are your friends?”
He startled but recovered quickly.
“This is Liz. She didn’t go here last year but I knew her in middle school. You probably remember Kim from last year.” He motioned toward the blonde. “She’s a sophomore now. And these two are Jen and Allie.”
They all smiled as their names were announced but Liz was the only one I noticed. Even though it was only a half smile, I was completely lost in it.
“Ladies, this is Logan Cooper and that’s Randy Thompson hiding behind him.”
Randy said something to Austin but I didn’t even hear it. I took a step toward Liz and offered her my hand. “Liz. It’s nice to meet you.” After a moment of looking shocked, she squared up her shoulders, lifted her head, and took my hand in a firm grip. It was adorable. I could almost see her reciting the steps to a formal introduction in her head.
I briefly wondered if she was one of those snobby chicks raised to think she was royalty and the world owed her reverence. I hoped not because I couldn’t handle another entitled bitch like Becky. My ex was captain of the cheer squad and thought she walked on water. Too bad she thought I was her own personal ocean and treated me like shit. Those were the longest eight months of my life. “Are you a sophomore too?”
“Yeah. You?” She was determined to keep her cool even though I heard a slight tremor in her voice. I wanted to hug her and tell her to relax.
“Senior. You know, I feel like I’ve met you before but I know I wouldn’t forget you.” Something about her was so familiar. I let my gaze wander every inch of her face before it hit me. I leaned into Randy.
“Doesn’t she kinda remind you of Emma?” Randy’s ex was really cute but nothing like Liz. And she had a permascowl that ruined the rest of her features.
Randy nodded quickly then looked over to the other brunette, Jen.
Liz didn’t miss the exchange and her face pinked up again. I wasn’t sure if it was from embarrassment that we were watching her or anger that I was clearly talking about her. Either way, I couldn’t help but smirk at how easy it was to get her riled up. She was going to be fun.
“What?” she finally asked when she couldn’t hold it in any longer. She tried to sound annoyed but I could see the self-consciousness on her face. She was expecting something bad.
“You remind me of someone.” My smile grew as I saw the wheels turning in her head. Not wanting to genuinely upset her, I didn’t make her wait too long. “Randy’s ex-girlfriend. You kinda look like her...but you’re way hotter.”
She completely deflated but her shyness kicked up a few notches. “Yeah right.”
I expected her to relax at the compliment and maybe even flirt a little. At least that’s what girls usually do when they get a compliment. But she completely shocked me by turning and walking over to her friends.
Not gonna happen, Liz. “It’s true.” I was almost touching her back in two long strides. Her body froze and her head tilted toward me but it took a second for her to turn around.
“Whatever. I’m sure she’s just adorable.” She was going for annoyed but I could hear the quiver in her voice. She didn’t believe me. Did she think I was fucking with her or trying to embarrass her? I wanted to reach out and pull her into my arms but I held onto a thread of self-control.
“I mean it.” I don’t know how I got so close but she was leaning into me, those beautiful blue eyes begging me not to hurt her as my mouth was just inches from hers. “I used to think she was really pretty but now, compared to you, I can see I was wrong. Your blue eyes are amazing. And your hair...I love long hair.” My hand reached out and separated a few strands. It was silky and soft and I wanted to lean down to smell it. I was about to when I heard a forced cough and a cheery voice in m
y ear.
“Logan, right? It’s good to see you. I knew Becky from choir. She was always talking about you.” The blonde that had been hanging on Austin was nudging Liz out of my personal space and worming herself into it. And she was one of Becky’s friends. No wonder I didn’t remember her from last year. She looked vaguely familiar but I didn’t associate with anyone that was close to Becky. She was a nut job and I didn’t need her minions reporting my every move to her.
I instinctively stepped back to get some space from the girl that was practically shoving her tits in my face. I didn’t mean to frown but the quiet chuckles from the guys made me realize I wasn’t successful. “You’re one of Becky’s friends?” I couldn’t help looking her over quickly. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
Her look of shock told me that wasn’t the answer she expected. I don’t know what the hell she did expect by bringing up my ex in front of a girl I’m obviously interested in but I didn’t have time to play games. If she was truly Liz’s friend, she’d never mention that name again.
“We aren’t close friends. I just knew her from a few classes.” Good. She seemed to just be making conversation. “Well, it was nice to meet you guys but we need to get to our lockers.” She smiled wide and grabbed Liz’s arm, pulling her away from me.
I was left staring at a wall the four girls disappeared behind. I wanted to follow Liz and get her number but I didn’t want to seem desperate. I’ve never chased a girl in my life. No reason to start now.
Although, there was something different about her. Liz was guarded in a way that I didn’t see in most girls. Instead of being flirty or just shy, she was feisty and strong. As much as that little voice inside my head was telling me to be careful, I wanted to learn everything about Liz and what it would take to get through her barrier.
She wasn’t going to be an easy conquest but nothing worth having was ever easy. She would be worth the fight. I could just feel it.
Read the rest of Liz’s story in Safer Outside by Kristina Renee.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kristina Renee was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. She married her high school sweetheart after college and they have two sweet and adventurous sons. She spends her time chauffeuring her kids around and doing technical marketing but when she can escape, she loves reading, writing and editing. Learn more at www.KristinaReneeBooks.com or follow onTwitter @authorkristinar
Illusions
A new adult paranormal romance by N.L. Greene
Blaine
He watched her from the shadows, intrigued yet uneasy. He’d never felt an uncontrollable pull to another person the way he did to her. It was as if he couldn’t get enough and it was only the sight of her doing this to him. He’d never spoken to her, never touched her, never heard her voice, but still, he sought her out daily. What sort of effect would she have on him if he actually met her? His curiosity already had him hiding in alley ways or dipping low in corner booths which is exactly what scared him. He was becoming a stalker and for no good reason.
The first time he laid eyes on her was when he attended a magic show in the city. He always found them pleasurable, a great way to sit back and relax. When he was caught up in the magic on the stage, he was able to forget the world around him and with it, all his problems. It didn’t matter that he always knew the secrets of the illusions being performed, they were still entertaining so he went to as many magic shows as he could. Of course he always attended alone. What good was going to something that was meant to help him relax, if he had to entertain a companion while there?
For this very reason, he also steered clear of interacting with any of the audience members. Sure he got the occasional questioning look, even a dirty look from a parent or two for being a single, young guy alone at a magic show, but he ignored the looks and focused on the diversion. Until one show in particular where a fiery red head caught his attention. She walked in alone, her smile bright and eyes wide, as she made her way to the front of the theater. He watched her from his seat a few rows back as she sat down by herself, retrieving a pad of paper and pen from her purse. Once she was settled, she sat back and eagerly awaited the show. Eventually the chairs on either side of her filled, she offered a polite hello but didn’t appear to know anyone around her. She came to the show alone, just as he had. By this point he was more than curious.
Finally the lights dimmed and a loud voice boomed through the theater. “Welcome ladies and gentlemen! Are you ready for an amazing show?”
The audience cheered and clapped their excitement, just as they were supposed to do. Once the announcer was satisfied with the response, he continued. “Well then, let the magic begin!”
There were more yells and whistles as the lights went almost completely out then a spot light shone on the dark stage, revealing the magician for the night.
Throughout all of this, Blaine didn’t take his eyes from the fair skinned woman. He sat mesmerized but for a completely different reason. As she watched the show with rapt attention, she occasionally scribbled a note in her little pad. He wondered what she was writing, if she was a reporter or a student, taking notes for a paper, or if she was just so intrigued with magic that she was taking notes to solve the puzzles. He banished the last thought, knowing one of the other reasons was much more likely. Eventually a secret guard caught on to her note taking and approached her during intermission. Blaine couldn’t hear the verbal exchange, but he saw her shoulders droop as she tore out the papers she had scribbled on, turned them over to the guard, and then tucked her pad and paper back into her purse. The patrons around her gave her odd looks, but she ignored them as she turned her attention back to the stage and waited for the show to begin again.
For the remainder of the show, she sat forward in her seat, leaning as close to the stage as she could get. Blaine could tell by her posture that she was completely enthralled with the magician on the stage and the illusion he was carrying out. The more Blaine watched her, the more enthralled he became with her. He wanted to know what had her so captivated, what she thought of the show, and if she knew how the magician was performing his tricks. Blaine had been so caught up in her, that before he knew it, the show was ending, the crowd standing with applause, and the object of his musing was slipping through the crowd. He hurried from his seat, but by the time he pushed his way through the crowd and exited the theater, she was nowhere to be seen.
Shaking his head at his romantic notions of meeting this girl and finding her just as equally intriguing up close, he took his time walking the streets of lower Manhattan. He allowed himself to think of her for a few more minutes before pushing the fiery red head that seemed to be in love with magic from his head. New York City was a huge city; the chances of seeing her again were slim to none.