Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 27826 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 139(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27826 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 139(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
“Congratulations,” I managed in a strangled tone.
She merely said “thank you” in a soft voice, took the diploma, and then moved on.
But my heart leapt as my eyes watched her.
I can’t let her go, not again.
Deep within my core, I felt my body responding to her. I wanted her. Not just for a quick round in the sack, but because I want her to be mine. A pang of jealousy struck me as I spied her talking with the boy seated next to her among the folding chairs.
He isn’t good for you. Just leave her be and no one will get hurt.
My hands balled into fists as I tried to control my innate possessiveness. The situation forced me to remain on stage, but I knew there was nothing that would stop me from talking with her again.
Finally, the ceremony ended and I made my way off-stage.
“Come and celebrate with us,” the dean invited, escorting me to a lawn where people milled around. “There are snacks and lemonade. I’m sure the graduates would love to talk with you.”
I nod.
“Sure thing.”
Suddenly, Avery rushed in out of nowhere.
“Hey buddy,” he said, looking a little flushed. “I’m glad I caught you. A few of us are going to grab drinks a little later. Do you want to come? Just like old times,” he said.
I stared at him.
“Did you just run over to the commencement ceremony in order to invite me to drinks this evening?”
He shrugged, but at least he had the grace to look a bit embarrassed.
“Yeah. It’s not everyday that your friend becomes an NFL player. You should come,” he urges.
“I’ll think about it,” I say. “Just text me the details.”
His face falls a little.
“Okay, sure.” But then he perks up. “Angela will be there,” Avery adds in a sing-song voice.
I stare at him.
“Will Catherine be there too?”
He looks at me with confusion.
“Catherine who? I don’t know any Catherines.”
I snort impatiently.
“Catherine Lauder, Angela sister.”
Avery looks thoughtful for a moment.
“I don’t know. Last I heard, Angela and Catherine had a falling out. They didn’t really hang out together, though, so I’m not sure.” Then, Avery’s eyes widen as he looked at me suspiciously. “Did you have something to do with the sisterly spat?” he asks.
I shook my head.
“Doubt it. I broke up with Angela before I left,” I said as I felt my body temperature rise. My heart thumped as I stared at him. Avery looks thoughtful.
“Well, that is about the time Angela kicked Catherine out.”
My jaw drops before snapping shut quickly.
“Angela kicked Catherine out of their apartment? Why?”
“I’m not sure, to be honest. I don’t really know them. Probably something to do with Angela’s budding career as a porn star. Or that new guy, Duane,” he says making a face. “That guy takes the cake.”
“Tell me more about this Duane guy,” I command.
Avery gets a sly smile on his face.
“Well, actually he’ll be at drinks too,” Avery said with a smile. “Why don’t you come and meet him in person? He’s a colorful character, to say the least.”
I nod shortly.
“I’ll think about it. But right now, I need to get to this graduation celebration,” I say, indicating the lawn around us. Students mill about with their families happily, sipping punch and snacking on hors d’oeuvres. “I’ll catch you later, okay?”
Avery winks and nods.
“Sure thing, buddy.”
Then, I scan the lawn again. Where is Catherine? She’s probably here with her family. They must be celebrating her graduation from Mesa, but really, only one thing matters. I need to talk to her, and tell her how much I’ve missed her.
10
Hunter
Sure enough, I spot Catherine on the far side of the lawn. There’s no mistaking her for anyone else. Catherine’s figure is distinctively curvy, with luscious hips and full breasts. Her hair hangs in long, loose curls down her back, framing her face perfectly, and she’s shed her graduation gown. Instead, she’s wearing a blue floral dress that highlights her curves with its modest cut.
Slipping through the crowd, I managed to stand in back of her as she chatted with a few friends. What should I do? Should I tap her on the shoulder? Should I clear my throat?
“Hey,” I say. Her friends recognize me and immediately back off. She turns, her eyes widen, but then she steps back.
“Hunter,” says in a civil voice. “Nice to see you. I wasn’t expecting you to stick around for this.”
I try to think of the right thing to say.
“Well, who can turn down free food right?” I joke. Damn, that came out badly. I’m a professional football player who makes millions of dollars a year, and yet I’m trying to sneak away with free food at a commencement ceremony? Even I think I sound pathetic. “So how have you been?” I ask lamely.
“Fine,” she answers, setting her full cup of punch down on a nearby table. “It’s good seeing you again Hunter, but I need to go.”