Chased (The Graysen Pack Series) (2 page)

             
“Yeah”

             
“Would you like to see the rest of the campus tomorrow? I could show you around,” he said very politely.

             
“You… you want to show me around?” I stumbled with the words.

             
“Sure I do.”

             
“Yeah, okay, sure.”             

             
“Awesome! I will be at the picnic tables in front of your dorm around 9 if that’s okay.” He said it quickly like an excited little boy.

             
“Actually I have to register for classes at 8:30, but I can text you when I am done.” I smiled at him, hoping I wasn’t being to forward.

             
He grinned at me. “That sounds good.”  So we exchanged phone numbers. And when we were about to leave he caught me completely off guard, which wasn’t hard to do in his presence. He leaned in close to my cheek. He was so close that I could feel the heat radiating off of his body and his breath touching my face. He smelled wonderful, almost like the woods but so masculine. He whispered lightly, “Good night, Avery, I will see you tomorrow. Sweet dreams.”

             
Oh shit… I am in trouble.

             
I barely made it to my room. I still felt like I was in his presence. He was so intoxicating. I was going to call Sam but my mind was running crazy. So I sent her a quick text.

Ava:   Hey Sam! I met a hot guy outside! Wants 2 c me tomorrow. Got 2 register 4             classes @ 830. Will meet u 4 supper @ 6. Mess Hall.

Sam:   Whatev
er… Spill it now! Wilma.

Ava:   Can’t Betty. His face made me drunk. LOL!

Sam:   LMAO! After you recover from your hangover I want the goods. Love u.

Ava: I will take 2 Tylenol and call you tomorrow doc. Love u 2

             
The next couple of hours I spent turning my dorm room into my new home. My room is very small, but I don’t mind.  My room back home was small too. It just needed a little love. I made my bed up and put down my rug, filled the bookshelf, and hooked up my computer. It seemed I was doing everything I could to get Zen off of mind.

             
It wasn’t working. This strange feeling in the pit of my stomach was there every time I thought about him. I couldn’t shake it and it wasn’t going away.
Why am I feeling this way? I’ve never really been in love. Is this what love feels like? It can’t be. I hardly know him. It’s just a crush.

             
It wasn’t getting any better. So I decided to take a shower and go to bed. I knew that tomorrow I would get to see him again.

             
After a quick shower I changed into a large t-shirt and flannel pants and got into bed. I opened my
Pride and Prejudice
book. It has become routine for me to read it before bed. Turning to my bookmark, the money my mom had left fell out into my lap. There was $200 and a picture of Mom and me at graduation. It was the perfect gesture. I will miss her tremendously. I sat the picture on my night stand, so that I could see her every day. Flipping through the pages quickly I realized I didn’t need the book. I knew it by heart. I recited one of my favorite parts.

             
“I am no longer surprised at your knowing only six accomplished women. I rather wonder now at your knowing any.” Mrs. Elizabeth had a way with words. I adored her character. After reciting a little more, I drifted off to sleep.

Chapter Two

              I woke up bright and early. I was looking forward to starting my morning with a run. I washed my face and changed into my favorite hot pink, Victoria’s Secret sweats. When I stood in front of my door length mirror, everything seemed off. My legs appeared too long, my body too skinny, and my hair is boring-long, wavy, and the dullest shade of brown. That isn’t even mentioning my muddy brown eyes. The only part of my figure worth looking at is my chest. I’ve always been a little busty.

             
What does he see in me? I am such an average Joe.
I glanced up and down at myself in the mirror.
He could have any girl he wants. Maybe that’s it. Maybe he’s already dated everyone and I’m all that’s left.
I laughed out loud at the thought.
I was not used to having this type of guy flirt with me. You know his type. The overly hot jock who could have any cheerleader with just one flex of the muscle. I have always been ordinary and from the looks of this boy, he needs extraordinary.
I put the thoughts deep in my mind and headed out for my run.

             
I ran all the time back at home. It was my way of getting away from chaos. I ran to clear my head. All of the thoughts I was having about him were putting me into serious creeper mode.
Running will help.  Deep breathe in through the mouth, and out through the nose.

             
I still had him on my mind, and I wanted to keep him there. So be it.  His gorgeous eyes and his warm body filled up my thoughts. If running wouldn’t make them disappear, then they were here to stay.  I know my cheeks were bright red just thinking about him. 

             
I nearly missed registration since my mind was wondering. I had to run all the way there. I hoped I could get my brain to think about something else for a moment, not just him.

             
Registration felt like speed dating. Jumping from one table to the next trying to make sure I got all of the classes I needed. It took about an hour, and I managed to squeeze into every class I wanted. I even got into the Physics class I wanted with Professor Mack. I am looking forward to it. He seems quick witted, and it didn’t hurt that he is hot.
There won’t be any dull moments in that class
.
I’m sure.

             
Once I made it out of registration, I couldn’t wait to text Zen. I walked outside toward the library. The weather was beautiful. The sun felt warm against my face. I pulled my phone out of my jacket pocket, but fidgeted for a moment. I wanted to think of something good to say. Unfortunately, nothing good came to mind.

Ava: Good morning Zen! It’s Ava u busy?

Zen: Actua
lly I am busy… Busy thinking of you ;)

Ava: Cheesy much

              I couldn’t help but smile.

Zen: Cheesy much????

Ava: LOL! Really, I just meant your line was kind of corny. Do u use it on everyone?

Zen: LOL! No u r the first and only.

Ava: U trying to score brownie points.

Zen: Is it working?

Ava: May B

Zen: Good! You ready 4 your tour?

Ava: YES!

Zen: Ok. Do u know where the library is?

Ava: Yes

Zen: Meet me there in 5

Ava: Bossy aren’t we!!

Zen: Perhaps. But I apologize. Will u please meet me there in 5?

Ava: WOW! Nice apology, but not necessary. I am already outside library

Zen: Damn girl u r quick… C U soon!

              Sitting down on the steps, I began reading through the texts again. I smiled and laughed at his cute remarks, and I could feel the butterflies swarming in my stomach. It became knotted and uneasy, something I have never felt before.

             
“That shade of red on your cheeks is lovely.” He reached out his hand for mine.
He had startled me for a moment.

             
Reading his messages had made me blush and he was quick to notice. I couldn’t help but smile as I took his hand. He looks hot as usual, and he felt hot again too. He was wearing loose fitting jeans, and a white and blue striped polo shirt. I was still sporting the, I just ran a marathon look. 
I look like the biggest bum next to you.

             
“You look beautiful this morning,” he said.
No one speaks like this. His mother must have taught him well.
He has a bit of an accent, but it isn’t his accent that intrigues me. It is his manner of speaking.

             
“Thanks.” I was blushing worse now. But he is so sweet. “Do you mind if I ask you a personal question?” I asked, but couldn’t bring myself to look at him.

             
“Of course, you can ask me anything.”

             
At first I hesitated, “Well, I was just wondering why you are so hot.”

             
“Thanks!”

             
I hit him in the arm jokingly. “You know what I mean.”

             
“I’m just warm blooded. I’ve always been this way. Just think of me as your very own heater.”

             
Mmmmm sounds nice. You can heat up my space anytime...
He wrapped his arm around my shoulders and pulled me tight. This gesture shocked me a little, but I didn’t let it show. I wanted him to keep his arm there forever. That is where it belonged.

             
“Where are we going?”

             
“Actually, I thought we could just take a walk. I will be your tour guide for all your entertaining needs. Nothing too over the top for our first date,” he smiled.

             
“This is a date?” I asked. I bit the inside of my jaw.

             
“I think so. If it’s okay with you, and you don’t mind that I didn’t buy you dinner.”  He looked down at me. His smile widened as if to say, I am just joking. Lucky for him, I am quick on my feet.

             
“Actually, I am a little disappointed.” I bit my bottom lip. “No dinner. I hope you are not expecting a kiss at the end of this date, because I can’t kiss you unless you buy me dinner.” I laughed.

             
“I think there is a McDonald’s down the street.” The seriousness in his face had me pondering. Then he laughed.
Okay jokester.
I laughed too. His sense of humor was one of his many, adorable, qualities.

             
“Ha, ha smart guy.” I elbowed him in the stomach. We both laughed out loud.

             
We walked all over the campus talking about ourselves. He spoke about growing up in Canada, and how he had a large family. He spoke so highly about his parents, Laney and Zorin, were their names. He said that his dad had always been a dominant man, but his mother was a loving and understanding woman. He thought them to be a perfect match.
His words not mine.
I couldn’t help the sad feelings that began to show on my face. I envied him. He had what I wanted. He had a mother and father.

             
“I’ve been rambling on forever about myself. I’m sorry. I would love to hear more about you,” he said.

             
“What do you want to know?” I replied.

             
“Everything,” he answered.

             
I laughed out loud. “Not much exciting about me. I’m pretty normal, kind of boring actually.”

             
“Not boring. Beautiful, and intriguing, but not boring,” he stated. “Tell me about your parents.”

             
“Actually it’s just me and my mom, Jeanette. I haven’t ever met my dad. My mother says he is a wonderful man, but he left before I was born.”
I wasn’t aware that abandonment made you a wonderful man.
“He doesn’t seem so great to me,” I whispered softly. “The only thing I know about him is his name, Eli Samuels.”

             
“Did you say Eli?”

             
“Yes. Why?” I asked.

             
“Oh. It’s nothing. It sounded like a name I recognized, but I was mistaken.”
There he goes again, mistaken? I mean who raised you, the Queen of England.
I thought.

             
“So it’s just been my mom and me. She is amazing.” I tried really hard to hide the tears. I could feel them about to fall.
Just breathe.

             
We made it back around the campus and stopped in front of my dorm. We sat together on the steps. His warm hand began rubbing my back. I knew it was an effort to try and comfort me, but it was only making me feel worse.
Why am I getting so upset? I’ve been my whole life without a father. Why does it hurt so much, and why now?

             
“I’m sorry you are hurting, Avery,” he continued to rub my back.

             
“You know something. You are amazing.”

             
“Amazing?” he asked. His forehead squinted in question, and I could swear he was blushing. 

             
“It’s like you know exactly what I am thinking. You are doubling as a mind reader. I am impressed.”