Shattered Rose (Winsor Series) - By T L Gray Page 0,10
when we first met. In fact, he spent more time examining my room than he did me. He treated me like a friend, or at least someone he wanted to get to know, and I couldn’t help but admire him. He was fourteen when he had to become an adult and take care of his mom. Of course he would be emotionally guarded…who wouldn’t be in the same situation? To his credit, he didn’t seem bitter at all; just factual, almost nonchalant about what he went through.
I pulled out my statics book and settled in to read the first chapter. No luck. My mind kept going back to Jake on the couch, fully confident and relaxed, yet exposed, all at the same time. I shook my head, scolding myself, “This is ridiculous.” I obviously needed to clear my brain before I could hope to get anything done. Reading could wait; it was time for a run.
The breeze outside immediately cooled my flushed skin. The rain came earlier, and I could still smell the scent of raindrops in the air. A haze fell just above the surface of the lake; it was eerie and breathtaking, full of mystery. The ambience reminded me of Jake, and once again sent my stomach into a whirl.
I stood outside, stretching, when I saw Danny and Aaron descending the stairs. They looked ready to workout too, and I wondered if it was a coincidence that I was running into them again.
“Hey Avery,” Danny called from the top of the stairs. “You going for a run?”
“Yep, too beautiful outside to waste the day,” I answered, trying not to look as uncomfortable as I was feeling.
“Can we join you?” he asked once he got to the bottom step. Aaron was right behind him, checking me out again.
I really didn’t want them to come with me, but I had the misfortune of being one of those people who never could say no. “Um, sure.”
Danny smiled and then looked around. He was trying to be subtle, but I knew who he was looking for. “Issy’s not coming,” I offered, hoping that meant they would change their mind about coming with me.
Aaron started laughing and stepped around Danny. “Dude, give it up. Alright Avery, let’s see what you’ve got.”
We ran down fraternity row. The area was quiet and serene, a vast difference from the life it took on each night. I wasn’t having any problems keeping up with the guys. I knew I was a pretty fast runner, at least for a girl. We passed one house that had plastic cups strung over the front yard and two empty beer kegs in the driveway. Five guys, who I assumed were pledges, were carrying around large trash bags to pick up the mess. I wondered what house Jake was a part of and what he was doing at one o’clock on a Saturday afternoon.
Aaron pulled me from my thoughts of Jake and I felt grateful. “You didn’t come by last night,” he stated.
“I had to unpack.”
Danny chuckled. “That’s pretty sad when unpacking is more appealing than hanging out with us. We really are fun, if you get to know us better.”
I didn’t know what to say so I just smiled at him. We turned right to take the trail around the lake. The route would put us at six miles for the day, but I didn’t care. Every time Jake popped in my head, my stomach started to flutter and then came an onset of nervous energy. I picked up the pace and the boys matched my stride.
“I have to admit I’m impressed,” Aaron said, starting to breathe a little heavier now. “Most girls just act like runners; they don’t actually do it. But, it does explain those rockin’ legs of yours. Muscular and tan…oh yeah.”
I almost stopped running. Who says stuff like that?
“Shut up, Aaron,” Danny scolded. “I’m trying to convince her that we are nice guys.”
“You just want to meet her roommate. Gees dude, just go to Caesars. She’s there every Thursday night.”
“I’d be happy to introduce you,” I finally cut in, looking at Danny who was notably embarrassed. “But I have to tell you that she doesn’t date guys from our apartment complex. From what she said, I really don’t think she’s that much into dating at all.”
Aaron snickered. “That’s what all girls say. They act like they don’t care, but deep down they are all dying to fall in love.”