Matchplay A New Adult Romance - By Dakota Madison Page 0,30

what life throws at you, you’ll not only survive but come out stronger on the other end.

Aaron isn’t like you. He was never given the opportunity to build the strength of character that you obviously possess.”

That hit me like a ton of bricks. It took me a second to take in the full weight of her words.

She continued. “Aaron is arrogant. Probably one of the most arrogant people I’ve ever met. His brothers are, too. But don’t let his bravado fool you. Underneath is an extremely vulnerable young man.

By asking him to remove those layers of arrogance, which isn’t a bad thing, you’re also asking him to expose all of that vulnerability. He’s doing that for you so that requires some responsibility on your part.

You may not realize it but you have all of the power in your relationship with Aaron. I have to be honest with you, Rainy. If you broke Aaron’s heart, I don’t think he would ever fully recover.”

I had a difficult time absorbing everything Dr. Griffin was saying. Her words were making me dizzy. I

placed my hands on my temples in an attempt to steady myself. I never felt like I had any power at all when I was around Aaron. Just the thought of him made my insides melt.

“Please tread very carefully, Rainy.”

When I looked up at Dr. Griffin her expression had turned serious.

“I will,” was all I managed to say. My throat was suddenly dry. I needed to get out of her office and get some air.

I rose. “Thank you, Dr. Griffin,” I said as I turned and headed for the door.

When I exited the building, I was shocked to see Aaron standing in the doorway, his arms crossed over his chest. I couldn’t believe he waited for me.

“How did it go, Sunshine?” he said when he saw me.

I was still trying to compose myself from the meeting and I hoped I didn’t look too flustered. “Fine,” I

said.

Aaron eyed me suspiciously. “You don’t look fine.”

There was no way I was going to tell him everything that Dr. Griffin had revealed.

“I was just surprised that Dr. Griffin is considering me for a research internship next semester. She was impressed with my work on the midterm and if I do well on the final and with our final project, then she’ll give me the job.”

When I looked up at Aaron, he was beaming. “Dr. Griffin is tough. It takes a lot to impress her. I’m so proud of you.” Aaron embraced me with a hug then kissed my forehead.

“You know what this means,” he said.

I shook my head.

“It means we have to work extra hard on our final project. I want you to get that research internship.”

Seven

Penalty Stroke

On Wednesday evening, the social clubs were celebrating their new initiates with a block party. The town let the clubs close the street for the night and people from the neighborhood and campus were invited to join in the festivities. Since my Thursday class didn’t meet until afternoon, I let Olivia and Marney talk me into going with them. Lucas tagged along with us, too.

We got to the block party around seven, which we thought was early, but the street was already packed with party-goers. The place had a carnival atmosphere with lots of food and games booths. The excitement, crowds of people and array of colors made me think of a Joan Miro painting.

Lucas moved next to me and said, “Please stick close by. I don’t want you to get lost or hurt in this crowd.” He was such a capable adopted big brother.

Marney grabbed Olivia’s hand and pulled her toward a booth that was set up for cotton candy.

“Something tells me you don’t do cotton candy,” Lucas teased.

I nodded. “You’re very perceptive.”

“I am when it comes to you.” He looked at me with a passion I hadn’t seen in him before. I quickly turned away and pointed to another booth where they were squeezing fresh orange juice. “That’s something I’d like to try,” I said as I headed toward the booth. Lucas followed.

Lucas insisted on buying juice for both of us, which was sweet but totally uncalled for. “Thank you so much. You didn’t have to buy this for me.”

He smiled. “Maybe I wanted to.”

I took a sip. “It’s delicious.”

Lucas tried his. He nodded. “It is good.”

“Looks like we lost Olivia and Marney,” Lucas observed.

I looked around. They were nowhere to be seen. “They’re good at that.”

“Come on,” Lucas said. “Care to try your hand at the