My eyes whip up to Reed, and his jaw tics.
“Is that right?” Jenkins asks, as he glares at Reed. The tension is so thick in the air, I’m practically choking on it. Theyseem to come to an unspoken understanding, because Jenkins throws his palms up in mock surrender. “Very well, then.”
His attention returns to me, smile still in place as Reed tugs me closer to his side. A white pick-up truck is parked in the sand, just a few steps from the picnic table; music spills from the open doors, echoing into the night. The hatch is open, and Reed grips me by the hips, lifting me onto it.
“Reed!” I screech, and he laughs, brushing his nose against mine, placing a small peck on the tip. “Whose truck is this?”
He shrugs. “Jenkins’.”
My eyes widen. “Are you trying to get me killed?”
“Relax, Gravenhurst.” He smiles and reaches into the blue and white cooler next to me. He positions himself between my knees, pops the cap of a cold beer off and holds it out for me to take. I hesitate, looking over his shoulder at Jenkins. His smirk has completely vanished, and the way he’s glaring at me tells me that if looks could kill, I’d have died five times over.
“He’s watching us,” I seethe in a hushed tone.
“Good. Men like him forget their place if they aren’t reminded. If he’s smart, he’ll take the hint. If he’s not,” Reed shrugs lightly, “well, lessons get uglier when I have to give them.”
“This lesson may result in my death, Sullivan,” I tease, shrinking behind his tall frame, though I feel like there’s some truth to my words. Reed’s expression softens as he slides his free hand against my cheek, concern etched in his features.
“I’d never let anyone hurt you. You trust me, don’t you?” he asks, and the way he looks at me makes me want to believe him.
I nod, and he kisses my hand. When his lips pull away, I smirk. “So…Girlfriend, huh?” I tease, raising my eyebrows.
“Only if you want to be.” His eyes trail over my lips.
“Hmmm…” I tap my finger against my chin and peer up at the night sky, pretending that I need time to think about it. Reed smiles, nodding slowly, his tongue pressed into the inside of his cheek like he finds this entertaining. I laugh, hanging my arms loosely over his shoulders and pull him in a little closer. “What’s in it for me?”
Reed grins, a dimple appearing on his cheek as he leans towards me, his voice low and teasing. “What do you say we get out of here, and I’ll show you?”
I bite my lip, nodding, arousal instantly coming alive as I recall the feel of his fingers curling inside of me only hours ago, denying me any release. “You do owe me an orgasm.” I smirk and laugh, wrapping my legs around him as he lifts me from the truck bed.
EIGHTEEN
VERENA GRAVENHURST
After enduring another agonizing lecture about the History of Hollowcrest, we’ve finally been dismissed. I shove my belongings into my bag with haste, eager to see Reed. He’s been a ghost all day, nowhere to be seen in our usual meet-up spots between lectures. Stepping out of the study room, I expect to see him where he’d promised to meet me, but he’s nowhere in sight. Maybe he just got caught up in a lecture. He had English Lit. today with Mrs. Waldman, and that woman knows how to talk your ear off. Leaning back against the stone wall, I cross my arms and wait.
I wait. And I wait and wait and wait until it’s apparent he isn’t going to show up. On a huff, I push myself upright and march in the direction of Reed’s class.
Peering inside, I see that all the students have cleared out. Two men now occupy the room, and when he turns his head slightly, I feel like I’m catching a glimpse of Reed in the future. He’s undeniably Reed’s father, Charles Sullivan. With deep blonde hair, a shade darker than Reed’s, the same hazel eyes and sharp features, there’s no way in hell that it isn’t.
I find myself shying away, hiding within the shadows of thevacant hallway. He’s in the middle of a conversation with the dean, and I strain my ears to eavesdrop on their conversation.
Their voices become louder, as if they’re approaching the door, and I suck in a breath. I’m about to walk away, to give them privacy, before I get caught when I hear my family name leave his lips.
“—just like the Gravenhursts.” It stops me in my tracks. Pressing my body against the wall, I can’t stop the chill that travels down my spine at the way Mr. Sullivan speaks my name. It sounds like poison on his tongue, as if it pained him to say it out loud. I arrived too late to hear the beginning of the conversation that provoked him to speak about my family, but my curiosity has been piqued.
“There you are, Gravenhurst.” Reed grabs my hips, and I spin around, spooked. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” He leans in and brushes a soft peck on my lips.
“Sorry, I thought you were meeting me after class, and when you weren’t there, I set out to find you.” I take slow breaths, still trying to steady my heartbeat. “Is that your dad in there?” I nod to the lecture hall where I saw him a moment ago.
Reed stills, then nods his head. “Uh, yeah, it is.” His eyes flicker to the room. “He’s here handling some business. I try to stay out of it.” He takes my hand, suddenly guiding me away from the room, but I dig in my heels. I need more information.
“I’d love to meet him, if that’s okay. I mean, he’s a big part of your life, and as myboyfriend,don’t you want him to meet me too?” I tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear and give him my best doe eyes. His jaw tenses, and I can tell he’s mulling over his decision before he answers, the words sounding pained as they leave his lips.
“Sure, come on.” He lets out a sigh, and we head into the room. His whole demeanour changes. Reed releases my hand as we enter the room. He stands proud, his shoulders tense. I’m shocked at how reluctant he’s become when it comes tointroducing me to his family. Just last night, he wanted to shout our relationship from the rooftops. He wanted everyone to know I was his girlfriend. Now, this introduction feels more like pulling teeth than anything else. I won’t let his attitude deter me, though.
“Ah! Reed, there you are. I was just telling Dean Henderson my plans for the new library extension. I’ve seen the blueprints, and they’re exquisite. I’m glad you could join us.”
