Changing Forever by Lisa de Jong Read Free Book Online

actually. Can you meet me in one hour?” I rub the palm of my hand over my tired eyes, trying my best to get myself in good enough shape to study.
    “Yeah, I’ll meet you in the coffee shop, but don’t stand me up, Drake. I don’t often hand out second chances.”
    Grimacing, I rub my fingers along my forehead. I hate coffee. Actually, hate might not be a strong enough word.
    “I’ll be there,” I say hesitantly, hanging up before she has time to change her mind.
    I stretch out on my bed again feeling a little bit better about myself. Spending part of my Sunday working on this project won’t kill me … it’s the right thing to do. Unfortunately, the overwhelming smell of stale beer is the only thing hitting my senses at the moment, and a shower is definitely in order before I go anywhere today. I grab a clean pair of jeans from my dresser and a plain gray t-shirt from the shelf in my closet. I’m so fucking glad these things are somewhat in style because they’re all I own. All I can afford actually.
    As I walk out of the room and into the hall, I notice the quiet. It’s a nice change from the usual rowdiness that fills the narrow space. If my conscience would allow it, I’d crawl back in my bed and sleep the rest of the day away right along with everyone else.
    I shower as fast as my aching head will let me. The hot water feels good on my sore muscles and reminds me that it might not be a bad idea to sit in the sauna later.
    After pulling my clothes on and brushing my teeth a couple times to banish any remaining smell of alcohol, I head out to meet Emery. The last thing I want to do is be late for my second chance, because something tells me she was serious about this being my last one.
    Fall is starting to move in, and the temps are a little cooler today than they were yesterday. It only takes me a few minutes to find the coffee shop, and surprisingly, I’m ten minutes early. I guess that’s better than the alternative, given my current standing with Emery. The place is packed, leaving only one chair at the bar open, which won’t work at all. I stand against the wall just inside the door, waiting for Emery before making any decisions on what to do next.
    Luckily, she’s not far behind me, appearing in the doorway a couple minutes later with an oversized bag over her shoulder. She looks so fucking hot in tight jeans and a fitted black t-shirt. I think her simplicity separates her from other girls, and I guess simple is sexy.
    “Hey,” she says, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. I’ve noticed she does that a lot.
    “Hey,” I answer back, shoving my hands deep in my pockets. “I couldn’t find a table. Do you want to go somewhere else?”
    She smiles, glancing over her shoulder and out the window. “Why don’t we grab our drinks and go sit out by the river?”
    I pull my hand from my pocket and rub it along my jaw. What she’s proposing sounds nice, but it also sounds a little too cozy for me. I don’t do cozy well.
    “Lots of people study outside,” she adds, adjusting the strap of her bag. Her eyes brighten as she shifts her gaze between me and the window. How am I supposed to say no to her and those big brown eyes?
    “I guess we’re going out by the river then,” I say, placing my hand on her lower back to guide her to the counter. I don’t realize I’m doing it until we’re halfway to the register, but then I can’t let go. It feels better than I’d ever admit.
    My hand drops away when we stop at the end of the line. “What are you going to get?” she says, glancing back at me.
    “I don’t know. I can’t stand the taste of coffee.”
    She points her painted purple nail up to the menu board. “I bet the smoothies are good. I haven’t had one, but I notice lots of people ordering them.”
    “Yeah, I’ll give that a try. What do you want? I’m buying.”
    She looks back at me, her eyes wide. My offer is obviously a surprise to her, but have I really been that much of an