Changing Tunes by Heather Gunter, Raelene Green Read Free Book Online Page A

height, or why, at this moment, I’m paying attention to what he’s wearing, especially his shoes. Dark denim jeans, a tight red t-shirt and charcoal grey Chuck’s. I shake my head to clear it and find myself looking back up at his face. I don’t know why, but his glasses are so hot. He’s completely hot. Apparently, shaking my head didn’t do the trick.
    Move your ass, Ash, and walk away. Great! Now I’ve resorted to talking to myself.
    I sigh and reach into my bag, pulling out a sheet of paper and my pen. “Here’s my number.” Slapping it in his hand, I turn and make my way home.
     
     

 
     

     
     
    College is something I’ve worked long and hard for. I have a plan, a plan that does not include a tall, leggy, gorgeous blonde. I knew it was the same girl in class—the one that ran into me at the library and mouthed off. The funny thing is she wasn’t apologetic, not really, and I liked it. One might call me a sick bastard, but there was just something about her, something intriguing and something sad. She says what’s on her mind, that much is obvious, and I like that about her. But at the same time, she can’t hide the sadness emanating from her; her eyes show it, all too clearly.
    When she ran off at the library, I had already seen her crouched down on the floor, clutching a book with all her might. It was the most beautiful and touching sight I’d seen in a long time. I could tell she was somewhere other than the library right then. My guess was she was inside a distant memory, one that obviously caused her deep pain. I know all about pain, so I know it when I see it.
    I’d quietly walked away, wanting to leave her alone and not interrupt, even though seeing her like that had made me want to hold her and take away the pain. I didn’t know this girl from Eve and yet, I wanted to protect her like no one before. Not entirely true, just one other.
    When I’d turned the corner and we’d collided, I wanted to grab hold of her then, but how weird she would have thought me to be; a complete stranger. She’d have freaked out for sure. She was even more gorgeous standing tall, with her hand on my chest, bracing herself for the fall. Her full lips slightly parted, and her big blue eyes looking up at me in shock. I was surprised by her outburst, and couldn’t help smiling a little at her. She was something, all right, and I thought about her for the rest of the weekend, wondering if I was going to bump into her again.
    What luck when I walked in to Chemistry and saw her sitting in her seat, not paying attention to anything, or anybody around her, just looking straight ahead. There she sat, deep in thought, giving the professor her rapt attention. She stumps and intrigues me, this girl. Then, as if things couldn’t get any better, I’m paired with her as my lab partner. This could be a good, or a bad thing; she could prove to be a major distraction.
    If I’m being honest, asking for her number was something I needed as her lab partner, but there is definitely more to it. When she thought I was hitting on her, which I wasn’t, really...I acted like a dick because her assumption pissed me off.  Well, I was pissed off for a number of reasons: one, obviously this kind of thing happens to her a lot; and two, the thought of another guy hitting on her. I have no ties to this girl, other than the fact she’s my lab partner, and yet, I was getting pissed off.
    I certainly didn’t need to pull the ‘daddy’ card on her. I can tell she comes from money. You can see her designer clothes from a mile away. I may be a guy, but I’m not completely stupid. I’ve had girlfriends that wore designer labels, so I’m familiar with the look.
    I felt so bad I had to run after her. She didn’t hear me call to her in the classroom, or if she did, she ignored me. I had to go after her. I didn’t want her upset; especially not because of me, and the way I acted.
    I could tell she’d been crying when I reached her and