Fever by Melissa Pearl Read Free Book Online Page B

quickly deciphering their scribble. I jotted down what we had to get through and flipped my binder closed. My heart was hammering the way it always did after my memories took me.
    Sliding the textbook over my little table, I hugged it to my chest and closed my eyes. Thank God I was about to meet David for lunch ; he always knew how to calm my rattled nerves. When I'd first moved from Washington, meeting Jody and Morgan had been a life-saver, but David had given me something the girls couldn't...a sense of security. He was so focused and knew exactly where he was going. I loved that about him. I loved that I could take his hand and follow in his wake, not having to think about my future. The fact I didn't know what I really wanted scared me, and it was easier just to go along with David's plans.
    Unlike most people, new things terrified me and David never made me feel bad for that. He was always happy to take the lead and look after me. Even when he left for college and I thought I wouldn't be able to cope, I was okay. He Skyped or emailed me daily. He called me every day, just like he said he would, and every holiday, he flew home to be with me. David equaled safety, and even though moving to Chicago was unsettling—and if I was on e-hundred-percent honest, I didn't really want to be here—I knew it was the best place for me. I belonged by David's side, and no shower man or workload was going to stop me from believing that.
    Following the trail of students out the double doors, I skipped down the steps and wondered which way to turn. I knew I should have asked for directions. Everyone walking past me probably knew exactly where the big oval library was, but I was too shy...or proud. No, shy. I was definitely too embarrassed to have to ask, and so I pressed my lips together and wandered off to the right. I circled the entire humanities building, my stress increasing with each step. I finally found the backside of the library and rolled my eyes. If I'd just turned left, I would have been there in about a minute flat.
    Gripping my bag strap, I walked around the edge, glancing at my watch and hoping David would forgive my lateness. I knew he hated being late, and he only had an hour to spare. I chewed on my bottom lip as I made my way around the edge and finally spotted him.
    He was standing next to a tall guy with dark brown curls. Holy cow, he was beautiful. He looked like Superman. In all seriousness. His fitted, white shirt accentuated his broad chest and muscular arms. He stood casually with his hands in his pockets, his chiseled face reminding me of a Roman aristocrat. His blue eyes scanned his surroundings as he waited for David to finish up his phone call. He spotted me walking toward him, the edge of his mouth tipping at the side. He didn't have any dimples, but his smile was to die for.
    I broke eye contact, scared I might actually drown in his blue gaze. Clearing my throat, I glanced back up in time to see him nudging David in the side. My boyfriend spun and caught sight of me approaching. Quickly ending his call, he walked toward me and flung his arm over my shoulder.
    “Hey , baby. How was your morning?” He kissed my forehead.
    “Good. I didn't get lost, which was good.”
    He chuckled. “Not until you were trying to find me, right?”
    We came to a stop beside Superman and I winced. “Sorry for being late.”
    “That's okay.” David squeezed my shoulder. “I knew you'd get a little lost.”
    I tried not to let the comment bother me, but it kind of did. Especially since he said it right in front of his friend. I drew in a breath and gave them both a closed-mouth smile.
    “Anyway, this is my roommate, Cole.”
    I reached for his outstretched hand and shook it. His large fingers were warm and wrapped around mine in a gentle, yet confident shake. “Nice to meet you, Ella.” His voice was deep and smooth, and I couldn't help smiling.
    “You too.”
    He let go of my hand and I quickly reached for David's,