Revelation by Randi Cooley Wilson Read Free Book Online

through the open window, providing only light, not warmth. I shiver at the room’s cool temperature. Exhaling brusquely, I get up to close the window then jump back into bed and pull the covers around my neck, cocooning myself in warmth and an unreal sense of security as I lie on my back and stare up at the ceiling. I challenge my body to control the shaking state it’s in from remnants of the dream. I groan, aware it’s going to be a long day. I need coffee. I’m annoyed that I’m probably the only college student awake this early on a Saturday.
    S tanding in line, I wait for my caffeine fix while rubbing my temples and trying to ease my dream induced headache and general agitation caused by lack of sleep and the verbal tennis matches from yesterday.
    “Hang over?” a smooth, seductive voice says from over my right shoulder.
    Irritable and annoyed at the intrusion of my personal space, I turn to stare down the perpetrator as my eyes lock with a set of sea green ones.
    I plaster on a fake smile. “No,” I say and turn back to place my order with the barista.
    Smoldering good looks places a twenty on the counter and politely informs the barista he’ll pay for my order as well as his.
    “Thanks,” I mumble.
    “Anything for a beautiful girl,” he attempts to charm.
    I offer a brief smile and meander to the pick-up counter to wait for my café mocha.
    He follows me then leans against the counter, looking relaxed and commanding at the same time. The good-looking bad boy has an amused smirk; arms crossed while he studies me.
    I clear my throat. “Is there something I can do for you?” I adopt my best no nonsense tone.
    He smiles as if he knows a secret I ’m not privy to. It morphs into a light, intriguing laugh. “I don’t think we’ve had the pleasure of meeting. I’m Gage Gallagher,” he offers in a seductive tone meant to draw you in. Then he winks and offers his hand.
    Tentatively, I place my hand in his , setting off a beautiful and genuine smile across his lips.
    “No fan club today?” I question.
    An eyebrow cocks up as he leans closer. “Envious?” he asks.
    I roll my eyes. “Hardly ,” I reply.
    Sea green eyes twinkle with amusement. “Don’t fret, love. I have a feeling you and I are going to be very good friends,” he offers, his eyes never leaving mine.
    “I wasn’t worried .” I fake indifference.
    “ So then the beautiful girl will share her name with the handsome stranger?” he muses.
    “Eve Collins,” I say with caution stemming from my banter with Asher around my name.
    Too-good-looking-for-his-own-good holds my hand securely between his, searching my face for something. Recognition takes over and he swallows hard, causing my eyes to focus on his sexy Adam’s apple. His scent is masculine, a combination of cigarettes and spice. The smell stirs something in me.
    Gage looks edible too, dressed in all black similar to the day he was leaning on his car. Today , he’s more casual though in jeans, a v-neck t-shirt, and a long silver chain with a large silver cross hanging off it . Aria was right. He is yummy .
    Placing a chaste kiss on the top of my hand, he cuts my gaping short. “Well, it’s a delight to meet you, Eve Collins,” he replies kindly.
    I pull my hand back as the bar ista calls my name. I’m uncomfortable. There’s something off about him. It’s hot in here and my flight instincts are kicking in.
    Snatching up my coffee , I turn to find Gage standing in my way of the exit.  With my eyes fixated on the door, he smiles down at me but it seems strained. 
    “Eve .” He nods in a polite fashion.
    “Gage,” I respond warily.
    He winks , just standing there. Narrowing my eyes, I walk around him and push open the café doors. The light breeze causes a shudder to run through me as I curse myself for not wearing a jacket. I wrap my scarf around my neck tighter, making an effort to increase the flow of warmth to my body. It’s not working.
    “Cold?” A deep, cocky