Seclusion by C.S. Rinner Read Free Book Online

and
butterflies started attacking each other in my stomach. That shocked me back to
reality.
    “I’m so glad I’m not
starting there alone,” I said.
    “Me too.” He grabbed my
hand and held it for a second.
    Whoa, this is weird. I’ve
never felt someone’s attraction for me . It was very strange, but from Chase, it felt more
like a sincere compliment. He made me feel comfortable with him. It felt so
nice to finally have a friend, but my mind was still trying to comprehend that
he liked me. I could hear, and even feel, his thoughts clearly. She’s hot,
she’s smart, she’s shy, sweet and thoughtful, and fun to be with. What more
could a guy want?
    My stomach was fluttery.
How do I respond to this? I smiled at him and laughed, “This is a little
weird.”
    He looked at me. “What,
you’ve never held a guy’s hand?”
    “Uh, no. How could I? It
would be like invading his privacy. I think you’re the only one who’s this
crazy.”
    My mind was racing. Maybe
we were meant to be. Is there even such a thing? Did I believe in soul mates?
Rationality set in. Oh wow, I really need to concentrate on school right
now. Friends are good, but a boyfriend is a bit too much .
    Chase laughed. “That’s
right. Never been kissed, huh?” He squeezed my hand before letting go and
giving me a quick hug to say good-bye.
    I got a sudden flash of
insight from him; I felt his protectiveness and resolve to move slowly with me.
I sighed, for once in my life thankful for my ability.
    After Chase left, I
couldn’t help but lie on my purple frilly bed, listening to Pandora’s Taylor
Swift playlist. I began contemplating the difference between lust, love, and
friendship. When I imagined my prince, chivalry was on the top of my list.
Chase had that and more. He was handsome, too. I definitely felt lust going on,
but according to Cosmo, which my aunt had lying around the house, lust
sometimes fades with time. According to the divorce rates, you can also fall
out of love. How is it that some people did and some didn’t? If love was a
feeling, then it must be a fickle thing. I did not like that thought. I wanted
a permanent, committed love, didn’t I? Love should last through sickness and
health, for richer or for poorer, and never end. The only thing I was positive
about is that lust and love were two different things. Of course, I wanted it
all, though!

3. road trip
     
    Loaded down with all of our
stuff and tons of food from my aunt, we were ready to leave. I had three bags,
but Chase only had one. Saying goodbye to Aunt Jan and Uncle Jeremy was
heartbreaking. I tried my best to hide the tears from Aunt Jan. I didn’t want
to start a tsunami before I left. Aunt Jan made me promise to text every few
hours with updates on our progress, and then she kissed me and stared Chase
down. I couldn’t hide my smile. My aunt’s protectiveness made me feel loved. We
pulled out of the driveway, and I thought, here we go !
    “I am so tired! I can’t
believe we had to leave at six. We won’t even get there till six or seven p.m. with all the stops that Taylor is having us make.”
    Chase smiled. “Go to
sleep.” He grabbed his pillow from the backseat and tossed it to me.
    “Really, you’re already
taking the first driving shift. I can at least keep you company,” I murmured,
my head settling on his fluffy pillow.
    “Of course you can sleep! I
want you well rested, so I can sleep later. Night, Raegan.”
    I put the seat back and
cuddled up on my side with his pillow. It smelled like him. I felt excited –
tingles ran down my spine. I pushed those feelings away and focused on the
scent. He smelled like a rich and woody pine forest. I let it comfort me as I
fell right to sleep.
    I woke up with a start and
forgot where I was for a moment. I hope I didn’t drool on his pillow . I
quickly tossed the pillow onto the back seat.
    “Thanks so much for your
pillow, Chase,” I said.
    “No prob. I have something
for you.”
    “You do?”
    I