Tempting Fate by A N Busch Read Free Book Online Page B

distance, the sounds of a loud radio somewhere not far away. Then she heard the sound of soft footsteps in the grass getting closer to her.
    "Nice day outside; guess we had the same idea."
    Abby opened her eyes and turned toward the voice as he sat down beside her. It was him, smiling with wide eyes and his hair shining in the sun's light. She sat up quickly and mustered a hello and a smile, trying to stay calm. Her cheeks grew hotter and turned red. Her heart began to race so fast and she wondered if he could hear it.
    "I'm sorry, did I disturb you? I came out to enjoy the weather and study for a while. When I saw you, I...well..." He looked down and seemed to lose his words for a moment, "I thought I would introduce myself. I didn't yesterday. But like I said if I'm bothering you I can go." His last words came out softer than the rest. As he looked back up at her, the smile was gone from his face.
    Abby stared at him; even with no smile on his face, his eyes were bright and welcoming to her. "Um, no you're fine. I was just taking a break from making notes. It is a nice day. I'm Abby, and you are?"
    The smile came back as he started to talk. "Westly, this is my first semester here."
    "This is my second year; I'm an Architecture major. You?"
    "Third year of... well... Computer Programming, I guess is an easy way to put it."
    The two of them sat in silence for a long moment just looking at each other, not saying a word. What else should she say? Questions came to mind, but they all seemed strange to her. She didn't want to say something that was going to sound weird.
    When he gave a short laugh and looked down at the book in his lap, she realized that she was staring at him. She could feel her cheeks getting even redder. What was he thinking now? "What?"
    "Nothing, I'm sorry. I was laughing at myself."
    "Why, did I miss something?
    "No, not really, just me inside my own head. I was trying to think of something to say and it all sounded stupid."
    Abby smiled and let out a little laugh of her own, "It's okay I was thinking the same thing myself."
    He only laughed a little and before long it was silent again. This time the silence between them was no different but it was easier somehow.
    Westly stood up slowly before saying, "Well I should let you get back to your studies. Um, I guess I'll see you tomorrow in class then?"
    "Oh no you stay, I should get going. I’m expecting a call from my aunt soon, if she hasn't called me already. Um, it was really nice to meet you and um, get your name this time. I can't wait to see you in class tomorrow." Her cheeks got hot again after saying the last part. "Well I, I just meant that, um, that it would be nice to know someone in the class. You know what I mean, right?"
    Abby started to stand up, and she stepped on her own pant leg. As she started to fall forward onto her face, he caught her. Pulling her back up, he rested her against him. Abby could feel his strong arms around her and was in awe.
    "Are you ok?"
    "Yes, oh my gosh how embarrassing. I, uh, stepped on my pant leg."
    "It was a good thing I was here to catch you, wouldn't want you to break something."
    Abby was still in his arms, and he was not letting go. His smell was manly but sweet at the same time; it was wonderful. There was something about him that was familiar to her. Almost like being home. Abby looked up at his smile and her heart started beating so fast again she thought it might just pop right out of her chest like in a cartoon. She could only hope he didn’t feel it.
    "I guess I should let you go now, right? Think you will be ok to stand on your own?"
    Abby could hardly get out a yes she was breathing so fast. As he let her go, she almost wanted to stop him and have him hold her closer. With his embrace gone, she was able to shake off the cloud in her brain that had developed. She thought that she must be going crazy or something. She did not even know this guy, yet she was so drawn to him.
    "Well Abs, I'll see you in