Five

by Christie Rich

My muscles stiffened. I glared at Zach. “That doesn’t make it right.”

  He pulled me tighter. “It doesn’t make it wrong, either. You just don’t understand the custom. I have met plenty of men and women alike that feel a sense of ease with their life because they already know what will happen. They don’t have to worry about dating or finding the right person.”

  “Yeah, someone else gets to decide that.”

  “That’s my point.”

  “Whatever,” I said in disgust.

  “Don’t get angry, love. I know why this affects you so deeply.” He squeezed my arms. “I, more than anyone, want to keep you from going through what Lily did.”

  “Luke would probably have me in front of that creepy woman right now if it weren’t for you. Thank you for helping me.” I attempted to pull out from under his chin, but he tightened his grip.

  His voice held an uncomfortable edge. “Why don’t we keep reading?”

  I couldn’t understand why he kept me cocooned in his arms. Was he trying to avoid looking at me? I wasn’t in the mood to pursue that line of questions. I was tired. “What time is it?” I had to be back in my dorm by twelve.

  “Eleven.”

  I groaned. I hadn’t even done my homework. “I really need you to take me back now.”

  When I pulled away this time, he let me go, if reluctantly. The look on his face was conflicted. Had I misjudged him? Was Cassie right about him? Would he be another man that didn’t respect my wishes?

  He stood up suddenly, grabbing my hand. “Let’s get out of here before I change my mind and do something we’ll both regret.”

  He didn’t have to tell me twice. The night had turned cold. I shivered when he opened the door.

  “Stay right there,” he said. He was back in seconds with a jacket. He gently slid it around my shoulders.

  The thing dwarfed me, but I gratefully pushed my arms through the sleeves. His scent engulfed me. I swayed on my feet. Being near him was like an aphrodisiac. I couldn’t believe I was falling so hard and fast for him. I still didn’t know him very well, but when I was with him, everything made more sense.

  I was almost asleep by the time he pulled up to my dorm. Yawning, I started to wiggle out of his jacket.

  He placed a hand on my arm before he wrapped me in his strong embrace. “I’ll get it from you later. Good night, love.”

  Guilt nagged at me as his face approached mine. Should I tell him what happened earlier? The moment his lips met mine, all thoughts of Alex disintegrated. His kiss was leisurely, as though we had all night. I could only take kissing him in short bursts. Otherwise, I would lose my mind and take it too far. I pulled away reluctantly.

  He smiled sadly, as though he really didn’t want to let me go. “I’ll be right here Wednesday to take you to work.”

  I was too exhausted to argue with him. Even though I had made it on time, I was glad the nosy guard wasn’t at her station when I went by. I slipped inside my room as quietly as I could. All the lights were off. Cassie snored lightly. I didn’t even undress. I fell into bed with Zach’s jacket on.