The first thing I do when I hit the pavement outside is call Maggie who is just as worried because she never saw Kate after her class. I don’t give her the details, but tell her we had a fight and she left running. She agrees to call me as soon as she hears from her. The pit in my stomach grows with each step I take. Unsure of where she would go at this hour I decide to wait outside of her dorm building knowing that she will have to come back here eventually. Hopefully, she’ll return here sooner than later.
After running around campus for forty-five minutes the pain in me is unbearable. Slowing my pace and then sliding into a walk I head back to my dorm wishing I could crawl into a cave and hide. I feel like I’m having an out of body experience or that this should be happening to someone else. My heart hurts like its never hurt before. The heaviness is like a fifty-pound weight I now have to carry around. As I approach the dorm I see Reed’s frame resting on one of the sidewalls waiting for me. The urge to turn and run the other direction is there, but I force myself to walk towards him and face the damage. Old me would continue to keep running, but new me faces conflict. Avoiding is no longer an option as I move forward. Unlike my approach with Kyle earlier I can’t appear to be level and strong… my shoulders slouch, as well as my chin and I know my face looks drained and saddened. Reed stands up as soon as he sees me approaching, but doesn’t move towards me, instead he waits for me to get closer. His hands hang at his sides and his hair is disheveled dropping slightly over his eyes, but as I get closer to him the blue is bright and glassy. The worry and stress is etched across his face like cracked glass.
“Why?” I ask shyly.
“God baby, no, no, I would never. It’s not what you think,” he answers right away and I see him twitch to approach me but refrains in the end.
Swallowing past the lump and tears I reply barely above a whisper, “I-I don’t believe you.”
“I know, I wouldn’t either, but I swear to you. She showed up high as a kite so I told her to sleep it off. I barely said two words to her. I showed her to my room and was going to sleep on the couch. Kate, I would never.”
I raise my head up closing my eyes tightly. God, I want to believe him. Shit, I’m pretty sure I do, but what if I’m wrong. I can’t get hurt again. I can’t afford to have another person abandon me. I don’t think I’d survive. Lowering my head I look into his eyes and see something that resembles truth. My hands cover my reddened cheeks and I shake my head back and forth unsure what to do.
Reed interrupts my despair by stepping closer and removing my hands to place his on my cheeks. He places his thumbs under my chin to raise my head upward to keep our eyes locked on each other.
“Look at me, look at my eyes, Katherine. Does this look like the face of someone who would hurt you?” My breath hitches and I try to move my head away, but he holds my face in place.
“I don’t know, I don’t know what to think, Reed.”
“Yes you do. Don’t look away.” His eyes darken to almost sapphire and pull me in so that I’m unable to look away. “Does this look like the face of someone who would cheat on you and hurt you? Or does this look like the face of someone who is madly in love with you?” I gasp and then the air rushes out of my lungs causing me to breath fast and heavy.
“I, I,” I stutter unable to get a complete thought through my head.
“Shhh, shhh” he whispers. “This isn’t olive juice anymore, Katherine. At least not for me and now you have to be the one to decide what this is for you.” My full name rolls off his tongue like honey embracing me, caressing me to his heart. “I am here and I’m not going anywhere. I’m so sorry about Jessica I should have turned her away, but she could never cause me to veer from you, never.” His words sit in the fresh air of the night and I take them in letting them cover my body in a blanket of emotions… passion, respect, desire and more than anything else… love.
I push through his grip on my face and press my lips to his letting my tongue break through his soft lips. Our tongues touch softly and Reed’s hands wrap around me pulling me to him. Keeping our lips in unison as I run my hands through his hair. We break and move away just enough so that we can look into each other’s eyes.
“I love you, Reed,” I say and feel relief warm me from the inside out. Reed picks me up and spins me around letting his lips land on mine. Even I know there is nothing that could possibly distract me from the fierce emotion of love I feel pouring in and out of my entire being.
EPILOGUE
Sipping a Manhattan off to the side, as if I’m part of the boys club I fidget with my fingers around the glass. Father stands with a group of men I’ve grown up around talking business like usual, only this time he’s ignoring me. It’s been a little over a month since he kicked me out of the house, forbidding me to come in. Funny thing is he still pays for my condo, car and living expenses. He doesn’t really care as long as I stay out of his hair and limit the trouble I get into. Last time I really got fucked up I ended up in the hospital, in which he eventually showed up with mother, but he showed no emotion and hired someone to take me to my condo. I see him only when I’m invited to work on law stuff with the practice, but it’s cold and all business. Somehow I’ve managed to not get kicked out of law school. That’s all I really have and care for now. If I lost that I’m sure I’d bury my face in a big pile of white powder and never come out. Mother flits past me with her lips pursed into a group of country club snobby women. I roll my eyes at her once she passes. Rebelling against them gives me such immense pleasure it makes it hard to behave and control myself in their presence.
Reed’s dads house is of course staffed to the max catering to everyone’s needs. I clink the ice in my glass showing the waiter passing that its empty. Passing it over I gesture with my finger for one more. I’m off to the side, but still very visible for the eyes I long to catch mine. They never even glance my way though. Reed stands with a small group of friends that we’ve had growing up together thanking them for coming to his graduation party. I watch as he shakes the hands of the guys not realizing I’ve slept with every single one of them behind his back. Of course, what did it matter anyway we were only really together together for a short stint. I screwed that up on my own though and I know it. Regret, yes, plenty of it. Reed was no angel either, he got around plenty… but now… hmmm, it’s different. It’s as if he’s changed. He won’t budge about this Kate girl one bit, but I know he hasn’t shared everything with her. I know some of his secrets and what my father does to help him.
The waiter returns with another Manhattan and I pace myself before joining the little reunion in Reed’s honor. Reed’s mom stands next to Reed smiling proudly at him. I have to say I respect the woman for stepping foot in this house that used to be hers and showing nothing, but grace. Reed’s shared the stories about their divorce and I envy the way she has kept a cordial relationship with Mr. Harper all these years for the sake of Reed. From what I know and what I’ve seen it’s more than the man deserves. Taking a large gulp of the amber liquid, relishing the burn as it goes down I fluff my chestnut hair and run my free hand over my dress. I’ve never had confidence issues with my looks, but tonight I took extra time to make sure I look flawless. Walking over the large expanse of the party room I ignore the quiet muffles and looks in my direction. I’m maybe ten feet away when the butler escorts in a small group of what appears to be Reed’s friends. Two of the guys look familiar, but the girls on their arms I don’t recognize and then I see her. It’s her I’m positive. Confirmed as Reed breaks from our group of friends immediately to wrap his arms around her. I watch like I’m spying through a peephole. Her long blonde hair gets caught in his embrace and he runs his hands through it. Then with no shame he kisses her full on the lips. Her cheeks turn a shade of red on her golden olive complexion that I’ve never seen before. He welcomes the rest of the group into the room and a waiter jumps to get their drink orders. Reed escorts Kate with him every step he makes. Almost immediately he brings her to his mom to introduce
her I’m assuming. Soon there after his two sisters waltz over to adore her. They literally play with her hair and practically pinch her cheeks with excitement. Vomit. I feel the vomit in me rising as I watch what should be my life unfolding. Before I know it the blonde is scooping up one of Reed’s nieces in her arms. Everyone dotes over her and even I catch myself enraptured by her presence and the way Reed tends to her.
Damn it. I hate admitting it, but she’s gorgeous. Pretty, really pretty. She’s probably a good five inches taller than me too. I squint to look at her face and she looks like she has true natural beauty. I’m not even sure if she has any make-up on. Her face shines and when she smiles her teeth look perfectly white. To top it off I can tell her accentuated round breasts are natural.
Standing in the middle of the room alone I slowly spin around taking in my surroundings. I’m filled with people I know, but don’t give a shit about me. Determined to get Reed away from everyone I stalk over to him ready to take back what is mine. The two of them stand hand in hand talking to the other two couples laughing together. My heart constricts when Reed’s hand moves to brush the side of her cheek and then his lips touch hers again. I’ve never witnessed him openly affectionate with anyone other than his mom. Glaring at them wishing I could throw daggers I step right through their circle and stand in front of Kate first. Reed instantly pulls her into his side holding her to him.
“Hi, I’m Jessica,” I say with a bit of bite and sass.
“Oh, hi, I’m Ka-,” I cut her off before she can finish.
“Yes, I know, you are Kate.” I move over a step in front of Reed begging his eyes to look at me and see me. He looks or more so glares, but doesn’t really see me.
“What do you want Jessica?” He asks me holding a tone that’s smooth and calm.
“Actually, can I talk to you alone for a moment?”
“No,” he says and then grabs “Barbie doll” to walk away.
I hear Kate tell him that it is fine for him to come talk with me. Damn straight, bitch. God, even her voice sounds soothing, kind and sweet. I stand in their dust only feeling more agitated with the situation. I turn around thinking of plan B to see a curvy dark haired girl with hot red lips snarling at me. Matching her look I march past her and the hot guy who holds her back. I remember meeting him, Marco I think is his name, and he definitely checked me out more than once when I was at their house. I could get him if I wanted, but that’s not what I want. What I want has the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen and a leggy blonde attached to him.
Roaming the room I decide to switch over to a glass of Chardonnay. No need to drink myself into a stupor yet. Patience has never been my strength, but I need to play my cards right. Knowing eventually Kate will need to use the bathroom I hover around the hallway entrance that will lead to the bathroom.
They do a dance around the entire room and Reed introduces her to everyone. When he introduces her to his dad it looks strained and unpleasant. Kate has a grace about her though as she talks to the prick. She carries herself upright and has a fearless poise about her from a distance. Reed tends to her the whole time. They smile and laugh and kiss as if this is permanent.
My friends or that’s what I tell myself make their way over to me. I listen to them all talk about nothing in particular, although I’m not really listening. I’m busy waiting for my opportunity. In the midst of pretending like I’m having fun Reed and Kate step this way. I see Kate excuse herself from Reed, but then he starts to follow her. As luck would have it though a couple of the guys in our group stop him in his tracks. Kate keeps moving and heads down the long hallway. As distinct as I can I slip out of the group and walk halfway down the hall to wait for Kate.
Then I hear the door open and out walks Kate looking like she belongs here. Her hair hangs like silk over her shoulders laying flat over her curves. She licks her lips when she sees me and her teeth catch and release her bottom lip. Then a half smile stretches her lips rounding her cheeks. Placing my one hand on my hip I stick my chest out and return a fake smile.
“Kate,” I say and she stops in front of me since I’m blocking her pathway. The echo of the party looms in the background. She still has a clear view into the room and she looks past me probably searching for Reed to come save her.
“Hi Jessica.”
“You having a good time?” I ask.
“Yes, thanks,” She says and tries to keep walking.
Trying not to stumble on my next words, I say, “you don’t know him as well as you think.”
She stops and turns back around to face me. “Really? And you think you do?” she asks in a mocking tone.
“Yes. I know things you could never know. He’s not going to stay committed to you.” I go for a dig, but not the jugular.
“Listen, I know plenty about Reed. Not everything, but enough. You don’t know me and you certainly don’t know us.” She stays facing me, but begins to step backwards ready to leave the conversation. Her words hang in the air for a moment and I realize she’s not cracking. She seems unfazed by me.
“I know that you have an ex named Kyle,” her eyes brighten and she takes in a shaky breath. Gotcha now. “Oh yes and I know that Reed went to meet him without you knowing and got into an altercation.” She stares at me like a deer in headlights and I swear I can see the wheels turning as she tries to figure out why I know this and where I’m going with it. “What you don’t know though and I do know is that Kyle pressed charges and now Reed is in quite a bit of trouble. He’s got a court date coming up and a lot rides on the outcome… law school, daddy’s money, his future career.” Jugular … wide open now. Her breath catches and her eyes shift hearing my abrasive description of just what’s at stake for Reed.
Our eyes glare into each other’s for a moment in silence. The clicking of someone’s heels coming down the hall from behind me breaks our connection. Kate steps back and moves her hair behind her shoulders and with her chin up says, “See like I just said you know nothing about us.” She turns around and I move to watch her walk down the hallway into the party. Reed stands at the end of the hall waiting for her. His jaw tightens when he sees me, but when Kate reaches him he smiles. She wraps her arms around him tightly and he turns her slightly so that I see them standing there facing each other. Then her hands move to his cheeks holding his face and I see her lips move as she whispers something to him. My mouth drops at her bold unaltered confidence. His lips move into a smile by whatever she has just said to him and then her lips brush his and they kiss passionately without notice of me or the full room.
Be on the lookout for Book Three … Coming Soon
THANKFULNESS
As with my first book the same is true with this one in that I am truly thankful for my amazing family and friends. Again, I’ve had great beta readers who keep me on track. The support and encouragement I’ve received through all of this is a blessing and I know that having it is pure motivation all on its own. This time I am extremely thankful for all my readers (yes, I have fans, followers, readers… wow!) who have expressed joy, love and even hatred from the first book in the series. I never knew if I would have a reason to write the second book, but as more continued to read and review, it proved to me that this was more than just for myself. Thank you for taking the time to read and for waiting for this next installment in the series… and read again. I truly appreciate it.
Along this journey I have had the pleasure of developing some new relationships that have changed my outcome and made this experience extremely positive. I’ll never forget my first real bond with a blogger, she scooped me up and took me in without any question and has supported me ever since. Thank you Francessca from Francessca’s Romance Reviews. Angie from Twinsie Talk Book Reviews did the same thing, took me in like one of her own. She has been a huge help and support to me, being a cheerleader and friend on a daily basis. Her and her team is handling the promotional end with this book and I thank them from the bottom of my heart. There are countless other bloggers who review
ed my first book and have been in contact ready to review this next book in the series without hesitation and that means the world to me.
One of those bloggers along the way not only became a fan of the first book, but also became a beta reader and my editor for this book. Thank you Becky Martindell from Becky’s Book Blog. She took so much of her time and invested it in this series. I appreciate all your hard work and am more than pleased with the final product. Also, thank you to Sommer Stein with Perfect Pear Creative Covers for my beautiful cover. Your work is impeccable and again I am in awe of how you bring my vision to life.
Sending out many more thanks to everyone who takes the time to meet my characters and dive into this series. I appreciate all of your support and look forward to writing more for your enjoyment.
A writer’s success often depends on the reviews. I’d appreciate you taking the time to rate and review The Perfect Emotion at:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19210284-the-perfect-emotion
http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Rolka/e/B00FP6QKYE/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Melissa Rolka grew up in the Chicagoland area all of her childhood and has always had a love of writing. She started by keeping a journal at a young age and then in high school she started writing poetry. A couple poems were published anonymously. Then in college she majored in Philosophy, which required lots and lots of writing. After graduating from Marquette University she traveled west to Los Angeles. There she worked for the Writers Guild of America and found herself submerged in the writers world. She worked on small writings, but never pursued them. On the side she became involved with a small theater group. Eventually she made her way back to the Midwest, where her heart belongs, and worked in business for several years. She found love, got married and has two beautiful children. Being at home has allowed her to keep following her love of reading and writing.
The Perfect Emotion (Book Two of The Perfect Series) Page 29
