Summer Surprise

by Curtis A. Cooper

  Jeanine and Aaron finish finals of their second year at college and are going home. They’d met in Battle Creek, MI during their senior year in high school, but Aaron’s parents have since moved away, which means the couple will be separated for the summer. As Jeanine takes the bus home, she senses that her relationship is in jeopardy. She starts having difficulty reaching Aaron by phone, so she confides in Jay, her friend since early childhood. When Aaron breaks off their relationship of three years for reasons Jeanine cannot comprehend she vows to win him back without the support of Jay. Will she be able to patch up her relationship? Will she smooth things over with her childhood friend? Or will she lose everyone she ever cared for?

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  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Summer Surprise

  Copyright © 2017 Curtis A. Cooper

  ISBN: 978-1-4874-1100-8

  Cover art by Angela Waters

  All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

  Published by eXtasy Books Inc or

  Devine Destinies, an imprint of eXtasy Books Inc

  Look for us online at:

  www.eXtasybooks.com or www.devinedestinies.com

  Summer Surprise

  By

  Curtis A. Cooper

  Chapter One

  “I don’t know, Jay. I don’t have anything concrete. It’s just a feeling I get when I’m with him lately,” said Jeanine. She was talking on the phone with her childhood friend.

  “Maybe it’s because you’re coming up on the end of the spring semester,” Jay replied.

  “I hope that’s why. I wish I didn’t keep getting this sense of impending doom.”

  “Aren’t we having an episode of the dramatic.”

  Jeanine smiled. “I always wondered what it felt like to be a drama queen.”

  Jay laughed. “You’re the wrong sex, Jeanine.”

  “How am I the wrong sex?” Jeanine hadn’t heard that as being strictly a gay term.

  “I always considered that term as something used on any guy who overreacted to something. I could be wrong. Anyway, if he leaves you, he obviously wasn’t the right guy for you.”

  “You say that about all my boyfriends.”

  “Yeah, well I know you. I know what you deserve.”

  “Always looking out for me, Jay, aren’t you? One of these days, you’ll actually approve of who I’m seeing.”

  “So, you’re planning on someone else?”

  She rolled her eyes. “You know what I meant.” She could imagine the smirk on his face.

  “Yeah, I know. I just couldn’t resist. So when are you coming home?”

  “Next week.”

  “Need me to pick you up?”

  “My bus arrives at midnight.”

  “And?”

  “I didn’t want to put you out.”

  “Come on, Jeanine. We’ve known each other how long?”

  “Since we put down our bottles, I know. Thanks, Jay. I really appreciate it.”

  “No problem. See you next week.”

  Jeanine hung up. She sat in the coffee shop reflecting on the few boyfriends she’d had in high school. Jay had never really liked them. It was surprising they could be such close friends when he wasn’t supportive. In fact, he only seemed to tolerate her current boyfriend, Aaron, but that might have been because Jay knew she really liked him.

  That got her thinking about the recent times she’d spent with Aaron. She couldn’t put her finger on anything, though, except that when they would walk around campus, he seemed a tad aloof—distracted. In the eyes of her friends, they were still considered the ideal couple.

  Jeanine walked back to her room still thinking about Aaron. Maybe I’m just being paranoid. I mean, it is finals week. But she’d had that sense for the last two months. She knew he could have any girl he wanted. At an even six feet tall, he was extremely attractive. He worked out at the gym three times a week. His abs attested to his disciplined exercise program. His muscular arms and firm buttocks also gave that credence. His wavy, blond hair accented his clean-shaven features which he augmented with frequent trips to the tanning booth.

  The strange feeling she had didn’t include another girl, however. That was why she was so confused. Competition would at least make sense, but he never looked at another girl—at least not when she was with him. After all, she had come down here with him when he got his scholarship. Granted, the Indiana Institute of Technology didn’t carry her first choice in major, but it had a solid business curriculum. And they were together most of the time, especially since they chose to stay in the college dorms to save money—much to her parents’ delight.

  With that sensation still in the forefront of her mind, Jeanine called Aaron, hoping for reassurance.

  “Hello?”

  “Hi, Aaron.”

  “Hey, baby.”

  The familiar pet name he used helped to encourage her. “How are your studies, going?”

  “Great. I’ll be ready for my final, tomorrow. How about you?”

  “I’m ready. Do you think you can step away from your studies for a little dinner?”

  “I’d like to, baby, but I really need to be ready for this test. Can we make it tomorrow?”

  “Sure. Any place in particular you’d like to go?”

  “I don’t know, baby. Can we decide tomorrow?”

  “We can decide tomorrow. I just thought I could make reservations is all.”

  “We don’t have to go anywhere fancy. There are plenty of places we can walk in. If we have to, we can call before we go.”

  “Okay, Aaron. See you tomorrow.”

  “Bye, baby.”

  Jeanine heard the line click. She hung up feeling no better than she had before she got back to her room. Have we become too comfortable? Sitting at her little desk, she sighed and got back to her studies. She had a final tomorrow, too.

  * * * *

  Aaron put the phone back in his pocket. “Where were we?” he asked Ron, his roommate.

  “Question forty-two,” Ron replied.

  “Right.” Aaron felt a little perplexed.

  “Are you alright?” Ron asked.

  Aaron snapped out of it, shaking his head as though he was trying to sweep the cobwebs away. “Yes.” He knew that didn’t sound very convincing.

  “Take a break?”

  “Sure.”

  “Your girlfriend getting to you?”

  “No. She’s okay.”

  “Hey man. That’s the best you can come up with? There’s something going on.”

  “Well—” Aaron stopped short. “No. I’m fine. Nothing’s going on. I think my brain’s getting fried. I can’t wait until tomorrow’s over.”

  “I hear ya, there. Want a soda?”

  “Yeah, sure. Thanks.” Aaron reopened his book to the questions in the back.

  Chapter Two

  Jeanine me
t Aaron outside his classroom, having finished her exam half an hour earlier. He was almost last to leave the building. When he stepped out the front door, he walked over and kissed her. He then took her hand, and they climbed down the steps to the sidewalk. They strolled along the curving cement until they reached a small quad at that end of the campus, near where Aaron’s classroom was.

  She let him lead her over to the wooden bench near the center where they often sat. They liked that small college park because of its remote location. Letting her sit first, he took his place on her right and laid his arm across her shoulders. She leaned over, nuzzling her head against his chest.

  “How’d your test go?” she asked.

  “Well... I did well. I feel really good about it. How about you?”

  “It was much easier than I expected.” She closed her eyes and relaxed in his arms. It was comforting. She began to believe that what she’d been sensing was nothing more than a figment of an overactive imagination. She was content, and she could tell by his calm breathing that he was, too. It must have been the stress of finals coming up.

  “Where were you thinking of eating, tonight?” Aaron asked.

  “How about Fryer Tucks? We haven’t been there in a while.”

  “For good reason. Everything’s fried, including the name of the joint. I was thinking Lasslo’s.”

  Jeanine smiled. “A little pricey, but I can live with that.”

  “We’ve got a reason to celebrate. We just completed our toughest finals of the semester.”

  “Yes, we did.” She sat up and turned toward Aaron. He brought his lips to hers, and they kissed sweetly. Jeanine’s senses woke up again. Had they been together so long that their passion had waned? Maybe it’s because we’re out in public. I’m probably imagining things. She kept telling herself that, even though she had memories of when an audience was of no concern to either of them.

  They stood to go back to their dorms and get ready for the evening. Aaron took her hand, and they walked side-by-side toward the five-story structures on the other end of the campus. There were two sidewalks separated by a strip of grass that was dotted with small trees. They chose the right side, which students took in the direction they were heading. It was as though everyone treated the two walkways like they were driving on the street.

  Another class had just let out in front of Jeanine and Aaron. Most of the class walked ahead on the same sidewalk as them. Only a couple students crossed over to take the other sidewalk in the opposite direction. Aaron fixed his eyes on one of the male students passing by.

  Jeanine caught him staring. Jokingly, she said, “See something you like?” Looking up, she saw his face turn beet red in embarrassment.

  He hesitated and then replied slowly, “I liked his shirt.”

  It wasn’t what he said, but the way he said it. He had paused long enough for her to assume he made up an excuse. Why would he? Again, she blew it off, thinking she was creating something out of nothing. The idea was ludicrous.

  They reached Jeanine’s dorm. Aaron kissed her before she went inside.

  * * * *

  Entering his room, Aaron walked over and plopped down on the bed. He lay back with a sigh.

  “What’s up?” asked Ron.

  “Oh, nothing. I’m just glad to get past the test.”

  Ron smiled wryly. “Man, you are a lousy liar.”

  Aaron sat up. “I think my girlfriend may have figured it out, too.”

  “Oh? Did she call you on something?”

  Aaron suddenly became uncomfortable. He had opened his mouth and immediately knew he shouldn’t have. Now he had to explain himself delicately to his roommate. “She made a comment when I looked over at someone.”

  “I see. She’s got a little jealous streak in her.”

  “It wasn’t like that. I happened to glance over at a guy. I liked the way his hair looked. I—I was trying to picture it on me. She made a facetious comment, and I covered by saying I liked his shirt. I’m not sure she bought it.”

  “I was right. You are a terrible liar.”

  “Yeah, I know, but I don’t think she really thought anything about it.”

  “I’m not talking about what you said to her. I meant what you said to me. Admit it. You liked the way the guy looked. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

  “What? You like how other guys look?”

  Ron smiled. “Sure I do. To be honest, I like the way you look.”

  Aaron blushed. “You say that so easily. You’re not afraid of how I might react?”

  “We’ve been roommates for two years. I think I know what I can get away with. You may not know this, but I’ve seen you catch a glimpse or two of me. You did your best to hide it, but I noticed.”

  Aaron was shocked. He didn’t say anything. He just sat staring wide-eyed at Ron. What Ron said next embarrassed him even more.

  “Just for my curiosity, what do you like about me?”

  “You really want to know that?”

  “Yes. I really want to know. Don’t be embarrassed. Nothing will leave this room, I promise.”

  “W-well—” he started, “I-I like the way you wear your hair. It looks good parted in the middle. It really helps to bring out your high cheek bones.”

  “Anything else?”

  “Um... you’re built solid... perfect proportion to your height.”

  “That wasn’t so hard, was it?”

  “You have no idea.”

  “Come on, Aaron. Admit it. You like a man’s body.”

  “I’m not gay.” Aaron frowned.

  “Never said you were. But answer me this. Have you ever thought about being with a man?”

  That pushed Aaron way beyond his comfort zone. He rolled his eyes, saying nothing.

  “Okay. How about when you were growing up? You had questions, right?”

  “Everybody does.”

  “True, but did yours get answered?”

  “I stopped thinking about them.”

  “Maybe you only chose to ignore them. I’d be willing to bet there’s a little bi in you.”

  “Yeah right,” Aaron said haughtily. “There’s no such thing as bisexual. You’re either gay, or you’re straight.”

  “I think Kinsey would disagree with that.”

  “Kinsey?”

  “He did research in the forties and determined that there are different levels of sexuality.”

  Aaron stated flatly, “It’s not important, anyway. I’m taken.”

  “True. I’m not saying anything... just merely suggesting. However, I think for your relationship, you’d best be in touch with yourself.”

  “I think I am, thank you.” Aaron had felt certain of himself when he entered his room, but Ron might have implanted thoughts in his head. Still, he stuck to his guns. Jeanine was his girlfriend. He wasn’t ready to admit that he found men attractive—not even to himself.

  Chapter Three

  “I wasn’t looking forward to this day,” said Jeanine.

  “You didn’t want to finish this year out?” Aaron grinned.

  Jeanine rolled her eyes. “You know what I mean.”

  “Yeah, I know.”

  “Why did your parents have to move?”

  “I’m not that far away, baby.”

  “But you’re south of here. That places the college almost in the middle.”

  “I’m only an hour south of here.”

  “That still puts you three hours away from Battle Creek.”

  “I know, but we still have our phones.” Aaron took Jeanine in his arms. “We’ll be okay, baby.”

  Jeanine closed her eyes as he hugged her. When they released, he led her over to an empty bench in the bus depot. Getting as comfortable on the seat as they could, Aaron placed his arm around her shoulders, and they sat quietly.

  Jeanine snuggled up to Aaron’s chest. She felt content in his arms, though she knew in the back of her head it was going
to end as soon as the bus pulled in. She looked up at Aaron with a soft smile. That smile was dashed when she saw his eyebrows rise. She turned her eyes to see what he was looking at that would cause the change of expression. She was surprised to find the only thing in that direction was a man. He was a hunk, having a physique most of the male trainers would sell their souls for. Sandy-brown hair in a crewcut allowed for all his facial features to stand out. He had soft blue eyes and a perfectly chiseled nose. She looked around the room and noticed that every female, old or young, was following him closely with their gaze. She sat up.

  “You’re watching him?” she said quietly.

  Aaron quickly turned his eyes toward her. “No—well yes, I mean... I wish I had a body like that.”

  “What are you talking about? Your body is already that good.” It wasn’t quite as good, but it was close enough. To her, it was perfect.

  Aaron smiled. “Thank you, baby.”

  The bus arrived on time. Jeanine’s eyes started watering. She was a mass of conflicting emotions. Pretending only to be sad that she was leaving Aaron for the summer, she stood as he did and hugged him tightly. He wrapped his arms around her and squeezed.

  “Summer will be over before you know it, baby.”

  She sniffed and smiled, pulling away from him. “I know. It’s not like we won’t be talking all the time.”

  “You know it.” He bent down and kissed her.

  She returned the kiss. However, when she attempted to slip her tongue inside his mouth, he ended the kiss. She was disappointed, but the way he pulled away might have been a timing thing. She couldn’t tell whether he didn’t want her inside him or he finished the kiss. His mien didn’t allow her to come to a conclusion either way. And she couldn’t really tell from his expression, either.

  Aaron walked her out to the bus and handed the bus driver her suitcase. He hugged Jeanine again. She held on like it might be the end she feared. It didn’t matter that she had no evidence, even circumstantial.