CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 1 2

MYRA

Forced proximity

I TOSSED AND turned all night. When I managed to sleep, my dreams were filled with him–those intense gray eyes, the sound of his voice, the touch of his hand on mine. As soon as my alarm went off in the morning I bolted up, breathless and out of sorts, my nightshirt soaked from sweating.

I grabbed my clothes and sprinted down the hall to the bathroom, where I was the first person in the showers. Kristin came in when I was getting dressed, offering me a sly smirk.

"What's with that look?" I demanded.

"Oh, nothing. It's just, you were moaning in your sleep last night."

I felt my cheeks heat up as one of the other girls turned to look at me. "Was not. "

Kristin laughed. "Oh girl, you were. Thinking about a certain tall, dark and handsome student?"

Tall, dark, and handsome? Oh god, I thought, realization dawning. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"It's okay, we've all been there. Just means you're human like the rest of us. Besides, he is droolworthy."

I rushed out of the bathroom without brushing my teeth, so intent was I on escaping Kristin's teasing. I stopped by the room to drop off my toiletries and pick up my books for the day and bounded down the stairs before Kristin returned. I decided to forego the cafeteria and grabbed a pack of crackers out of the vending machine for breakfast before heading to my first class, where I arrived twenty minutes early. The fact that Kristin thought I was fantasizing about Ron had me completely out of sorts. What if she said something to him? I'd never be able to return to Mr. Edmonds' class.

The morning passed in a blur and before I knew it I was in my literature class. I got there before Ron and didn't look up when he slid into the seat next to me, instead focusing on making a last minute check of the paper that was due today.

"I see you're ready for this," Ron whispered to me as Mr. Edmonds sailed into the room.

I offered him a terse smile and directed my attention to the professor, who was writing something on the white board, but I could feel Ron's presence next to me. You're just being silly. There's nothing going on here.

Still, when Mr. Edmonds asked everyone to pass their papers forward, Ron's hand brushed mine and I had a moment of panic as I wondered if it was intentional .

"Okay, people, now for something that will no doubt please the male population of the class, the next book we'll focus on is Mary Shelley's Frankenstein . Has anyone already read it?"

"Finally," Ron muttered as half the class raised their hands. "Does seeing the movie count?" he asked after the hands went down, earning him a few chuckles.

"Which one, Mr. Beechman?" Mr. Edmonds asked. "There have been several adaptations of the book in film, some more accurate than others, but none will reflect the quality of Shelley's prose. For the purpose of this class, I'd advise you to read the book rather than rely on the movies. But since you brought it up, let's discuss some of the themes of the story. I'm especially interested in hearing from those of you who have actually read the book."

He began to write on the board as students called out ideas. I opened my notebook to take notes, careful to page past my sketches, though I noticed Ron glancing over to watch me out of the corner of my eye. He opened his own notebook and reached over to nudge me, pointing to what looked like a new drawing. It appeared to be a cross between a griffin and a gargoyle.

"I did it last night," he whispered.

I nodded, trying to keep my attention on the class, but I couldn't escape the effect of his eyes on me, no doubt waiting for a reaction. I finally smiled and said, "It's really good."

"Did you have something to add, Ms. Landon?" Mr. Edmonds asked.

I realized he was talking to me and blushed. "Excuse me?"

"Did you have a theme to add to the discussion?"

Think, I urged myself. "Um, the dangers of technology?"

"A concern that translates to our world today, wouldn't you agree? "

I nodded. "Yes."

"Can you give an example?"

Why was he picking on me, I wondered. "The current advances in AI?"

"Very good. One of Shelley's main themes was man using technology to play god. Many people are afraid of that happening with AI."

When he moved on to someone else, I exhaled and tried to ignore the smirk on the face of the man at my side. He didn't bother me any more in class, but he stuck to my side when I rose to leave.

"That AI thing was quick thinking," he said when we emerged in the hallway. "So I take you've already read the book?"

I nodded. "When I was fifteen."

"That early, huh?"

"I, uh, had a friend who was into dark literature." I stopped myself; that was more than I wanted to admit to anyone. I never talked about Poe.

"Myra!"

I turned to see Kristin strolling up behind us. "Hello, Ron," she greeted as she reached us and gave me a knowing smirk. I rolled my eyes and wished for an escape, but I was trapped between the two of them.

"A few of us are going out tonight," Kristin said. "You're both coming, right?"

Ron glanced at me and grinned. "Sure. Text me the details. I gotta get to class."

When he took off Kristin slipped her arm through mine and started down the hall. "You can thank me over lunch. "

Thank her? I was mortified. Not only had Ron gotten me in trouble in class, but now my own roommate was trying to set me up. "Look, I don't know about tonight…" I started to protest.

Kristin interrupted me. "I don't want to hear your excuses. If we wait for you to act, we'll never get anywhere. Besides, it's obvious the man has the hots for you."

"How is it obvious?"

Kristin smiled at me. "You really are na?ve, aren't you? Well, it's a good thing you have me as your wingman. Or, woman."

? ? ?

There was no way out of it. I tried to fake a headache, but Kristin saw right through my ruse and even picked out what I was wearing; one of my shorter skirts and a coordinating fuzzy sweater with a scoop neck that I rarely wore.

"I don't want to give him the wrong impression," I insisted.

"And what would that be?" Kristin asked.

"You know, that I'm looking for something to happen."

"But you are looking for something to happen. Come on, girl, live a little. You can't take it with you."

I plopped down on my bed with my head in my hands. "I don't think I can do this."

Kristin sat down beside me and wrapped her arm around my shoulders. "Sure you can. You just need to trust yourself. Now let's do something with your hair."

"What's wrong with my hair?"

Kristin reached up and pulled back the hair by my face and started weaving it into a braid. "Hold this," she told me while she went in search of a hair tie, then let the braid fall over the hair in the back. "You have nice eyes, and now you can see them."

I stood and looked in the mirror on my closet door. I had to admit Kristin was right, but I felt exposed without my hair to hide behind.

The bar we were going to was called Melrose, the same one we'd visited last Friday night. Celine and Renee were already there, along with Jack and another guy Kristin introduced as Rocky. Ron showed up a few minutes after us, panting like he had run the whole way.

"I went by the dorm to get Toby but he was on his way over to Lisa's room," he said as he helped push two tables together and arrange chairs for everyone. He pulled his own chair up next to mine, which didn't go unnoticed by Kristin, who gave me an I told you so grin. The server stopped by to take our orders, and I insisted on Coke. This time I wasn't going to let Kristin talk me out of it.

"You don't drink?" Ron asked.

I made a face. "It's just not for me."

"That's probably smart. I developed a taste for beer when I was a kid. My uncle was always coming by and sneaking his half-empty cans to my brother and me."

"Was your brother older than you?"

He nodded. "Two years. He joined the Air Force right out of high school, wanted to get into cyber security. He's in Germany right now, seeing the world and living in a real life video game."

I smiled at him. "That didn't attract you?"

"Charlie was always the risk taker. Me…I guess you could say I'm more grounded. I'm actually thinking about teaching. "

My eyes widened; I wouldn't have suspected that about him. I just assumed he was more of the jock type, not that the school had any sports teams. Apparently Ron Beechman had hidden depths.

He grinned at my reaction. "Hard to believe, right?"

"What would you teach?"

"Well, obviously not literature," he laughed. "I'm something of a history buff."

"History? What made you chose Whitfield? Seems like you could have had more variety at a larger school."

"My mother went to Whitfield and she's in the alumni association. Made it a little easier for me to get in."

The drinks arrived and Jack asked the server to bring us some food menus. I hadn't planned on staying long enough to eat, especially since I was pretty sure they probably only offered the standard burgers and wings, but I realized I was starving and I was actually enjoying Ron's company.

"So tell me, Myra Landon," Ron said after we had all placed our orders, "what brings you to Whitfield?"

I was surprised he knew my last name, and I found myself wanting to open up to him despite my usual reluctance to let anyone in. "My dad left me a small inheritance and I had a scholarship. I considered the bigger schools, but when I saw Whitfield, I became intrigued with its small campus and classroom sizes. I figured I could get a more personalized education here."

That was the most I had talked about myself in years.

"And what about the art? Have you always been talented at drawing?"

"My father wanted me to pursue it, but, well…I lost interest. "

I blinked back the tears that always welled in my eyes at this subject. No, I would not get emotional in front of him. "Will you excuse me for a minute? I need to run to the ladies' room."

I stood up before he could answer me, determined to find a private place to get myself under control. I didn't even notice my surroundings as I made a beeline through the crowded room until a hand shot out and wrapped around my arm, pulling me close. I gasped when I saw who it was.

"Julianus. What are you–?"

I was pressed up against him, his hard body molding perfectly to mine, his scent–a fresh male muskiness–filling my head, his eyes blown to full black in the dim light of the bar. My pulse skittered at his closeness, my nipples achingly hard, a warmth fluttering through my belly. I wanted him closer, I needed him to back away. I was torn, and without thinking, I pushed my hand against his chest to gain some space and felt his heart pounding as fast as mine. He reached his free hand out and grabbed the braid at the back of my hair, running it through his fingers.

"I like it like this."

I was caught completely off guard. "What do–?

He didn't give me a chance to respond. "Is he someone special to you?"

It took me a minute to put together what he was asking. "Who, Ron? He's a friend." The initial shock of seeing him here had worn off, to be replaced by a slow-burning resentment. What right had he to ask about me? I glanced down at the hand that still held my arm and tried to shake loose, but his grip was relentless.

"Please let me go," I said and his eyes widened as he released me .

"Sorry. I just…did not expect to see you here with someone."

"And what business is that of yours?" I snapped, amazed at my own anger. I was never one to seek out conflict.

"I was thinking about you," he replied with a shrug.

He was thinking about me? Is that why he was here, to look for me? While the thought of that gave me a momentary thrill, I still didn't like the way he had assumed he had any rights over me. "As flattering as that is, I'm here with my friends. Now, if you'll excuse me, I was headed for the restroom."

I stalked off before he had a chance to reply, blowing out a long sigh and trying to get my nerves under control. Was he actually jealous of me?

"You are completely out of your element here," I murmured under my breath as I yanked open the door to the ladies' room.

Julianus was gone when I emerged several minutes later. The encounter had at least made me forget about my reason for heading to the restroom in the first place. Ron looked up with a wide grin when I approached the table.

"I was beginning to worry about you."

I returned his smile and slipped into my seat as our food was delivered. "Sorry. There was a line."

"Something guys never have to worry about, "Kristin added, eavesdropping.

"Oh, we get lines," Ron insisted with a glance across the bar. "Though not like that."

I was grateful for the distraction of food, and I dug into my burger with uncharacteristic zeal while trying to follow the conversation at the table, but my mind kept going back to Julianus. I had never had the attention of two men before, and had certainly never dealt with male jealousy. Was he really here looking for me?

I recalled the effect of his body pressed against mine and felt a warmth flush through me. I didn't realize I was smiling until Kristin leaned over to me and asked, "What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing," I insisted, biting my lip.

"Uh huh," she said knowingly. "I'm sure he'll give you something to smile about later if you let him."

I glanced at Ron and was grateful to see he was deep in conversation with Jack about a video game and hadn't heard what she said. "Behave yourself," I hissed.

Kristin laughed and patted me on the arm. "I'm hoping you don't take your own advice."

The rest of the evening passed pleasantly as the group at the table, with the exception of me, became progressively more tipsy. The guys tried to top each other in childhood exploits, which had everyone laughing hysterically. When they'd all had enough beer, we walked back to the campus as a group before everyone split off to their respective dorms, though Ron insisted on accompanying Kristin and me back to ours. Kristin excused herself in a move that wasn't obvious at all, leaving Ron and me alone in front of the steps. Ron said goodnight then reached out and grabbed my hand.

"I had fun tonight," he said, pulling me closer. When I started to turn away, he leaned in and pressed his lips to mine. It was quick and chaste, no tongue involved, but I pulled back in awe. No one had kissed me since Poe.

"See you in class Monday," he said with a grin .

He turned and headed off in the direction of his dorm while I stood on the steps and watched, my fingers going to my lips where I could still feel his touch. What was happening here?

When I got up to my room, Kristin was waiting for me with a big grin. "Well?"

"He kissed me."

"I told you. Now aren't you glad you went tonight?"

I didn't know what to feel. Between the kiss and the encounter with Julianus, I had a feeling my life had just become more complicated.