The Book of Love: TWIST OF FATE 2021

By Shaunna Rodriguez, Carrie Weston, Margaret Mallory and 3 more

In a world where fate often has a twist on love, life, and the paranormal where worlds are within worlds; some will win, and some will lose. Only a twist of fate will tell the tale.

 

Blind-dates, the geeky guy gets the girl, sexy, sweet, seductive, molten hot, heart-racing, nail-biting, edge of your seat, romance, chaos, with drama because there must be drama in any relationship, and a slow-burn that is anything but vanilla. Award-Winning, Bestselling, and up-and-coming authors bring you stories tailored to the most romantic month of the year, February. Not everyone will be lucky in love or life and not everyone is who they claim to be.... 

 

Twist of Fate 2021 Multi-Author 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Coffee & Cakes Publishing
• Release date: Feb 16, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393934158

Book preview

The Book of Love

The Book of Love

Shaunna Rodriguez M.A. Abraham Crystal Lynn Margaret Mallory Carrie Weston K.T. Brown

Contents

Acknowledgement

Legal Rights

Love Blossoms

Shaunna Rodriguez

Legal Rights

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Afterword

A Plot Of Luck

Legal Rights

Prologue

Afterword

Love, Your Baby Girl

Legal Rights

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

About the Author

To Love an Elven Lord

M.A. Abraham

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Epilogue

Blind Date

Crystal Lynn

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

The End

Complete List Of The Single Status Valentine’s Day Series

A Touch of Temptation

Margaret Mallory

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Natural Beauty

Carrie Weston

Chapter 1

Love, Your Baby Girl

Shaunna Rodriguez

Legal Rights

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Afterword

Be My Valentine?

K. T. Brown

Valentine’s Day

About the Author

This book is dedicated to the authors who worked tirelessly in between their other projects to take part in my February set.

This book is also dedicated to our readers and fans. Thank you for taking the time to read and review our stories!

Acknowledgement

This is to acknowledge the works of;

---

M.A. Abraham, Bestselling Author

Crystal StClair, Bestselling Author

Shaunna Rodriguez, Award-Winning, Bestselling Author

Margaret Mallory

Carrie Weston

K.T. Brown

This book is an original publication of COFFEE & CAKES PUBLISHING. THE BOOK OF LOVE, is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or have been adapted fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, alive or dead, as well as businesses, locations, groups, or organizations is purely coincidental. The publisher and author do not accept responsibility for any third-party website, social media personality or groups, or their content.

Coffee & Cakes Publishing, Copyright 2021 Shaunna Rodriguez

Covered N’ Class Designs, Copyright 2021

Vellum flower icon Created with Vellum

Legal Rights

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic format without expressed written consent of the author and/ or publisher. Please do not participate in or encourage the piracy of copyrighted materials. It is not only a violation of the author’s rights, but of the copyright law. Purchase only authorized editions. Printed proudly in the United States of America.

This book is an original publication of Shaunna Rodriguez. LOVE BLOSSOMS, is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or have been adapted fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, alive or dead, as well as businesses, locations, groups, or organizations is purely coincidental. The publisher and author do not accept responsibility for any third-party website, social media personality or groups, or their content.

Coffee & Cakes Publishing, Copyright 2021 Shaunna Rodriguez

Covered N’ Class Designs, Copyright 2021

Legal Rights

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic format without expressed written consent of the author and/ or publisher. Please do not participate in or encourage the piracy of copyrighted materials. It is not only a violation of the author’s rights, but of the copyright law. Purchase only authorized editions. Printed proudly in the United States of America.

Prologue

Chris Thompson propped his chin on his fist and gazed at the whiteboard, unable to focus. His thoughts weren’t on chemistry or the notes he should be taking. He was thinking about Alexis Belle again.

The more accurate term would be daydreaming. It would be in his dreams he ever got near the likes of the cheerleading beauty queen.

Christopher Thompson? Mrs. Cantrell’s sharp, nasally voice brought him back to reality. He sat up, hoping there wasn’t drool dripping from the corner of his mouth.

That’s all he needed Alexis to see. The next time she saw a Saint Bernard, she’d remember his drooly face. Good publicity or bad?

Yes, Mrs. Cantrell? He hated being put on the spot more than anything. In his mind, he wasn’t the most attractive guy in the school. He knew he didn’t hold a candle to Brett Danforth, quarterback and recent ex-boyfriend of Alexis Belle.

Both Chris and Brett had blue-eyes and sandy blonde hair, but that’s where the similarities stopped, and despair set in. Girls weren’t the only ones who worried about their appearance.

By comparison, Brett had a good three inches on his six feet. He could probably bench press two hundred more than he could.

Are two atoms of the same element identical? Mrs. Cantrell directed the question to him. Thankfully, chemistry was one of his best subjects. Yup, you guessed it, he was a geek to the core. His weekends were spent tutoring or gaming out with equally geeky people with names he couldn’t pronounce.

No Mrs. Cantrell, no two atoms are typically ever alike.

Why? She continued to keep him in the spotlight.

He could see Alexis’s sparkly blue eyes staring at him. He rubbed his palms over his jeans and swallowed. Come on, Chris, you know this, he coaxed quietly.

It’s first based on electrons and the state that an atom can occupy.

Very good. Alexis, do you agree? Mrs. Cantrell asked. Alexis sat up, startled, letting her phone slip from her fingers.

It bounced off the blacktop lab table and slid next to Chris’s metal stool. He looked at it, then up at her, unsure if he should pick it up or not.

Miss Belle? Mrs. Cantrell snapped her fingers at the beautiful blonde. She looked from the phone to Chris then back to Mrs. Cantrell and shifted nervously.

Chris glanced at the phone and grinned, turning his face into his shoulder. Alexis had been Googling the question and sorting answers when she was called on.

Alexis? You’re pushing an F for participation. I’m going to need an answer. If you spent more time paying attention and less time on your phone, perhaps you’d be passing my class.

Two atoms of the same element are different if their electrons are different. Alexis finally answered. Mrs. Cantrell studied her thoughtfully, then nodded.

Or something like that. Alexis muttered.

What was that, Miss Belle? Mrs. Cantrell turned back around.

I asked if she thought that an atom could and would change just based on an electron. Chris couldn’t believe he’d just done that. He never spoke up unless he was called on. What the hell had he just done?

And? Mrs. Cantrell asked Alexis.

That’s why she said or something like that. Chris answered for her, keeping Alexis’s phone under his arm.

It isn’t something like that, Alexis. But as long as you understand the subject. Perhaps if not, you could ask Mr. Thompson for pointers or tutoring?

With my cheer and dance schedule, I don’t see,

You have heard the expression' no pass no play? You’re dangerously close to not passing. When you fail my class, you’ll have less time to play and more time to study. Right, Miss Belle? Mrs. Cantrell kept her on the spot.

She’s checking her schedule. Mine is clear. Chris couldn’t stop talking. His brain and mouth were not communicating. His mouth was just doing all the talking and thinking for everyone. He was humiliated.

Well, that is actually helpful to me. Mrs. Cantrell nodded to Chris. He didn’t dare look at Alexis. She was likely shooting daggers of death at him right then.

The geekiest guy in school had no chance of getting anywhere near her. He knew this. The closest he’d ever get to her was her phone. Wait, he had her phone.

Class, I’ve been telling you for a couple of weeks now that your end-of-year assignment would be at least 90% of your grade. Mrs. Cantrell paused.

Oh crap. Chris muttered under his breath and pushed his long, pale fingers into his shaggy hair as the reality of the situation set in.

So, my first partners are already assigned. Chris Thompson, you, and Alexis Belle will be working together. Good luck, Chris. I’m positive that you’re going to need it.

Chris choked on air and coughed into his fist. He turned to look at the door, wishing he could run through it and disappear into the tacky linoleum floor.

Next, Birdie Sommers and Telford Pratt. Mrs. Cantrell walked down each aisle pairing students. Just as she finished calling off the last students' names, the bell rang.

Chris reached down for his black backpack in time to see a flash of Alexis Belle darting past him. Her short, white skirt flared out brushing his nose and lips sending a thrill through him. He closed his eyes and memorized her light, sweet scent.

Chris sat up with his backpack positioning it between his abdomen and the edge of the black lab table and opened it.

His mind was a fog as he picked up his chemistry book and dropped it in first. He could still feel the soft material of Alexis’s skirt on his face and smell her sweet but subtle scent of vanilla.

Still picturing Alexis’s loose hair bouncing over the tops of her shoulders and her electric blue eyes looking at him as if she saw him, Chris reached for his notebook.

His fingers brushed Alexis’s phone he’d pushed beneath it so Mrs. Cantrell couldn’t see it. He blinked several times clearing his mind long enough to realize he still had Alexis Belle’s phone.

Since she was the most popular girl in school and active in most school functions, he was positive she’d be needing or at least wanting the pink, sparkly phone back.

Chris swiped it off the lab table and darted out of the classroom. He ran into the busy hallway. It was packed with screaming teenagers, flying papers, lockers slamming, teachers shouting, and the final bell dismissing school for the day. Crap, no sign of Alexis Belle.

His head tipped back as he let the full reality set in. He had Alexis Belle’s phone. He’d get to see her again and maybe even talk to her when he returned it. Perhaps luck was on his side for once….

Chapter 1

Chris walked the halls on Cloud Nine filled with pure sunshine. Nothing could put a damper on this day. Nothing.

That is until he stepped through the heavy metal doors into a downpour. Even the chains wrapped around the steel bars attached to the doors rattled in protest.

Crap. Too bad I don’t have any I.O.U.’s to cash in on a rainy day. Chris muttered and walked down the several red brick steps to his bike.

Thankfully, it was still chained to the rack. He had at least that going for him, though it was going to suck riding home in the rain.

Chris slipped his backpack off his shoulders and dug the key out of the front pocket. He inserted the gold object into the matching lock. He did a double take at his flat tires submerged in mud.

Someone slashed the front and back. Chris sat down, soaked to the bone, and no longer caring about getting wet. He drew his knee up and propped his elbow on it and let out a frustrated sigh.

What? What next? Why me? Chris tipped his head back and talked to the dark clouds.

Thunder rumbled in answer as a flash of lightening rippled across the darkening sky. He blinked away the rain pelting his eyes and dropped his chin to his chest and shook his head.

He was almost certain Brett Danforth was responsible for this. He would bet his life word had gotten back to him that Chris had come to Alexis’s rescue in class.

That earned him a warning from the quarterback to back off his girl. Despite them being broken up. It wasn’t the first time they’d broken up. Probably wouldn’t be the last. He had his mouth to thank for this.

Chris? His head shot up. He was hearing things. He knew he was.

Chris! He almost got whiplash turning his head in the direction of the female’s voice. It was a voice he’d know anywhere.

What are you doing? Alexis ran across the courtyard, jumping puddles, amusing Chris as he watched her.

Sitting? He asked as she got closer holding her white, leather, M.K. bag above her head shielding her drenched hair from getting wet. He couldn’t help but to smile. She was beautiful and popular, but completely dingy.

He noticed she’d changed out of her white skirt into black yoga pants and a tight-fitting sports top with thin straps.

Her pink and white running shoes were getting wet. He wondered if she noticed. She probably had ten pairs in the trunk of her Mercedes.

Why are you sitting in the rain? She stood beside him, still holding the bag over her head.

You do know you’re getting wet, right?

I might be dryer than you. At least I tried. She pointed at the bag. Chris grinned.

What are you doing? Where is your car? She looked around then at the bike and frowned then groaned.

Let me guess, Brett?

Most likely.

He is such an ass. I’m so sorry.

You didn’t do it.

I came back for my phone. I think I left it in Mrs. Cantrell’s class. I hoped I’d catcher before she went home for the day. It worked out I needed to come back because I got to the wet, muddy field and had to cancel practice. We can’t work in this mess. She gestured around them.

The gym is dry, isn’t it? He asked, amused.

The basketball team is doing pre-season drills. We are out-manned, I’m afraid.

You have a competition coming up, don’t you? His question surprised her.

Actually, yes. I’m astonished you know that. Thinking of trying out? She teased.

Oh, you know I am. Mmm. I’m gonna be an awesome towel boy. He grinned, making her laugh. Wow, he’d made her laugh.

Perfect. Ours quit. She teased, or was she?

You need a ride? She offered.

I’d say yes, but I don’t want to get your seat wet.

It’s leather. I’m sure it can wipe off. I also have towels in the car.

Really, it’s okay. I can walk.

In a deluge? Her vocabulary took him aback. He stared at her dumbfounded and watched a smile flickering at the corner of her delicious mouth.

You do know what a deluge is, Chris? Right? Or is chemistry your subject?

More like math and science. He wished he hadn’t answered that.

I didn’t know. She feigned shock.

I know. I’m full of surprises.

I’m sure you are. Look, I’m not leaving you out here to drown.

No big words for drowned? He teased.

I haven’t gotten that far on my word of the day toilet paper. Sorry. Maybe tomorrow? She grinned wickedly. Chris couldn’t stop the laughter that bubbled out.

Alexis! His blood ran cold at the sound of Brett’s deep voice.

Crap. She hissed under her breath and spun around making a poor attempt at shielding Chris with her small body.

Hey babe. Whatcha doing in the rain and with this loser? Brett hooked a thumb towards Chris.

Uh, he’s not a loser, thank you. He’s my friend and I’m helping him.

Alexis, get in the damn car and get out of the rain before you get sick and I have to bring you flowers or some shit like that in the hospital.

Brett grabbed her arm. Alexis yanked backwards and hit Chris in the nose. Brett howled with laughter and clapped.

Chris! Oh, I am so sorry! Alexis tip toed to see his nose. At only five feet tall and him at six, she wasn’t able to just see the damage.

He’s fine! He’s used to being punched. Brett smirked. Alexis shot him a death glare.

I said let’s go! Brett grabbed for her again. This time Chris knocked his hand away.

She said no. Leave Brett.

Look who grew a pair. Brett laughed. He drew back and punched him squarely in the nose. The impact splattered Alexis with blood. Her hands flew out to the side as she let out a startled screech.

Get away from me now! Go Brett! Go now or I swear I will call the police! Her voice was shrill and angry matching the fury on her face.

You are making a big mistake, Alexis. You were nothing before me. You’re going to be nothing without me. You’ll see! Get used to spending time with the geek! Brett walked backwards and pointed at her.

I hate that guy! She yelled, cracking Chris up.

I am so sorry! She turned back around and cupped his face. The things her touch alone did to him were mind blowing. Chris just thought speaking out of turn in class was humiliating.

I’m okay. Really. Chris tried assuring her despite the amount of blood gushing from the minor wound to his sore nose.

This is not fine. Are you hemophilic? Again, she left him astounded.

Okay, from your expression, I’m under the impression you think I am an absolute idiot.

Well, no, it’s not that it’s just, He wasn’t sure how to keep dingbat out of his response. She was the one who ran over with a leather bag covering the top of her head in a rainstorm.

I guess I just don’t talk to you enough. That was the best he could do. Who was the dingbat now?

Are you? She asked worried and tipped his head back, examining his nose.

Look, if we’re going to be this personal, I think you should buy me coffee or dinner or something. Chris quipped playfully. He had the worst timing for humor. Alexis moved her hands and examined his expression, then smirked.

We can get coffee on the way to your house. Dinner, however, would be before sex. We’re not having sex currently. Chris choked on air as he stared at her, stunned. What did she say?

Coffee is good. No, I am not hemophilic. My nose took two repeated hits. It’s feelings are hurt. He shrugged, cracking her up.

Come on, gusher. She grabbed the front of his lime green soaked shirt and jogged towards her white Mercedes parked alongside the curb. She popped the trunk and withdrew several towels.

Go to the beach a lot? Chris quipped.

That was unlikely since it was March in Delaware. Though flowers were in full bloom, the weather was still bi-polar. Mornings were a chilly thirty to fifty degrees.

By the afternoon it was in the high sixties to seventies. By five o’clock in the evening, the temperatures will have dropped again.

I wish. She laughed and handed him a navy-blue towel.

Alexis draped one over the dark grey leather seat then placed another in the floorboard. She swung her hands out to the car.

Your chariot awaits, Princess. Come on before you turn into a pumpkin. Chris coughed into his fist, then stared at the overcast sky and laughed.

What now? She half laughed.

Cinderella didn’t turn into a pumpkin- you know what? Let’s go get coffee. My treat. You hit me but hey, I’ll buy.

I swear I am going to hit you again. On second thought, I don’t want blood in my car. Alexis winked playfully and ran around the car then slid into the driver's seat.

You want a towel? Chris held the one he’d had pressed to his nose out to her.

Chris, if you’re putting your DNA on me, I don’t want it to be your blood. No offense. Again, she left him speechless. He arched an eyebrow at her and caught the slightest of grins tugging at the corners of her plump, alluring red lips.

I live,

I know where you live. She cut him off and dropped the car into first. Alexis pulled away from the curb and onto the empty street. Chris debated asking questions but chose to let it ride for the time being.

He was shocked when she knew who he was, astounded when she defended him against her ex, and stunned stupid when she informed him, she knew where he lived. If he was dreaming, he hoped he never woke-up.

Chapter 2

Chris re-played the way Alexis looked at him when she pulled into the driveway of his parent’s two-story house.

He noticed her staring over his shoulder and followed her gaze to his mother’s prized roses in bloom. Ah, though she was anything but typical, like most girls, Alexis liked roses. He suspected she did.

My mom babies those. Chris chuckled nervously and fumbled for the door.

Thanks for the coffee and the company, Chris. He wasn’t sure how good of company he’d been but smiled at the sentiment.

Sure. Oh uh, about the um, He wasn’t sure how to ask if she was really going to be his partner for the chemistry assignment.

The um? Alexis turned in her seat and drew one long leg in front of her. Chris couldn’t stop his wandering gaze from drinking in the beauty sitting across from him.

They’re called legs Chris. Alexis patted her knee playfully. He blushed and turned to look at the door to see where the handle was.

Chris, Chris, I’m teasing. Are you asking about the project? Alexis’s hand on his upper arm not only made him feel self-conscious, but ignited feelings he’d never felt in his life before. He looked at her over his shoulder and nodded.

If you’re good with being partners. I understand if you think I’m clueless and don’t trust your perfect 4.2 to me.

I am not even going to ask how you know that. Chris cocked his head to the side. Alexis leaned back against the door, then rolled her eyes.

Never mind, Chris.

Wait, no wait. I didn’t mean anything by that. I mean, I don’t even see how that could have been offensive.

I don’t want to talk about it. It’s nothing. Do you want to work on chemistry or not?

Ours? Chris stammered. Alexis smiled, then all out laughed.

Chris,

I swear I meant the project. I know we don’t have any chemistry. Why would we? We wouldn’t. I didn’t mean it like that. It’s not a date or anything. He’d never stammered, talked so fast, or been so uncomfortable in his life.

You don’t talk to girls, much do you?

Yes, all the time. I’m the guy all girls want to talk to. Yup. His snarky defensive side was coming out the more uncomfortable he got.

I have to ask. She chuckled.

Okay, you did. No, I don’t talk to girls and they don’t talk to me. In case you didn’t notice Alexis, I’m no Brett Danforth.

"Maybe that’s what I like about you, Chris. Maybe that’s what a lot of girls like about you.

You wouldn’t notice because you stay in some sort of bubble."

I like my bubble. There are no surprises or disappointments in my bubble. I’m going to finish out senior year then,

Go to Harvard? Congrats, I heard you got in. Just when he thought she couldn’t shock him further, she did.

What the hell? He hadn’t even told his mom. How in the hell did she know? She smirked, then grinned and shrugged.

Alexis, I know it’s crazy to say this, but I feel like you might be stalking me. I mean, you know who I am,

Because I know who you are makes me the stalker type?

No, but you know where I live, what coffee I like, which is just insane, and you know about Harvard. I might add I haven’t decided on it.

I know. You’ve got Yale, Brown, and any other Ivy League school and then some to choose from.

You are very interesting and scary. He laughed nervously.

Chris, do you know anything about me? He wasn’t sure if he wanted to answer that. At least not honestly. What was frightening was he knew most everything about her.

A little, I guess.

Okay, shoot. She held her hands out to him.

Well, just from talking to you, I know you’re smart.

Do not repeat that to anyone. She leaned forward and held her finger up. Chris leaned back, then raised his hand and moved her finger gently away from his face.

Alexis, there’s nothing wrong with being smart.

Have you lived in my world? Have you met my friends?

Yup. He nodded and cocked his head to the side thoughtfully.

I can hold my own. I am not brilliant.

Geeky. He smirked.

Okay, whatever. I’m not a nerdy brainiac and geeky.

But I bet you know the square root of pi.

Everyone knows the square root of pi. She scoffed.

Do they? I don’t know that many people who do.

So, you think I’m smart. Okay. What do you actually know about me?

You’re beautiful, shy, funny, quiet, athletic, and you love cheerleading. You’ve dated and broken up with Brett since we were in junior high. I retract that, you’re not smart, Alexis.

Excuse me? She half laughed; half scoffed.

You are a complete idiot where guys are concerned.

Oh my gosh, Chris. She put her hands on her face and laughed again.

You-you serve yourself up to that bonehead to be knocked down over and over. Probably literally. I’ve seen the bruises on you.

You try to hide them with long-sleeves and extra makeup. If you stand right in the light, it’s noticeable. He might have said too much. They sat in silence for a few uncomfortable minutes.

Thanks for the ride, Alexis. Chris opened the door and put one long leg out. The downpour had stopped. Now it was only a little drizzly.

Not that it mattered. His clothes were still wet, and his shoes squished when he walked. He got out without another word and shoved his hands into his pockets.

Chris! He stopped on the first step to the front door and looked back at Alexis running towards him. He shook his head fast, thinking he was imagining that. What in the name of romance movies was he seeing?

You forgot your bag in my car. She held his backpack up.

Oh, thanks. He stepped down and reached out for it, brushing her hand with his.

Sure. She continued to stand there, never looking more beautiful, he was certain.

Alexis, I’m really sorry about, He didn’t get to finish his sentence. She grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him to her, startling him. The backpack dropped from his finger to the rock walkway with a thud.

Thank you. Her words couldn’t be more shocking than her wrapping her arms around him for a hug. Never in his wildest dreams, okay that was a lie because he’d had some pretty wild dreams about Alexis Belle.

What guy hadn’t? But here she was, wrapped around him, her warm body pressed against his, literally blowing his mind. Was it her nearness or the sweet vanilla scent wafting off her that was purely nostalgic?

For insulting you? Her head tipped back, taking his breath away. Glittering blue eyes filled with pain and innocence stared up at him.

For being my friend, Chris. A real friend. He was lost on the sentiment but nodded just the same. He didn’t know they’d ever been friends, but he’d take it. He’d take Alexis Belle any way he could get her.

Is seven too late? She continued to gaze up at him. Chris realized then she was still wrapped around him.

With every nerve in his body on edge and shaking, he wrapped his arms around her, pressing his palms against her back.

He would have sworn he’d imagined her reacting to his touch and arching. He knew he’d imagined the soft moan that escaped her partially open lips.

Too late for? Chris’s eyes searched hers, trying to see into the depths of her soul.

To work on our chemistry. She smirked, cracking him up.

Seven is good. Any time is good. Chris stared at her in disbelief.

Here or my house? She held him tighter and swayed.

Anything you want. His voice was deeper. Not even he recognized it.

Then here it is. It’ll be quieter. I have a younger brother and he’s a little too curious. She rolled her eyes.

Okay. Seven at my house. Chris pressed his palms upwards lifting her higher. He leaned forward and kissed her forehead.

Alexis used his shoulders to stand upright. She smiled and ran her fingers through his hair. She pushed the long, light blonde strands that fell just over his brow.

Seven. She repeated, then walked backwards and waved.

Chris didn’t know what he was getting himself into with her as he waved back. He watched as she got into her car then drove away.

He looked away and blinked then finally breathed when the red of her taillights disappeared at the stop sign down the block.

Chris, was that Alexis Belle? His mom startled him into a surprised yelp. He only thought he’d gotten in a cardio workout from Alexis’s touch.

Mom. He choked out.

Sorry, I thought I heard talking out here and a car. I looked out the window and couldn’t help noticing a rather beautiful girl, one my son has had his eye on for as long as I can remember, wrapped around him.

No privacy? Seriously? He half laughed and scooped up his backpack.

Is she coming for dinner! She called to his back. Chris rolled his eyes and stared at the sky. He couldn’t wipe the smile off his face if he tried.

She’ll be back at seven mom. For a school project. That’s all. Those words were like a dagger to his heart but that was reality. Alexis was so far out of his league; he’d always be the towel boy and never the quarterback.

Chapter 3

Despite his mom making his favorite chicken fried steak for dinner, he was so nervous he couldn’t eat. He felt like he’d waited his entire life to spend five minutes with Alexis Belle, much less have her come over for a project.

Chris, you should eat. His mom pointed her fork at his plate.

It looks great mom, I’m just sorta sick to my stomach.

Nerves. She gave him a knowing smile.

Understatement of the year.

She’s just a girl, Chris.

Mom, you know she’s more than that. I’m trying to find balance here and put aside what I really feel for her and have to be just friends. Like finding and accepting just friend’s feelings.

That’s not easy but just take it slow. Being friends is a great way to start.

She has enough friends, mom. I’m just the guy who’s going to help her pass chemistry for the year. After that, I won’t even be the guy she used to know. He hated to admit that.

You don’t know that Chris. I wish you’d give yourself more credit.

Okay mom, I’m the geeky guy with the highest GPA in the school. I have my pick of colleges. When I’m not doing assignments to get as many college credits as I can before I graduate high school, I spend my time gaming out with people I only know by gamer tags.

What’s your point?

Alexis Belle is a cheerleader. Captain of the squad, athletic and into just about every sporting event there is. She’s beautiful, smart, funny, and popular. She’s popular.

Sounds like a fairytale. She winked.

That was no help. I’m not a dragon slayer, prince, or king. I’m the court jester and I’m lucky to be that. At this point, I might be the chamber maid.

The doorbell rang before the conversation could continue. Chris’s eyes widened in horror. He was positive a pair of boxer briefs were on his bedroom floor.

He jumped up almost tripping over the chair and hurdled it. Chris slid across the hardwood floor catching himself on his fingertips. He took the stairs three at a time to the top.

Chris sprinted down the hall to his room and slid on his knees again across the floor scooping up whatever was scattered. He had never moved or cleaned so fast in his life.

He pushed his black, leather gaming chair with his foot across the room and out of the middle of the floor. Chris sprinted to the bed and yanked the dark blue comforter up. He tucked it neatly beneath the pillows then fluffed them.

He’d never made his bed. He finally remembered to breathe as he looked around making sure there were no boxers hanging off the bedside lamp or anything embarrassing out.

Alexis, please make this a regular visit. His room has never been so clean, or his bed made. Ever.

Chris jumped and turned clutching a shirt to his chest he’d forgotten to deposit in the dirty clothes. Alexis was trying hard not to smile but couldn’t stop the laughter that bubbled out.

Can you come clean my room please? My mom will love you forever. Chris smirked then rolled his eyes. He threw the shirt across the room making it into the dirty clothes. Alexis looked at the shirt then him and arched an eyebrow.

I’m just going to go order a pizza. I’ll be right back. Help yourselves to anything in the kitchen. And Alexis, make yourself at home.

Chris was astonished when his mom closed the door. He’d never had a girl over before and didn’t exactly picture it ever going like that or this to be honest.

Did you eat? If you’ve eaten, I can tell her not to order pizza.

Pizza? Everyone loves pizza. Pizza goes great with study dates. Alexis winked and stepped into his room.

She patted his chest. She let her hand linger against his racing heart as she looked around the nearly spotless space.

Whatcha playing? She pointed at the big screen on his wall and the controller on the entertainment center beneath it.

Oh uh, Chris frowned unable to remember.

He watched Alexis walk across his room. She took making herself at home literally and dropped down into his chair then picked up the blue controller. She curled her legs in front of her then un-paused his game.

Chris meandered over and stood behind her then leaned against the headrest watching her play Call of Duty. He leaned sideways and stared at her then the game then back at her.

Don’t look so surprised Chris. She ignored his mic that was rattling with people yelling and talking back and forth about incoming enemies.

He crouched next to her and watched as Alexis took up a spot as a sniper. She took out people one by one.

She timed it to a man running into the mine with them and switched weapons to a knife. Alexis jumped through the air slicing his throat open for the end of the game kill shot.

He sat down and pushed his fingers into his hair unable to stop staring at her. Chris chuckled at the guys on the mic yelling about his awesome move.

Wow well you just feel free to play as me anytime then. Chris gestured to the game loading the next venue.

Really? She leaned over the side of the chair putting her face close to his.

Really. He grinned.

Maybe I could play as me. She kissed his soft, warm cheek then handed him his controller and stood. Chris stared at the controller then stood and dropped it in the chair.

Okay so, what are we doing for the project and when is it due again? Alexis stood by the chair and waited expectantly.

It’s due the week before school ends. So, about two months.

Is that enough time to get this done?