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They fall all over him. What purpose would he have to pretend to need my help in class?”
    “Bella, you are a beautiful girl. Maybe I’m a bit biased, but you always sold yourself short. Maybe he wanted you to give him a chance to get to know him. If he didn’t ask you for help, you would have written him off as a cocky jock if he tried to talk to you. I heard it in your voice when you first brought him up. I like him already. So, my darling daughter, what is the problem? Do you not like him that way? Please tell me what happened with Christian isn’t making you hesitate.”
    I did like him that way— a lot. That was the problem.
    “Owen is . . . pretty great. He’s not cocky at all. He’s sweet, funny, smart. I’m scared I’m always going to be looking over my shoulder after . . . what happened. And that would be with anyone. He just seems so . . . out of my league, Mom. You know what I mean?”
    “More than you know. I was in love with Lucas for years, but never thought I could compete with the harem of women following him around. I don’t regret anything, even Marc, believe it or not, but I always wondered what would have happened if I put myself out there and told him how I felt. Go, have a good time, and let whatever happens happen.”
    “Okay, I will. It’s funny thinking about you and Dad in college. I can’t picture the two of you not attached at the hip.” I chuckled thinking of how in love they were; always kissing and holding hands. It was sweet, other than the nights I wished the walls were thicker. Some mornings it was hard to look them both in the eye.
    “Women followed him everywhere. Some still do. But I never doubt where his heart is. That’s what I wish for you, Bella—to be able to let someone love you, and not question it. Can you call me and tell me how it went? I’ll be cryptic if Lucas is around. I pity the poor boy you bring home next.”
    I laughed but cringed. That was no exaggeration. Dad would work overtime to make him as uncomfortable as possible. “Me too. I have fifteen minutes to get dressed. I’ll call you in the morning. Thanks, Mom. I love you.”
    “I love you too, baby. Have fun! Not too much, but—”
    “I know, I know.” We both laughed before we hung up.
    I forced myself to get ready for my sort-of date with the hot guy I didn’t want to admit I liked. There were worse things in life, and I hoped the flutters in my belly meant that whatever this was with Owen could be something great.

Bella
    I SPRINTED DOWN THE STAIRS of my dorm building only a minute before Owen was due to pick me up. He hadn’t mentioned where we were going, which added to my outfit anxiety. I figured a sleeveless black jersey dress with my short denim jacket was a safe bet. It was late September, but balmy considering the horror stories I heard about going to college so far upstate. Buffalo wasn’t too far away, and they got snow in August. I paired the dress with my favorite black knee-high boots and left my long dark hair in waves down my back.
    Owen’s SUV pulled up just as I stepped outside. I waited for him to unlock the doors but was surprised when he shut the engine off and stepped out. He wore a black button down shirt that was fitted across his broad chest with charcoal dress pants. I never saw Owen out of jeans or sweats. Even the wild head of hair I was used to seeing was slicked back with a little product. I panicked that my denim jacket was too casual for what he had in mind.
    I grimaced at Owen as I clutched the material of the collar. “Should I go change? I think I have another jack—”
    “No,” Owen answered as he made his way toward me. His fiery gaze made my mouth go dry. “You look . . . perfect. Beautiful.”
    I allowed a smile to spread across my lips as my cheeks heated. “Thanks. You clean up pretty well too, OT.”
    Owen chuckled as he opened my door. “Ready?”
    Yes? No? I had no clue. Nervous, excited, scared? Sure. But ready? No clue.

    The little