Read University Park Series Box Set: Books 1-3 for Free Online Page B

a once over.
    “I don’t look desperate, do I?” I
bent down, pushing the socks under my knee-high black boots.
    “Well, you are? Aren’t you?”
    I looked up, shocked at her
comment.
    A smile formed across her face.
“Relax, I’m just kidding. You look cute and sexy.”
    “Well, I wasn’t going for cute, but
I’ll take sexy.”
    Rearranging my strands of curls,
she said, “If this ensemble doesn’t tempt Collin, then I’d have to say that he’s
gay.”
    I burst out in laughter. “What?”
    She shrugged. “Just saying.”
    “No, I don’t think so. I mean…” I
paused for a moment, pondering her comment. What if she was right? Was he
marrying me to please his family and hide his sexual preference? “I hope not.”
    “Me too, because that would be a
waste of a good piece of ass.”
    “Laney!” I slapped her arm. “That’s
my fiancé you’re talking about.”
    “Sorry.”
    My phone chimed again. Giving it a
quick glance, I said, “I better go. He’s waiting for me.”
    “Have a great time and do
everything I would do, okay?” she snickered.
    “I’ll try.” I did one last check in
the mirror, grabbed my handbag and sweater, and headed out the door.
    I walked through the campus commons
and toward the small drive where Collin stood outside his pick-up truck with
the door open. A gust of air swept between the buildings, kicking up my short,
ruffled mini skirt. My hand automatically went down to stop it, but I let go
for a quick second, giving Collin a sneak peak. His eyes widened with delight
and then he quickly made eye contact with me.
    “Breezy tonight?” His voice
trembled and I knew that little unplanned event excited him.
    “Sure is.” I leaned forward and
kissed him on the lips. He responded favorably, puckering his lips against
mine.
    A shudder trickled up my spine,
reassuring me this would be a good night.
    On the way to the theater, we
engaged in small talk. I wanted to discuss our relationship, but I needed more
time than the fifteen-minute drive. Collin displayed his perfect manners,
opening the doors for me and even holding my hand as we walked from the parking
lot to the theater.
    “What movie do you want to see?”
Collin glanced at the screens as he removed his wallet from his pocket.
    “Mortal Instruments,” I said,
unable to contain the excitement. The movie had been out for over a month but
due to schoolwork, I hadn’t had the chance to see it.
    His brows knitted and a deep line
formed across his forehead. “What’s it about?”
    “Relax, you’ll like it.” I rubbed
his arm.
    He pinned me with a doubtful look.
“Is it based on a book?”
    “Of course it is,” I smiled. “All
the good movies are based on books.”
    “I guess.” He nodded with
indifference and handed the girl behind the counter his check card.
    Entering the auditorium, I quickly
took the lead and chose two chairs in the back corner.
    “You want to sit this far back?” He
scanned the room looking for a closer seat for us.
    “Yes, this is fine.” I quickly sat
down, not giving him the opportunity to move to another aisle. I did want to
sit closer, but I hoped that sitting in the back would give us an opportunity
to make out.
    We looked over the menu and made
our selections. Collin, being the gentleman he was, ordered my food and drink.
The second the lights dimmed, I removed my long sweater and draped it over my
legs. I grabbed his hand and he willingly held on to it. Slowly, I moved my
arm, bringing our hands to my lap. I waited patiently, praying he would make
the next move, but he didn’t. Trailers played for upcoming movies and he commented
on them. I nodded and agreed. It took a concentrated effort to keep my focus off
what I wanted him to do. Desire razzed my insides and I summoned the courage to
take the next step.
    I shifted and resituated my sweater
so it covered our hands. He fidgeted and then leaned in closer toward me. Heat
from the palm of his hand warmed my thigh and I tensed as a