Hanging Pawns (The Fate Series Book 2) Read Free

California.” He changes the subject, still looking toward the floor. I don’t understand what is so fascinating down there. It’s not probable a girl has ever turned down this man.
    This is going to be a first for both of us… I’ve never had to turn down a guy before.   
    “I…” I hesitate, my mind searching to find the right words. “Needed a change of scenery,” I finish on an exhale.
    This is going to be harder than they make it out to be in books and on TV.
    I build the nerve to try again when he speaks. 
    “Do you like what you see?” he asks, finally looking back up at me.
    His serious tone lets me know he didn’t just mean that the way it sounded. I cough, trying to contain the hum of laughter that’s building in my chest. The corner of my mouth curls up. I cough again, forcing down the humor of this insane stranger who’s continuing this awkward dance of words. I fail. Laughter erupts from my lips, earning a confused look from him before he realizes what he said.
    “Ha, yeah. I meant the campus but I’ll accept an answer for both.” His humored demeanor helps me relax.
    I suppose I can humor him since soon we’ll be done here and I won’t have to deal with him ever again. 
    “It’s not bad,” I shrug.
    “The campus or myself,” he quips.
    Giving myself a moment to take him in, I notice those eyes are just a small part of the magnificence that is Josh Anderson. I suddenly find myself entranced by everything about the man. Good looking is not even close to how I would describe him. He is a… I am… without words.
    That’s odd.
    His smirk widens slightly when my eyes roam to his brown hair, cut neat on the sides with the top spiked in the front. He looks like an average preppy college guy you would see on TV. However, I have a feeling there’s more to him than meets the eye.
    “Are you really going to assess me right now?” He gives a nervous laugh.
    Umm, yeah. Isn’t that what people do when they meet each other?
    My head drops with sudden discomfiture.
    This is going great. The first time I speak to a guy, and he’s one who just says whatever comes to mind.
    With my head still lowered, I notice he too is wearing flip flops; I can tell from the marks in the leather straps that, if he were to remove his foot, they would have the groove. His jeans are also ripped, and he has a carefree, relaxed vibe to him. There’s something about him, but I can’t quite put my finger on it though. I’m not one to claim “love at first sight” or even Fate. But, there is something about him.
    I usually don’t like being so close to people who are taller than me since I’m only five-foot-three… the height difference makes me feel like a child. This guy has to be close to six feet… and I feel…
    Nothing.
    I feel nothing. I want to shout with joy, but I think that people would look at me like I’m crazy.
    “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to embarrass you.” He places his index finger under my chin to lift my face toward his, and my heartbeat quickens, causing an odd sensation to build in my chest.
    Okay, now we end this once and for all. I think over the best way to send him on his way but the words won’t come out.
    “Do they offer fishing here?” I squint my best dirty look at him. 
    My question receives another perplexed look. He removes his finger from my chin, straightening his broad shoulders in front of me. His fitted t-shirt pulls gently across his muscular chest and the once weird feeling stops. I try to swallow, but my throat is dry.
    Probably from dehydration since it’s so hot in this building.
    Okay, Mea. Don’t check him out, that’s exactly what he wants you to do.
    “No, but there are some good spots in the area, why?” he asks.
    Giving an easy laugh, I reply, “I just wanted to know since you seemed to be casting a line for a compliment there,” I tease.
    The joke makes me laugh harder than I expected, bringing tears to my eyes. I’ve never laughed like this