Hypnotized Read Free Page B

her head. She was as intrigued by me as I was her. I took a moment to take in the blouse and tight jeans she had on, saving the image to my brain.
    I nodded at her slightly. A small smiled crossed her beautiful face as her cheeks reddened, and she gave me a tiny wave. My night had been made.
    “Dude, you coming?” Erik asked.
    Taking her in a moment longer, I turned to him. “Yeah.”
    “Who’s the girl that’s caught your attention?”
    I rubbed my hands together as we crossed the green lawn, seeing her blue eyes in my mind. “I don’t know. Something about her has spiked my curiosity.”
    “Is it that she’s innocent?” Erik chuckled, annoying me.
    Somehow I’d gotten a bad reputation. I blamed that jerk, Pete, for it, but I suppose I was just as guilty in it. Some parts of the rumors were true, but for the most part, they weren’t. I didn’t intentionally date innocent girls and steal their virginities.
    “Yeah, she has a sweet face, but we know that means nothing.” I thumped him on the shoulder.
    I climbed into the passenger side when we got to his car. I didn’t ride in vehicles often, most of the time I was on my bike. But I sure as hell wasn’t going to ride around with Erik on the back of my bike.
    “Where to now?” Erik asked.
    I had no idea. “We could go see a movie.”
    Erik started the car and laughed. “When did you get to be such an old man?”
    I smirked. He had a point. I worked so much, I didn’t really go out and party the way a typical single twenty-three year old guy did. What would happen next? I’d fall in love?
    ***
    Paisley had been haunting my dreams since I met her. What was it about her? Ever since laying eyes on her in the coffee shop, she’d been on my mind. I hoped I’d see her again. Stupidly, I didn’t get her number. I’d left the ball in her court, but I had a feeling I’d see her again. She was as drawn to me as I was her.
    I just wasn’t sure about that guy. He was possessive of her. However, she said he wasn’t her boyfriend, but I wasn’t so sure.
    “Gabe, honey.” My mom, when she wanted to play the part, stood at the edge of the table I sat at in the coffee shop. “Will you do me a favor?”
    I shrugged. “Depends.”
    “We’re out of milk. Could you run out and get some?”
    “Yeah, okay.” I closed my laptop and got up.
    I’d go by the market and get the milk she needed and when I got back, I’d pack up my things and get out of there. Mommy dearest was in the mood to be nice, but could flip at any time.
    I hopped on my bike, strapped on my helmet, and didn’t look back as I rode through town. Damn traffic was backed up, but it would be worse once school started with college kids galore. Maybe Paisley would be attending school.
    Seriously, what was wrong with me? I’d seen her twice in my life, and I was already obsessed with her. Her sweet nature appealed to me. I’d always been attracted to the more sweet girls and it seemed to pour from her. However, since I liked this type of girl, I’d created a false reputation for myself. I couldn’t say the rumors weren’t completely true, but I’d changed. It seemed no one wanted to believe that, though.
    I parked at the grocery store. It was time to get in and out. As I walked down the cold aisle to get milk, I heard someone walk up to me.
    “God, I always hate seeing your face.”
    I turned to see Pete with his sister—my ex—Kelly. Fuck, as big as this town was, why did I have to run into him? I’d just seen him the other night giving me problems. “I don’t like seeing you either.”
    “Hi, Gabe.” Kelly smiled. “Remember me?”
    “Yeah.”  Even though I wished I didn’t. Getting involved with her got me tied up in Pete’s life and started my downward spiral into drugs and alcohol. Not a person someone wants to get mixed up with.
    “I saw you making eyes at Evan’s girl, Paisley.” Pete crossed his arms. “Stay away from her.”
    “You sure she’s his girl?”
    “Well,