Love This Life: Love's Great Adventure Series Book 2: Love's Great Adventure Series Book 2 Read Free Page B

that?”
    “Like what?”
    “So smug.”
    “You didn’t tell him we were engaged. I was simply setting the record straight,” Sebastian informed her.
    “It seemed more like you were marking your territory to me,” Tess frowned.
    “We are committed to each other. I see no harm in announcing it to your friends.” Sebastian was careful how he used his words; he didn’t want Tess on his bad side. But damn it, he did feel threatened by Dan Miller, for some reason.
    “He could be your friend, too, if you give him a chance. You know, he reminds me a lot of you.”
    Sebastian rolled his eyes. “I highly doubt that.”
    “He’s charming and just needs someone to believe in his abilities.”
    “Ability to do what exactly?” He took a deep breath and mentally counted to ten. If Sebastian continued to challenge her, he would likely push her right into Dan Miller’s arms. “You’re right, Tess. I promise I’ll behave better next time.”
    “Thank you,” she said, squeezing his hand.
    * * *
    Dan Miller squeezed into the lecture hall with a minute to spare. He quickly took a seat next to Tess, and grinned while he opened his text book. “Good morning.”
    “Good morning.”
    “Ready for the exam?” he asked in a low voice, leaning into Tess. “Umm, you smell good,” he said, closing his eyes and inhaling her perfume.
    “It’s Yves Saint Laurent, Opium. Sebastian bought it for me,” she replied, heat rising in her cheeks.
    “Your boyfriend has good taste.”
    “Yes, he does.”
    “Class, you’ll have sixty minutes to complete the exam. Mr. Miller, put your textbook away, please.” The professor passed out the exam papers.
    “Busted,” Tess teased as she grabbed a sharp number two pencil from her bag.
    Forty-five minutes later, Tess finished her exam first. She placed her pencil down on the desktop and snuck a peek at Dan. He was writing away feverishly, his head bent in concentration. She could see that he was almost finished his exam. Their study group must have paid off. Tess felt a sense of accomplishment for being able to help Dan. It was really no different from being a tutor back in high school.
    “Pencils down,” the professor announced. “Bring your papers to me as you leave.”
    “Whew, just finished in time,” Dan muttered, standing up from the desk. He stretched his arms over his head and Tess caught a glimpse of his taut abs. She quickly turned away to avoid embarrassment.
    “How do you think you did on the exam?” Tess asked, refocusing on the business at hand.
    “I think I passed. I do have you as my awesome study partner, after all,” he replied with a wink. “I need some coffee. Will you join me?”
    “Sure.”
    “So are we still on for our study group tonight?” Dan asked as they walked toward the cafeteria.
    “Yes, I can meet you in the library. Sebastian is working at the gallery today so he’ll pick me up when he’s finished.”
     
    The library was packed, so Tess and Dan ended up sharing a table with some fellow students. They all worked diligently, some in groups, some individually. Tess was helping Dan set up an outline for his paper. She whispered tips and tools to use to organize his thoughts. At one point, she reached over to pick up her red pen and her hand brushed against Dan’s. He instinctively wrapped his hand around hers, but didn’t make eye contact. He looked down at her hand, noticing the naked ring finger. “If you’re engaged, why don’t you wear a ring?”
    “We don’t have a lot of money. I didn’t want him to spend it on a diamond.”
    “He dresses like he has a lot of money,” Dan observed.
    “It’s complicated.” Tess slowly pulled away. The touch made goosebumps appear on her arm and she nervously rubbed them away. Tess looked at her wristwatch. “It’s almost six thirty. Sebastian should be here soon.”
    “Yeah, I guess I should get going. I know he doesn’t like me very much.”
    Tess wanted to say that it wasn’t true, but