Mine, Not Hers (True Love Book 1) Read Free

single friend; I'll never see her again if she and Kevin get serious. Great. I’m wallowing in self-pity when I feel her nudge my shoulder.
    "Hey, look, it's Jason! He's walking with Kevin."
    She runs up to them and gives Kevin a hug. I would give anything for that amount of confidence. She turns to Jason, and says something to him. I know what’s coming next; sure enough, she turns and motions for me to join them. Jason says something to them, tosses a quick wave goodbye and walks ahead, alone. She turns and gives me a pitiful look, and I feel like I’m going to burst into tears. For what ? I don’t even know this guy! Yes, he’s gorgeous, but there’s something else. I feel an electric pulse in my gut when he’s near me. I'm sure every other girl feels that as well. He is very easy to look at and dream about.
    I say goodbye to Colleen and, despite my mood, make it through my first couple of classes without crying or punching something. When the bell rings for lunch, I feel a pit in the bottom of my stomach. He and I have the same lunch period! How can I possibly avoid him when he’s the center of this high schools universe? Then I remember there’s a nice outdoor seating area behind the cafeteria. I’m thankful that I chose to bring my jacket today, because that’s where I’ll be eating lunch from now on. I don't want to go inside, because I know I won't be able to keep myself from looking for him. I opt for some chips and a soda from the vending machine outside, and grab my spot for the next thirty minutes.
    Thankfully, I’m alone. It’s too cold today for anyone else to choose this option. This is a private area probably built with loner kids in mind. The back wall of the cafeteria is brick, so no one can see me. I take a deep cleansing breath and sit down ready to read my book. I really need to relax. I can’t think of a worse way to start my Monday morning than with more of Mr. Personality’s pouty drama. Just as I’m nice and content, I hear leaves crunching behind me, and that feeling comes again. My insides are quivering before I look up.
    "Is anyone joining you?"
    I turn my head slowly from side to side, at least that’s what my head was instructed by my brain to do, which right now feels as useful as a bowl of pudding. He sits down on the bench on the opposite side of the table. We both sit stock still in an electrified silence. He breaks first.
    "My name is Jason. Jason Weber."
    "Hi. Katie Barnett"
    "I wanted to apologize for my behavior the other night at the party. Colleen told me that you thought I was rude. I guess I was. I didn’t mean to come across that way. You caught me off guard,” he says, while inspecting the table.
    I remain so still I can barely tell if my heart is still beating. I’m confused. What’s he trying to tell me?
    "What? What does that mean?"
    I say that much louder than I intended. Obviously, I had noticed something. He’s visibly uncomfortable after my outburst.
    “I don’t know how to say this without sounding crazy, but you took me by surprise. At least my reaction to you did. I feel compelled to get to know you."
    Yeah, right. I hear that one everyday from gorgeous hunks.
    "Look, I understand that I'm new to this school, so if someone put you up to a prank, I get it. You’re free, you can tell them that it worked and have a good laugh."
    He looks hurt. This can’t be happening. Does he really feel that way? It’s not possible. He's the most beautiful guy in the entire school, even the teachers check him out. My reaction to him was understandable. His to me? No.
    "Well, I'm sorry I disturbed you. Nice to meet you, Katie."
    With that, he stands up and walks back up the path. I stare dumbfounded at his back as he walks away. He doesn't return to the cafeteria to be with his friends, he heads in the opposite direction. Am I awake? Was that a dream? He seemed sincere. More than sincere, he seemed… compelled , just like he said. Like a force stronger than