Speed of My Heart Read Free

classes and going to the local cosmetology school. Miranda was known for her super cheerful demeanor, but sometimes I wondered if not being able to dance professionally bothered her more than she let on. She was always smiling and upbeat, but I had noticed that her smile didn't quite reach her eyes anymore. Even her laugh seemed brittle. I had tried to broach the subject with her in the past, but she always blew off my concerns, teasing me to worry about my own dance career. It didn't surprise me. Even though Miranda was friendly with everyone, she had always been very reserved when it came to sharing anything about herself. I had known her since we were toddlers, but I really didn't know her.
    It was still light outside as I climbed into my car and placed a call to my grandparents to let them know I'd be making a quick stop at a nearby coffee shop before heading home. Even though I was almost nineteen, I knew that as long as I lived in my grandparent’s home, I'd need to keep them informed. At their age, it didn't take much to make them worry, and the last thing I wanted to be was a burden to them. I drove the short mile to my favorite cafe and went in.
     
    *  *  *
     
    The minute I walked through the old-fashioned wooden doors that led into the aromatic shop, I felt the intense sensation of being watched. I wasn't one to look around and acknowledge open stares, because in my experience it just led to awkwardness. So, I kept my gaze focused on the order menu as I stood in line. After a few minutes of the tingling sensation, I couldn't help myself; my curiosity got the best of me and against my better judgment, I took what I hoped was an inconspicuous glance around the room.
    Big mistake.
    The minute my eyes landed on deep chocolate brown ones, framed by the most gorgeous male face I'd ever had the experience of seeing in person —I was a goner.
    The guy watched me in amusement as I felt a slow blush work its way up my neck and set up shop in my cheeks. If my guess was correct, my cheeks had turned a deep scarlet color.
    The guy had no shame apparently; openly checking me out the way he was. He had a coffee mug in one hand and a laptop open in front of him, but he was leaning back in his seat, completely disregarding them, his eyes pinned on me. After a few seconds, he seemed to give himself a mental shake, as if just realizing he’d been staring.
    I tore my eyes from his and whipped back around in time to recite my order to the clerk. Even with my back to Mr. Intense Gaze, I could still feel his eyes on me. Unfortunately, even with my back to him, my face continued its slow, embarrassing burn.
    I'd bet money that the guy wasn't from within a hundred miles of Jamestown. Trust me, I would remember him . Even though his clothes were casual, he seemed out of place, like he should be strolling some movie set or signing autographs. He radiated a charisma and magnetism that you didn't see everyday. Not around here, at least.
    Trying not to sneak peaks at him as I passed by, I took my latte to a table on the other side of the room, settling into a seat near a huge bay window. Sure that I would be caught staring back at him if I didn't find something to occupy my eyes, I pulled out my Ipad and went to work pretending to read an e-book. I knew it would be almost impossible to tune out the fact that there was a once-in-a-lifetime-hot guy sitting just a few feet away from me, but maybe I could at least manage not to drool. I was just reading the same sentence for the third time when I felt someone standing next to me. Deep in my little I'm-absorbed-in-my-book act, the presence of another person caught me off guard and I jerked my head up in surprise. I was instantly relieved that it wasn't my ex, Marcus. It was crazy that every time someone snuck up on me, I still worried I'd turn around to see Marcus' steely, possessive eyes looking down at me.
     I immediately let out a sigh of relief, the tenseness melting from my body when I