Ties That Bind Read Free

leveled at her face. He thought she had a beautiful smile. The last thing he had expected when he showed up here tonight was to run into a woman he would find himself irresistibly attracted to. “Then tell me the important stuff like what brought you to Howard.”
    Jenna nodded before she began speaking. “I’m in the school of architecture. What brought me here is my parents’ lifelong dream that I get educated at a prestigious college. They worked real hard to send me. It’s my dream to return to Knoxville and open a business there.”
    â€œKnoxville? Is that where you’re from?”
    â€œYes. I’m the oldest of four kids and the only girl. Now what information would you like to share?”
    He smiled. “I’m majoring in business with plans to go on to law school here. The Fullers have deep roots in Richmond, Virginia, where my father was born. My paternal grandparents still live there. My mother’s parents are in Glendale Shores, South Carolina.”
    She nodded. She had heard all about Glendale Shores, which some people claimed was the most beautiful of the sea islands off the South Carolina coast. “Do you ever go to Glendale Shores to visit?”
    â€œNot as much as I’d like. When I was a kid growing up, I spent most of my summers there.”
    â€œDo you have any sisters or brothers?”
    â€œYes,” he replied, smiling fondly, thinking of the brother he was very close to. “I have a brother named Ross. He’s a law student. I heard my
parents wanted a third child but once they saw what a holy terror I was, they decided two was enough.” He then studied her features, thinking how young she looked. “How old are you?”
    She smiled. “I’m eighteen. I graduated from high school at sixteen. Since my mother worked in the school system, I was able to start school a year ahead of schedule.”
    â€œIs your mother a teacher?”
    â€œNo, she’s a cook in the school cafeteria. And how old are you, Randolph?”
    â€œI’m twenty. I’ll be twenty-one in April.”
    â€œApril? What day in April?”
    â€œThe fourth.”
    Jenna blinked. “My birthday is April fourth, too,” she said, grinning from cheek to cheek. “Isn’t that a coincidence?”
    â€œYes, it is,” Randolph said warmly, thinking she was simply beautiful, although she hadn’t done anything to accentuate that beauty. But in his opinion, she didn’t have to. She wore her hair up in a knot that showed just what a graceful neckline she had. She had applied minimum makeup and was dressed conservatively in a skirt and blouse. But there was something about her that had grabbed his attention the moment she had walked outside.
    â€œWhy were you standing outside?” he asked curiously. “Were you getting bored already?”
    Jenna didn’t say anything at first. If he was an Alpha she didn’t want to offend him by saying she wasn’t enjoying the party, so she said, “I’m not used to being up this late unless I’m studying. I was hoping my roommate would notice I wasn’t inside and take the hint that I was ready to leave. I want to go to church in the morning, then spend the rest of the day studying for a test I have on Monday.”
    â€œWho’s your roommate?”
    Jenna’s gaze searched the room. “Ellie Stanhope. She’s the girl dancing with Tyrone Wells.”
    Randolph’s gaze followed hers. “If you’re ready to leave I can walk you back to your dorm.”

    Jenna shook her head. “We came together and I can’t leave without making sure Ellie gets back to the dorm okay.”
    He smiled. “Then I’ll make sure she does. Come on.” Sliding his hand around Jenna’s waist and drawing her to his side, he began walking in the direction where Ellie and Tyrone Wells were dancing. He tapped Tyrone Wells on the shoulder.