Page 45 of Vas

Her first time had been in her senior year of high school. She and her boyfriend had been going together for two months and high on puppy love when she had finally given in. Young and unskilled, he’d been a bit clumsy, making the experience rather underwhelming. Boyfriend number two, a year later, hadn’t been much better. Though Jessie had been far more skilled than Tommy, she’d still walked away from that encounter unsatisfied.

She’d decided after Jessie’s deflection, she had a better track record by herself and hadn’t gone out of her way to find someone to fill that void. But she had to admit, she was curious about Vas. Never had anyone made her whole body sing with just a touch or brought her to such heights from a few kisses, leaving her wondering if sex with him would be different.

Carrying her phone into her bedroom, she sat on the bed to respond to his text.

Good. Just getting ready for work. How are you?

A few dots appeared while she waited for his reply.

Missing you.

If she were to look in the mirror at that moment, she was sure she’d see a goofy grin plastered on her face.

Funny you should say that. I was just thinking how I missed you too and you’ve only been away three days. Do you know how much longer you’ll be gone?

It’s hard to say. Another week at least.

Her heart sank, though she’d expected that response.

After Vas had left for Hong Kong, she’d looked up the time difference between there and California and now did the math in her head.

You’re up early. The only time Anna saw six a.m. was when she worked an opening shift—which thankfully was few and far between as she was not a morning person.

Still getting used to the time difference. I’ll probably just get acclimated and then it will be time to come home.

I don’t envy you that. I’m dreading the time change this weekend and I’m only going to lose an hour.

Shoot, I forgot about that. Thanks for reminding me. I’ll need to take that into consideration when I text you.

Don’t worry about that. If I’m asleep when you text, you won’t wake me. I put my phone on silent. That was a little white lie but only because she wanted to hear from him any chance she got.

Good to know. I better let you finish getting ready. I need to get a move on, myself. I’ll call you tonight when you get off work.

Okay.

Stay safe.

You too.

She waited another minute but when no other message arrived, she went to her closet to get dressed. She was just putting on her shoes when a knock sounded at her door.

Curious, she made her way to it, and a peek through the window showed a mail carrier at her door.

“Can I help you?” she asked by way of greeting.

“You have a registered letter.”

She signed the green postcard he handed over. “Thank you.”

“Have a good day.” The mailman gave her a nod before going back to the cluster of mailboxes.

Closing the door, Anna examined the envelope. In the upper left-hand corner was Northridge University’s logo. Not sure why they would be sending her registered mail as she’d never attended classes there, she tore the envelope open with confidence, knowing she didn’t owe them any money at least.

Wanting money was far from what the letter was about. In fact, just the opposite. She read the letter twice, not believing her eyes. She’d been awarded a scholarship that not only covered her classes for the two years it would take for her to get her degree but included cost-free-living accommodations for that time as well.

“What on earth?” She read the letter a third time. “There has to be some mistake,” she murmured, still unbelieving, scanning to the bottom of the page and the contact info written there.

She pulled out her phone and dialed the number.

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