Page 54 of Confusing Hearts

I bit my bottom lip as I waited for his response. I knew I was pushing my luck and we were bound to get caught, but I couldn’t help myself. I wanted my mate.

CHASE – On campus or off?

I rolled my eyes and grinned. I could already imagine where his thoughts were headed… home.

JENNA – better make it on.

CHASE – Fine, but I have a study date in 30min.

I smiled. I hadn’t thought about that. It was Sunday and we did have a standing study date in the library every Sunday evening.

JENNA – Subs?

CHASE – Perfect. I’ll pick them up and see you there.

I put down the phone, still smiling, but jumped at a knock on my door.

“Who is it?” I asked

The door opened, and Anita peeked her head in without asking.

“Hey, Anita, what’s up?”

“Where were you this weekend?” she asked in a hushed voice as she closed the door behind her.

“I just needed to get away,” I lied.

“I saw Tessa leave earlier. Did she, um, tell you?”

“Tell me what?”

Her eyes filled with worry. “Oh, uh, sorry, I thought she’d have told you. You see, I, um, I’m sorta, I’m sort of seeing Matt Williams,” she finally blurted out.

“Oh, yeah, that. She told me.”

Before I could continue, she started talking a mile a minute. “I wanted to tell you first, but you weren’t here, and it sort of slipped out at the party last night. I had one too many beers and I blabbed. Plus, he was here, and he just looked so yummy, I couldn’t keep my hands to myself. Oh no,” she said, her hands flying to her mouth. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to give too much information. I can’t imagine what you’re thinking right now. Do you hate me?”

I laughed. “Slow down, girl. I could never hate you. I think you and Matt make a really cute couple, and as long as you’re happy, I’m happy for you.”

She let out an exaggerated sigh of relief and collapsed on the bed next to me. “Thanks, Jenna. I didn’t really care a ton about what the others thought. Ayanna is furious, tainting the family name and all that, but the rest I could care less. I just really hoped it wouldn’t screw up our friendship.”

“Anita, that’s crazy. Why would it?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know. I mean you’d think people would be more open-minded at a place like the ARC, but really, we’ve both been cold-shouldered by people already, and I know your dad will flip if he ever finds out.”

“I wouldn’t sweat it. I mean your sister is one thing, but the others are just jealous, Anita.”

“What do you mean?”

“Oh come on, Matt Williams is hot, girl. There’s bound to be plenty of girls mad he’s off the market. I wouldn’t take it personally.”

“Wow, um, thanks, Jenna. I really hadn’t thought about it like that.”

I started packing up my backpack and glanced at the time. I needed to hurry to meet up with Chase.

“Hey, where are you going?”

“It’s Sunday,” I reminded her. “Study group with Chase. Are you and Matt coming tonight?”

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