Page 1 of A Pretty Fixation

Something exceptional will happen today.

I felt a rush of anticipation when I woke up, soI’m betting good vibes are coming.

“Ugh!” That thrill evaporates as I smack into abody the second I turn the corner.

My tote falls. Contents spill out.

“Sorry.” I crouch to retrieve everything.

“It’s my bad,” the smooth voice says above me. “Iwasn’t paying attention.”

He lowers to help, but I wave him off. “Thank you.I got it.”

Straightening, I meet glistening warm blue eyes.

His ivory skin has a summer tan like mine. Tall.Lean built in his shirt and relaxed jeans. Shaggy dark brown hair, sharpjawline. Nice looking guy. He’s either eighteen or nineteen like me.

A friendly smile parts his lips as he extends hishand. “Aaron Taylor.”

I fix my bag on my shoulder and shake his hand.“Jordyn Davis.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Jordyn.” He motions for meto enter the classroom. “After you.”

The professor points to the syllabus on his desk.I collect one from the stack and climb the steps to an aisle seat.

Quite a few students are in the economics class,and many seem like they’re already friends.

Aaron sets his eyes on my row and gestures to theseat on my left. “Mind if I sit there?”

“No, go ahead.”

Slipping behind me, he hangs his backpack on thechair and settles down. “Are you a freshman, too?”

“Sophomore. Delham has a great college community,and it’s close to home.”

“Cool, so you’re from Hartford,” he says with aslow nod. “What’s fun here outside of clubs and sports?”

I consider it for a beat. “Well, there’s alwayssomething going on. I’d check the notice board in the student center. Plus,we’re downtown.”

“Yeah, I’m looking forward to exploring the city.I’ve never been to Hartford before, much less Connecticut.”

“Where are you from?” I ask.

“Vermont.”

“All right, everyone,” Professor Wilcox draws theroom’s attention. He discusses the course outline then requests that we formgroups of two or three for assignments.

“Um, want to work together?” I ask Aaron.

“Definitely.” Blatant relief shines on hissmooth-looking face. “Thanks for offering.”

“Sure thing.”

Flawless pearly whites go on display with hisbroad smile.

The professor launches into his lecture, and atthe end of the hour, he explains the first assignment due next week.

“Where are you heading now?” Aaron asks as we fileout of the room.

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