Page 577 of Rock Me All Night
But I'm not letting that get in the way of law school. That's what happened to my mom. She met a guy, gave up her career to get married, had a few kids, then resented her family every minute of every day.
Not me. No way. I'm not letting anyone get in the way of what I want. Not anymore.
I collect my last few books, pay at the register, and find a cozy spot on the lawn.
I'm a law student.
No one is taking that happiness away from me.
* * *
For twenty minutes, I soak in the warmth of the sun, the soft breeze on my arms, the sharp aroma of fresh cut grass.
There are footsteps. Someone sits next to me. I don't need to look up to know it's Pete. I can feel his presence in the way my shoulders relax.
Even when he frustrates me, he makes me feel like I can float.
His fingers brush the back of my hand. "You excited?"
I take a long look around the quad, memorizing the shape of the tall trees, the red brick of the main building. "This is the next three years of my life."
He moves closer. Until our shoulders are touching.
Still, I keep my eyes on the school. Looking at him is too risky. I might mount him right here on the grass.
He drags his fingertips over my forearm. Damn musicians and their masterful hands. I'm already flushed and wanting.
"Any chance you're taking up entertainment law? Like you a lot more than our current lawyer," he teases.
"No. It pays well but it doesn't interest me."
"Atticus Finch doesn't argue royalty percentages."
My stomach flutters. He remembers what I said aboutTo Kill a Mockingbird. "Am I that obvious, wanting to be a defense attorney?"
"You want to get murderers off. Cold. Exactly what I expect from you," he teases.
Finally, I look at him. Damn, the affection in his deep brown eyes takes my breath away. How can he have his guard down so quickly when it was up so high last night?
I run my fingertips over his chin. I can't help it. He's beautiful.
I make my voice as confident as I can. "Only person I want to get off is you."
His lips curl into a smile. "Only if I get you off first."
My cheeks flush. I want to. But I can't deal with him closing off again. "You bailed yesterday."
He says nothing.
Okay. That's not the best sign. I study his expression for a clue to his intentions, but the only thing I can place is confusion.
"Why did you do that?" I ask.
"I was thinking."
"About."
He moves closer. His eyes fix on mine. "You haven't told me why you want to be a defense attorney."
