Page 13 of Always Red (Chasing Red 2)

“I’ll review more today.”

“Professor Layton doesn’t give extra credit or projects. You know that. You can’t fail this exam. It’s 50 percent of your grade,” she lectured.

I watched as she swallowed the last of her croissant, pulled out Pop-Tarts from the cupboard, and tossed them in the microwave.

“Hey, maybe you can be a stripper if you quit school. That’s not a bad idea. Strippers make loads of money. I can be your pimp. Sixty forty? That’s not a bad deal. I’ll help you come up with a name. Hmm…let’s see.”

When only two seconds remained on the microwave timer, Kara pulled it open. It drove her crazy to hear the beeps.

“How about Lolita? Strippers don’t have last names, right? How’s Felicia?” she continued.

When I didn’t answer, she walked toward me and covered my hand with hers. “Ver,” she said, her eyes full of sympathy.

I felt like crying again.

“If I decide to become a stripper, you can manage my schedule. I promise.” I gave her a reassuring smile. “I have to study, so I’ll see you later, okay?” I squeezed her hand and headed back to my room.

I forced myself to review for a couple hours, not really absorbing anything. I took a quick shower, blow-drying my hair and taking the time to apply makeup. Powder, mascara, and lip gloss—check. Red tank top and favorite jeans that made my butt look extra sexy—check.

I was going to Caleb’s apartment, and assuming that since he was back in town, he would be attending his classes again. I’d wait for him there. Glancing at the clock, I noted that it was almost ten. I knew his class was usually over at twelve today. If I left now, I would get to his apartment before he did.

He might not feel the same way about me anymore, but I’d find a way to make it up to him. And if he still didn’t want me back…I’d know at least I tried. At least I showed him how much I wanted him back in my life, that I was willing to fight for him. Even if I was too late.

Because he was worth it.

I was a mess when I got to his apartment. I knocked, and I wasn’t surprised when there was no answer. I wouldn’t dare go in after what happened last night. I had hurt him, enough that he wouldn’t show an ounce of emotion toward me. Caleb was never one to keep his emotions inside, but last night he had.

Maybe he really doesn’t feel anything for you anymore.

No, no. That wasn’t true. He still felt something for me. I knew it. I had to believe that he still did.

I leaned against the wall outside his door, sliding down and sitting on the carpet. And waited.

One hour passed. Two, three, four.

He wasn’t coming.

I felt the threat of tears. Pulling my legs against my chest, I pillowed my face on my folded arms.

Why didn’t I just call him? Or text him? I was so stupid…but every time I dialed his number or started texting him, I couldn’t follow through.

I wanted to talk to him in person. I wanted him to know how important he was to me. I wanted to see his face. I had seen my mom cry over the phone, begging my dad to come back so many times. So many damn times I had lost count.

Suddenly, I looked up and saw the blinking light on the elevator screen, indicating that it was moving up.

I held my breath. My heart pounded against my chest as my gaze focused on those doors. And then they opened.

Caleb was leaning against the wall of the elevator, looking up at the ceiling. He looked exhausted…defeated. My heart constricted in my chest. I wanted to run to him, to pull him against me and never let go.

And then he straightened and stepped out.

His steps faltered when he saw me.

I held my breath, waiting…waiting…

Please…

He stared at me, his eyes intense as he took a step forward.

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