Page 27 of The Handoff

“I assume you didn’t come to see me. I’ll get out of your way.” Before I could even say another word, she moved past me, and I took her place in the room.

I shut the door, wondering where Lisa could be. The room wasn’t that big—it was on the smaller side compared to some of the dorms I’d been in. Theirs was most likely this size because they were here on scholarship, not like the other paid students. Most likely where I would have been if I’d opted for a room on campus.

I decided to nose around a bit. It was clear which side was Tanya’s. It felt like a veteran tribute wall on her side. She had made it known to everyone on campus from day one that she was from a vet family. Part of me felt there was a sadness in her voice as she said it—she was proud of her family and probably regretted not following in their footsteps. Then again, I didn’t know her well enough to make the assumption.

Where’s—I thought, but then my question was answered as she came singing out of the shower and her hair was dripping wet.

“I came—” I started to say.

“I didn’t know…” she said.

I felt lust wash over me as I drew near her. There was only one thing on my mind, and it wasn’t about taking her out to dinner. I wanted to be a gentleman, but I knew that deep inside, there was nothing but a greedy, hungry bear who felt as if he’d been hibernating for too long. I’d been so focused on finishing my final year that at times, I forgot how to enjoy myself.

Going out and getting drunk wasn’t the same as what I was going to experience. This was something far better.

“Do you want me to leave?”

She shook her head as my fingers toyed with the knot that held her towel up. I wanted to see her body so badly, I’d had glimpses of it as she did some kicks, but she always managed to tuck her shirt in or pull her pants up so fast that I never got a full picture. I had an opportunity and there was no way I was going to miss out on it.

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