Page 58 of Blindsided By the Enforcer

Luc:Is the ex a problem?

Me:He wants her back

Aaron:Does she want to get back together with him or something? Is she using you to make him jealous?

I hadn’t thought of that option, but Annie doesn’t seem like the type of girl to play games. Even though I am clearly not a good judge of character because I didn’t believe Scarlett would cheat after everything I’d done for her.

Me:I don’t think so. Annie doesn’t seem like that kind of girl.

Macklin:You just met her. Don’t let your guard down.

Great. My friends are already worried about me and I’m not even in a real relationship.

My phone buzzes as I’m about to walk into class. It’s the first day back from break and campus is busy, since most students don’t start skipping classes until the third or fourth week of the semester. I check my phone to see a message from Annie.

Annie:Wanna meet for coffee? I think we should be seen on campus together

Me:Sure. I have a break in about fifty minutes. Does Cup of Java work?

Annie:See you there

During class I can’t help but worry I’m being used. It shouldn’t matter because Annie is helping me too, but it does. I think we’ve built a strong connection and I’m catching feelings for her, aside from the fact I want to rip her clothes off.

My class finishes and I head toward Cup of Java.

I bump into Annie at the entrance. I haven’t seen her since the farm and our meeting is awkward. We have a whole social media thing going where we’ve been tagging each other and sending cute messages, but being in person is different. The last time we saw each other we practically mauled each other. She took off and didn’t want to face what was really happening. At least that’s my take on the situation.

“Hey.” I wave. Do I hug her? Kiss her?

“Hey.” She leans in and she goes for the. . .I think it’s going to be a hug so I hug her, and she pecks my lips unexpectedly. The whole interaction is off.

“Do you want to go in and have a drink?” I ask.

“Yes, I need coffee,” she yawns. “I got used to taking it easy over break. I’m exhausted and it isn’t even noon.”

“Me too,” I agree.

We head over to the cashier. Annie orders a mocha latte. I go for a regular latte since the season is starting up again, I have to watch my sugar consumption.

She takes off her winter coat. She’s wearing a heather-gray Henley and a pair of tight jeans. The first few buttons on her shirt are open. The fabric hugs her chest like a glove. It also reveals her perfect creamy skin.

I insist on paying for our drinks. We take a seat at the back of the coffee shop, since it isn’t too busy back there.

“How was the rest of your vacation?” Annie asks as she gets herself settled at the table.

I place my jacket on the back of the chair and take the seat across from her.

“It was nice to see some of my old friends. Mom was kind of depressed, but I forced her out to a local party New Year’s Eve. She had a good time, and it lifted her spirits. And you?”

“Boring,” she chimes. “I met up with friends too, but Mom wasn’t around much. I started to convince my father he needs to leave her. It’s all very complicated.” She blows out a breath, and I watch her breasts rise and fall. Shit, I shouldn’t have done that.

“Did you see Ford at all?” I ask with nonchalance because I seem to be a glutton for punishment. I already know the answer.

“Not over break. I bumped into him last night,” she offers. She isn’t trying to cover up or lie like Scarlett used to do. I take it as a good sign.

“And. . .” I wait.

“He was being typical Ford. He’s set his sights on me again. Now I’ve probably become a mission for him. He doesn’t like failure,” she explains.

---