Page 1 of Lily

1

Lily

Today has been a mess. It’s the first day of the second week of the semester, and I’ve got an early class – Gothic Lit, my favorite. The problem is that everything seems to be goingwrong. I spilled my coffee all over my last clean pair of jeans and my favorite white shirt, I forgot to grab my protein bar on my way out the door, and I forgot my book for this class. And on top of that, I left too late to walk and had to call an Uber.

By the time I slink into class, everyone is already seated, and the professor zeroes in on me with a disapproving look. He’s a stickler for being on time – not that I’m late. I’m just here at the last possible second. I take a seat in the back next to the guy from England; I’ve noticed him around campus. Honestly, how could you not? He’s a stunning specimen – tall and lean, with broad shoulders and a killer jawline. Not to mention the wavy blond hair and those ocean blue eyes – I have a type, okay? And he’s it. I sigh and pull out my notebook and a pen, still annoyed that I forgot my book. The professor is already irritated with me.

“Did you forgot your book?” asks the man beside me, and I feel goosebumps slink down my arms. Did I forget to mention the accent? Yeah, the accent really does it for me.

“Yeah,” I whisper back, glancing up at him. “Everything got a bit thrown off this morning.” I glance down at my Nike leggings and Uni sweatshirt. I hated dressing in workout clothes for class.

“Here, we can share.” He puts his copy ofFrankensteinin between us on the desk and gives me a dashing smile.

“That’s really sweet of you, thanks.”

“It’s no trouble at all. I’m Devin, by the way.”

“I’m Lily.” I hold my hand out, and he takes it gently, pressing a kiss to my knuckles. I feel my face flush.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

I smile through the redness in my cheeks, but before I can reply, the professor demands our attention and begins the lecture. I take notes throughout the class, but I keep finding my eyes moving to Devin. He doesn’t seem snobby like some of the other attractive guys in this school for all his gorgeous looks. His eyes are gentle and kind.

At the end of class, Devin stands and turns to me. He’s dressed immaculately in dark wash jeans and a crisp white button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled to his elbows. He smiles.

“Again, it was lovely to meet you, Lily.” He picks up his bag after placing his books inside. “I hope the rest of your day looks up.”

My voice catches with my nerves, so I only smile shyly and nod, giving him a wave as he walks out.

***

After classes end for the day, I go to Paws and Claws to talk to Riley. The second I walk in the door, I see Shay chasing that silly pug around the shop while Riley cackles at the register.

“It’s not funny, Riley!” Shay yells, trying to keep from laughing herself. The pug – Winston, I think – rushes around the shop in open-mouthed glee, his tiny tush tucked as he zooms from one end to the other.

“He’s got the zoomies!” Riley snickers and continues. “Let him get the energy out.”

“Winston, get back here!” Shay laughs and continues the chase. I shake my head at their antics and go over to Riley.

“I met someone today,” I say and feel my face bloom into an excited grin. Riley raises an eyebrow.

“Oh? Do tell.”

“His name is Devin. He’s a guy in my Gothic Lit class.” I feel my grin go a little sappy. “He’s from England, and oh God, Ri, he’s gorgeous. Plus, he dresses like a model, and he’s smart and charming.” I heave a sigh; I can literally feel the stars in my eyes. “I think I’m in love.”

“Whoa, slow down, Lils,” Riley says with a laugh. “Look, I know you like him, and you think he’s cute but isn’t it a little early to throw around the L-word?”

“Haven’t you ever heard of love at first sight, Ri? Because that’s totally what this is. Okay, maybe today isn’t technically the first time I’ve seen him around, but it’s the first time I talked to him, so it’s practically the same thing.”

“Lily, you’re only nineteen. I’m not saying you shouldn’t date or have fun, but you shouldn’t take this so seriously. You have a lot of life to live, and getting too invested in someone you barely know isn’t healthy.”

The door chimes and our sister Bree comes through the door.

“Hey, guys! What’s the good word?” She rushes up to the counter and scoops Riley into a huge hug. Bree is the oldest, and she’s always had a bit of a motherly vibe, even though she’s only 32 – not all that much older than Ri.

“Sorry I haven’t come by sooner. Work has been running me ragged. What do you say we go grab dinner?”

“Sounds good to me! What about you, Shay? Lils? You guys in?” asks Riley.

Shay quickly agrees, but I’ve got a lot to do before I get to bed.

“Sorry guys, I have a lot of homework and laundry to deal with before bed. I’ll take a raincheck, though.” I hug my sisters one by one and then leave. I can’t help but wonder if I’ll get to talk to Devin again tomorrow.

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