Page 61 of Fraud
At any rate, she must have recognized me as well because, as I passed by, she waved, a bag of chips in hand. I waved back, wondering what a nice young girl was doing, working in such a place, but then again, not everyone could afford a Fremont education.
I’d been lucky enough to study hard in high school and earn a scholarship large enough to pay for most of my tuition. When my parents had died, the school had waived every cent I owed, making my junior and senior year completely free.
It was something I’d been feeling guilty for every day since.
I hadn’t come from a wealthy family, but we were by no means poor. Unfortunately, my parents hadn’t been great planners and hadn’t anticipated dying so young. They’d left me with some hefty expenses. So, while their life insurance plans had been extensive, so had some of their bills.
When the college had come to me, prepared to pay my tuition for my last two years, I couldn’t say no.
Even though I should have.
Maybe it could have paved the way for someone else’s future.
Someone like the sweet young girl working here.
As I headed into the elevator, I caught a glimpse of myself in the reflection of the mirrored, polished doors. Although I’d rushed around when I got home, too afraid that any downtime would alter my decision to go through with this crazy plan, I didn’t look too bad.
I’d taken the time to change, opting for a cute spring dress and cardigan. Jane had texted me today and suggested a trench coat and lingerie. I’d immediately rejected that idea, thinking that sounded like a move for someone way more advanced.
I was barely just beginning to dip my toes in the kiddie pool.
Baby steps.
My foot tapped nervously against the tattered carpet until the elevator dinged, announcing the arrival to the third floor.
“Okay, here goes nothing,” I said to myself, taking the first step.
Killian’s room was down the hall.
Forty-seven steps.
As the neurotic part of me walked the familiar path, silently counting down to one, I found myself at his doorstep.
I knocked before I had a chance to run away.
Part of me hoped he wasn’t there. Then, I could go home, rewarding myself with ice cream because I’d at least tried.
But there’d be no ice cream tonight.
The door cracked open. Killian’s face appeared.
Time to be brave.
Shit. Say something.
“Um, hi.” I lamely smiled up at him.
That wicked-hot grin of his fell into place, and I suddenly felt myself turning into mush.
God, I’d dreamed of that grin and practically every other sexy attribute he possessed.
“Hi,” he replied.
“Are you…alone?” I asked hesitantly.
His brows furrowed for a split second, as if he found the question perplexing. “Yes, of course. Why?”
“Just checking. Can I come in?”
