Page 3 of The Biggest Secret
I just didn’t know how to keep it.
I’m brought back to reality with cheers about one of Jackson’s star players signing with his college team and more cheers for tomorrow's high school playoff game. If they win, it’s a good chance my best friend will win Coach of the Year. I’m praying it happens, he deserves it.
Chapter Three
CHELSEA
Sophomore year—Fourteen years ago
I felt his eyes on me the entire class. About halfway through, I couldn’t resist and had to turn around and get another look. Our eyes connected instantly and those butterflies I felt when I was walking towards him, returned. I know who he is. Who doesn’t? He’s a star receiver on the football team. His best friend is the quarterback, soon to be drafted into the NFL if the rumors I hear are true. He’s untouchable and hot as fuck.
Adam Casanova.
Even his name is smooth as silk. And he’s looking at me like he wants to devour me.
I’d let him.
Slowly gathering my papers, and my senses, I wait an extra minute or two letting the lecture hall empty out. I make my way up the stairs toward him, arguing internally with myself about why I was stalling. I’veseen him around campus, from a distance. I’ve never been in a class with him, and I’ve certainly never been close enough to smell him.
I’m not sure what I was waiting for. Did I want to give him time to leave so I wouldn’t be disappointed that he did, or did I want to give him time to stay and wait for me? My heart rate picks up as I notice him still sitting in his chair, eyes on me. I glance at his friend, Jackson, who’s wearing a smirk. That guy is too sexy for his own good.
As I get closer, he rises from his chair in one fluid motion. He’s tall, built without being bulky. The university sweatshirt hits at his waist and his shorts sit low on his hips. Like Jackson, they are both good looking, but where Jackson knows it, Adam owns it. The alpha male in him shines through. It’s not cocky, it’s confidence. And I’m here for it.
Stepping past him, he reaches out, grabbing hold of my wrist. I watch as his long fingers wrap around me and the electric current that runs through my body makes me miss a step. It catches me off guard, I’ve never felt this with anyone else. He quickly steadies me with his other hand on my hip.
Hearing a throat clear, I realize I’m standing in the middle of the stairway. He pulls me out of the way, closer to him, an automatic move like I belong next to him, and I hear Jackson chuckle. My hand is now on his chest and we’re still gazing at each other. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I take a breath then drop my hand. Unfortunately, he does, too.
“Have lunch with me.” Fire races through my veins at the sound of his order.
Jackson barks a laugh. “Bro! Not smooth.” He’s shaking his head as he grabs his bag and climbs the remaining two steps. “Have I taught you nothing?” He’s now leaning against the doorway watching us.
“I have another class after this,” I reply, suddenly hating my class schedule.
“Skip it.”
“So needy,” Jackson tsks and walks away leaving us to speak alone.
“Mr. Casanova, are you trying to get me to play hooky with you?” I pop my hip out and put my hand on it, raising a brow.
“I’m trying to get you to play everything with me.”
His eyes are intense. His words playful. His touch sensual. This man could be dangerous.
Chapter Four
CHELSEA
Present Day
When I left Christmas over two years ago, I grabbed only the essentials. Then I had a moving company come and pack up the rest of my stuff and place it in storage. I lost a house I loved, and now we’re back here anyway, only this time we’re living out of a bed and breakfast at the far end of town.
I can’t believe of all the daycares to go to, I had to find the one my friend Farrah works at. When I left Christmas, she was running her parents’ coffee shop, The Roasted Chestnut. Somewhere in the time since I’ve been gone, she began teaching at the local daycare. She always did love being around kids, so it makes perfect sense that is where she ended up.
I would have known that if I had stuck around.
When I walked into the classroom and saw Farrah standing there, my heart and mind raced, and I was fearful of who she would tell, butnow I’m seeing it as a positive thing. I disappeared, dodged her calls and she was still eager to help me, without even knowing the full story. She’s a better friend than I was.
It’s been a long two years, and from the short time I’ve been back, it seems there have been some changes for the Casanova Family. I haven’t contacted Francesca yet. I know I need to; it’s just that I’m trying to prepare myself. Once she knows, Adam will know, and even though I came back to tell him, it’s still a scary situation. Will he try to take Dominic away from me? Will he fight me for custody? Will he want nothing to do with us at all?
