After the Rain Read Online Free PDF Page A

stands beside me, wrapping her arm around my back while Rachel does the same to Cory. The air is thick—filled with tension. I’m going to kill Cory for inviting him.
    “Hey, Emery, if you need somewhere to rest your arm, you got me,” Drake says, developing a wicked grin across his face.
    “I’ll keep my hands to myself.”
    “The offer stands all night. Let me know if you change your mind.”
    “Doubtful.”
    We all stand around gossiping for a few minutes before Cory and Rachel disappear, followed by Emery, and then Drake. I know Cory took his girl into the bedroom because he had that look in his eyes, but I have no idea what happened to the other two.
    “I’m going to go use the bathroom,” Kate says as she stands on her tiptoes to kiss my cheek.
    Grabbing her wrist, I stop her. “Are you okay?”
    “I’m fine.” She winks, and I loosen my hold.
    I admire the way the dress fits around her ass as she walks away. One of the best things about Kate is she has no idea how sexy she is … it just makes it that much better.
    As I wait for her to return, I notice a few more people have left, leaving one small group playing a drinking game at the table and another chatting as they sit in the living area. Our apartment is small, and it really shows when you pack any number of people into it.
    When Kate doesn’t immediately come back, I head down the hallway to find her. The bathroom door is still closed, and light floods from underneath it. I knock lightly. “Kate.”
    “Yeah?” she answers, sounding tired.
    “Can I come in?”
    “Just a second.”
    I listen for the lock to click and then slowly turn the knob. Kate sits with her back against the tub, legs folded in front of her.
    “What are you doing in here?” I ask, sitting beside her.
    “I’m just tired and needed a little escape.”
    “I would have escaped with you.”
    “I know,” she says, biting down on her lower lip. “Can I ask you my one question for today?”
    “Shoot,” I reply, wrapping my hand around hers.
    “If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?”
    I stare at her curiously. She just got here so I’m hoping she’s not thinking about moving already. It’s not a question I really even have to think about, though. “The lake.”
    “Seriously?” Her eyebrow rises as she stares at me like I’m someone she doesn’t even know.
    “Yes, seriously. It holds so many memories, and it feels like I’m supposed to be there. It’s my favorite place behind wherever you are.”
    “You always know what to say.”
    “Is it helping?” I ask, sweeping away a strand of hair that fell in front of her eyes.
    “You know it is,” she whispers.
    “Now it’s my turn for a question. Why don’t you tell me why you were really sitting in this bathroom?”
    She looks up at the ceiling then back at me. “I was afraid, since the rest of our group left, you were going to ask me to play cards or something, and I don’t know those people. It was making me nervous.”
    I frame her face in my hands, making it difficult for her to look anywhere but at me. “If I ever ask you to do something you don’t feel comfortable doing, just say no. It’s that easy.”
    “I think I know that deep down, but I’m not programmed that way.”
    “We’ll get you there.”
    “I think I’m going to go home. I’m tired from these first couple weeks of class,” she says, leaning into my touch.
    “I’ll take you. It’s late, and I would just feel better—”
    “You don’t have to,” she says as she stands.
    “I want to.”
    She nods, placing her small hand in mine. As we make our way outside, I notice it’s raining and offer to go get my truck so she doesn’t have to walk through it.
    I don’t waste any time getting in my truck and putting it into gear to retrieve my girl. It’s completely dark with only a few streetlights highlighting the sidewalks and parking lots. I don’t have to wait long before I see the familiar auburn curls.