Cheyenne Read Online Free PDF Page A

stretched out before him, long and well defined. The weather was warm, and his shorts revealed more than enough of his tanned legs. His skin was already golden from the sun.
    “ You know,” Colt said playfully, “you’re going to have to start working on your tan. I’ve already got you beat for color so far.” He winked, and I fought to remain focused on my work, at least as best as I could under the circumstances.
    “ Yeah, well some of us go to school and work on homework.” I knew Colt was with me every day and in almost every class. However, he never seemed to work on homework like I did. “I don’t have the luxury of lying around in the sun all day.”
    He chuckled and I continued. We both knew that I was only a shade or two lighter and would soon pass him if I worked on it.
    I wiggled my bare toes in the warmth of the sun. The grass was soft and inviting; I slid down further to sit. The pine trees swayed slightly as the breeze picked up. I brushed the hair away from my lashes, as it tickled my nose and cheek. I looked up and saw the dark storm clouds approaching. I sighed and added my finishing touches.
    “ Okay, you’re done for now. We can wait until later to do the inside pose.” I closed my sketchbook and saw Colt’s outstretched hand. He helped pull me up, and we entered the house just before the rain hit.
    The winds began to blow, and the rain pelted the ground as we made it to the cover of the porch.
    “ We can do it now,” he offered as he opened the door and we walked in. He turned, lifting his fingers to my cheek. My heart lurched to a stop. The way he was looking at me stopped me cold. “You have black charcoal all over your cheek and nose, Cheyenne.” He used his thumb to brush it away.
    “ Thanks,” I muttered and waited until he was done.
    “ Where do you want me?” He grinned.
    “ On the couch. You can watch TV or read or whatever you want to do. I’m going to sit on the stairs.” I sat on the wooden landing. Plopping down into the couch, Colt picked up a magazine and began reading. At least he wasn’t staring at me. The winds slowed, but a light rain continued.
    I sketched out his features and the surrounding area. I tried to do it as quickly as possible, and even though I didn’t want to study him as intently as I had outside, my heart fluttered. I finished and walked towards him. He extended his hand and took the book.
    “ Let’s see what you’ve done.”
    I was by no means an artist. I could draw a passable portrait but the second half of the assignment was to create a more modern piece.
    “ Is this what you think I look like?” he cackled. “Cause if so, I’ll be scheduling some plastic surgery.”
    I yanked the book away from his hands. His eyes danced with mischief. “It’s abstract,” I said in annoyance. “It’s not supposed to be perfect. Besides, I never said I was an artist. I only took the class because I needed the credits.”
    “ Well, it’s a good thing, because if you had paid for the course, I would tell you that you needed to ask for a refund,” his laughter was growing and soon, so was mine.
    “ You’re horrible!”
    “ I know,” he said as he grabbed for my arms and hugged me. He gave me a peck on the cheek. “I got you laughing though.”
    I sighed. “Yes, you did…thank you.”

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 3
     
    Without my approval, life without my parents continued, and soon graduation was upon us. I really didn’t want to attend. I had no one to invite, and that fact itself brought up painful thoughts too easily. Colt had managed to get me there, but I was still protesting.
    “ Colt, I don’t want to go,” I said with determination.
    “ You’ll be fine,” he replied gently. “They’re letting me walk with you so you’re not alone.”
    “ I don’t want to be the only one whose name is called and it remains silent. I have no family in the crowd to clap and cheer like they do for everyone else. Besides, who really