Discern Read Online Free PDF

been forgotten.” I faked the best smile I could. “So how are things there?”
    “Good, but I didn’t really prepare myself for all the crazy things I’ve witnessed,” he frowned.
    “Crazy like what?”
    “Women and children having to endure idiots who have no self control,” he said, gritting his teeth.
    “That always upset my mother, too, but it’s good that you can help.” I hoped my words would ease his anger.
    Ryan and I continued to walk back to class without saying another word. I felt a little uneasy as some of the girls were giving me looks—not dirty looks—but eyeing me over. As if I was their competition for some magnificent prize. They could have Ryan—I wasn’t interested. In fact, I wasn’t interested in anyone at the moment.
    As class resumed, Andrew began to address the subject of our end of the semester paper. We had no final, just the paper. I was excited about that. I hated finals around the holidays. The thought of the holidays reminded me that I would be alone, not just without Braden, but back at home in the house where my mother had once made every holiday season a joyous occasion.
    I felt a sharp pain in my left shoulder blade and swiftly turned to see what was causing it. Ryan was shoving a pencil into my shoulder blade.
    “What?” I whispered hastily.
    “He’s doing it again,” he whispered back, gesturing toward the front of the room. His tone was urgent.
    I automatically looked over at Andrew, and to my surprise he was, in fact, staring at me. He quickly realized that I was aware of his staring. Obviously, my face gave it away. I loathed my inability to hide my feelings. It was frustrating how easy it was for people to read me.
    Andrew’s attention abruptly turned from my face to the paper in his hand. I began to blush, but didn’t notice any blood rushing to his face. I was envious of his ability to hide his emotions.
    Time seemed to slow down after the incident. I kept a close watch on the classroom clock right above the blackboard. My nerves were on edge. The fact that other students noticed Andrew’s staring in my direction was upsetting.
    The girl seated beside me, continuing to hum annoying tunes, caused extra frustration. But I knew what was really bothering me, I actually enjoyed the fact that this unbelievably handsome man was paying extra attention to me, even if it was a little creepy.
    There was no use getting too excited—I had more than likely ruined my chances with him. My behavior this summer was inexcusable. Plus he was my teacher now, which threw another curve in to the mix—the same mix that consisted of still having feelings for Braden, but desperately wanting to move forward.
    He announced to the class that he was going to let us out thirty minutes early. He made mention that he would let us out early every night. This pleased me as I eventually planned to help my father out at the dealership a couple days a week.
    “Hey,” Ryan whispered.
    “Yes?”
    “What are you up to this evening?” he asked nervously.
    “I have no plans, but I’m really exhausted from my lack of sleep lately,” I said politely.
    Ryan wasn’t the type to try anything, but socializing and possibly being recognized wasn’t high on my list. I needed to lay low to avoid having Braden find out my current location.
    “No problem. If you ever want to go out, just give me a shout,” he said as he handed me a ripped piece of paper bearing a few scribbled numbers. He rose from his seat and began gathering his stuff.
    “Hey,” I said, lightly touching his arm.
    “Yes?” He quickly stopped.
    “I’m not avoiding you, just the rest of the town.”
    “Why?”
    “Braden and I didn’t end amicably, and he doesn’t know where I am. I need to keep it that way for awhile, until I’m a little stronger.”
    “Is he causing you trouble?” he asked concerned.
    I flashed a displeased look. “No, but he would.”
    “I can talk to him,” he smirked.
    “No way.” I shook my