Touching Melody (A Forever First Novel) Read Online Free PDF Page B

cheese on half a bagel, I take a bite. The air is crackling with anticipation. It’s my first day of college. I’m giddy. I feel grown up.
    The cafeteria is packed. People are in groups, just like the high schools I’ve seen in the movies, and I’m surprised. One long table is filled with kids, all chatting and laughing loudly. I can’t help wondering what they’re talking about.
    I take another bite of bagel and put my ear buds in. Scrolling through my music, I find the piece I’m going to practice— Nocturne No. 2 in E —and press play. It starts out slow, whimsical.
    As I listen, Kyle walks in. His hair is wet and rumpled. Like he got out of the shower and shook it dry. He’s wearing a tight blue t-shirt that accentuates every muscle in his arms, chest, and abs. His jeans sit low on his hips. The two who were with him at the party last night flank him. They look hung over, but still beautiful. I wonder if they stayed the night with him. And if they did, what they did. I think about his offer to join them, and what that would’ve entailed. My cheeks get hot. I look away, taking another bite of my bagel, but I can’t keep my traitorous eyes from his body.
    The music playing in my ears speeds up, and so does my heart.
    Kyle glances over, his eyes locking on mine, and a smile spreads across his lips.
    He remembers me. And I realize I’m really excited. All the times we hung out together—in his room, in my room, listening to music, talking about what we wanted in life, rushing through homework—it bubbles up and runs over. I’ve missed him terribly.
    He whispers something to the girls and then strolls over, leaving them to fend for themselves. My heart leaps. Butterflies escape, spread their wings and flutter lightly in my stomach. What will he say? I can’t help but notice the way people in the cafeteria watch his movements. He’s like one end of a magnet. Everyone is drawn to him.
    Including me.
    I sit up straight and pull out an ear bud.
    “Hi,” I say when he’s close. My heart skips several beats.
    “Hey.” He places both hands on the edge of a chair and leans forward. I can smell his aftershave and a hint of vanilla... his shampoo? “Didn’t I see you at a party last night?” He licks his lips and I’m mesmerized. “What’s your name?” he asks.
    I blink several times , open my mouth and close it, trying not to look like a trout. My bagel drops onto the napkin.
    He doesn’t know who I am. I can’t believe it. Am I really that forgettable?
    The girls he left behind have sauntered up next to him. They aren’t twins but they are dressed alike : white button shirts undone to their belly buttons with crisp collars, navy miniskirts, over-the-knee navy socks, and black, super high Mary Janes. Their shoes say slut , I’ve decided.
    One of the girls drapes a hand through Kyle’s arm. She glares at me before smiling brightly at Kyle. “Let’s eat,” she coos.
    Trying not to gag, I stand. “No. Sorry. I thought you were someone else.” I pick up my music and my iPod and move to leave. “You’re welcome to sit here, if you want,” I say and skirt around them.
    His smile falters, but only for a second. “Thanks.” As I walk by he makes a point to grab the girls’ asses. They squeal and giggle.
    Yeah, he’s a jerk. I didn’t check his shoes, but I’m sure they scream jerk .
    Because you were too busy staring at his gorgeous face and beautiful body, I think, disgusted with myself.
    I huff. He probably had on really expensive shoe s. Pretentious asshole shoes. I’m tempted to turn back and look, but I don’t. It’s better if we stay as far from each other as possible.
     
    Kyle
     
    As soon as Maddie leaves I ditch the girls. Last night was fun, but that’s it.
    “Thanks again. S ee ya around.” I pat them both on the back. This is always the awkward part.
    Baby grabs my arm. “Wait. I —Let’s do it again sometime.” She winks.
    I smile. “ Laters, Baby,” I say flippantly,