Billionaire Flawed 2(192)

“The first time I met you was during registration, but I don’t think you remember. I was the dweeby girl that made sure you got into the classes you wanted. The whole time I helped you, you were genuine. You didn’t look down on me, or make fun of me like some of the other football players. I liked that about you. It helped that you were probably the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen.”

He smiled at the compliment. I continued.

“I looked for any chance I could get to say hello, or spend time with you. But, even though I go to a lot of your parties, I never found the chance. You’re always surrounded by your friends.

“Then I got this chance. I didn’t want to mess it up, but I did. If you never want to talk to me again, I understand. Besides, after tonight I’ve come to realize that we’re just not made for each other after all. You’ll always be John, the center of attention, dating models and partying. I’ll always be me.”

He sighed, and I could see the frustration leave his face.

“Thanks, John. I’ll always remember the kiss. I hope you find someone that makes you happy,” I said.

I took off the towel and handed it back to him, then opened the car door back to the pouring rain.

“I’ll just keep watching from the sidelines,” I added.

I stepped out, shut the door and started walking off in a daze.

7.

The rain hid my tears, and I was glad it did. I was soaked to the bone but was too numb to care. I couldn’t tell if it was because I had just blown the best shot I had at being with John, or if it was because John wasn’t the person I thought he’d be. He was a great guy, and I knew he would make someone happy eventually.

I rode with Craig and Jane, and it seemed they had left without me. I’d have to walk back home in the rain. It wasn’t so bad, though. I looked forward to having the time to think.

I pulled my soaked jacket back over my shoulders and began my trek home.

Then I heard a honk from behind me. I turned, and John was there with his truck. His headlights nearly blinded me, and all I could make out was his shadow moving closer still.

“Tess?”

“John?” I asked.

The silhouette came closer still. I looked up at his looming shadow, and his face came into view. We stood, rapt in each other’s gaze. I didn’t feel the rain anymore, nor did I shiver.

He threw his arms around me again and pulled me tight.

“Let me give you a ride home,” he said.

I nodded happily.

He escorted me back to the car and helped me into the passenger seat, where the towel from before waited for me. I happily dabbed as much water from my skin as I could. John was just as soaked as I, and I laughed seeing him dripping wet.

“Oh, like you’re much better,” he said.

I slapped him playfully on the arm. Then he started the truck, or should I say tried to start the truck.

“I hoped this wouldn’t happen tonight. I’ve needed to get that battery fixed for a while.”

I laughed as the dome light in the truck clicked off. He didn’t see the humor in it at first, but laughter is contagious. We sat in his truck, staring at the rain as it continued to pour down on, making loud ting sounds on the metal roof of his truck.

In the semi-silence, we basked in one another’s company. Then the rain started slowing.

“I was going to talk to you at the party, last week,” he said.

“Why didn’t you?” I asked.

“Because you disappeared before I could,” he replied.

“I was beyond embarrassed.”

“Well, I thought it was cute. If you had stayed, things might have been different,” he said.

“I’m here now,” I said.

He leaned toward me and kissed me on the cheek, however unexpected. I felt a little giddy that he’d be so forward.

“What was that for?” I asked.

“It was the easiest way to say I’m sorry,” he replied.

He leaned in for another kiss, and I gave him his prize. He really was a good kisser. I pushed him away.

“I don’t want to be your girl for just tonight,” I said.

He leaned back and thought for a moment.

“Then be my girl for tomorrow, too,” he said.

“Why me? You could have any girl on campus, so why me?” I asked.

“I felt a spark from our first kiss. I didn’t think much of it at first, but as the night has worn on, I can’t stop thinking about it. You think I forgot about you after you helped me register for classes, but I remembered. When I wanted to say hello at my parties, you were always talking with that other guy, Craig. So, I’d back off.

“When you were alone at my party last Friday I might have tossed the ball at you on purpose,” he said.