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  Pulling in a breath, I reached for the handle and popped my door open. The sun was brilliant in the clear blue sky. It was the perfect day, and I had to enjoy this moment.

  Looking across the roof of the car, I spotted David's elated grin. Maybe this would be okay.

  So why could I not shake that damn question from circling my brain like a vulture?

  Ella, what the hell are you doing here?

  CHAPTER TWO

  ELLA

  “So, this is us.” Morgan pushed the door open, revealing the room I'd seen on Skype many times. It was a pretty cool space, and I did feel lucky that Morgan had managed to secure this spot for me.

  David walked ahead with my luggage, gliding through the small living area and dumping my suitcase on the bed. I stepped across the wooden floor and looked around the space. The long, flat couch took up most of the living area and was pointed at a small TV, resting on a wooden bookshelf crammed full of tatty novels. Morgan could power through a book on a good day, and that shelf was proof.

  A chunky coffee table sat between the TV and the brown, tartan couch. Behind me was a small fridge next to a tidy desk with a lamp perched on the corner. To my right was my little room and opposite to that, across the living area, was Morgan's. We had a small double bed each, and next to my bed was an empty desk with a stool for a chair.

  “I tend to study in the library. I try to think of this as a place where I can relax.” Morgan crossed her arms, trying to assess me.

  I nodded again and my smile actually grew to be genuine. I liked it. There was something comfortable about the space. Pictures of the Terrible Trio were plastered all over Morgan's door, bringing instant comfort. I chuckled as I stepped toward it and studied the different images.

  “Feel free to put up whatever you like. Susanna cleaned out her room pretty good when she left, so make this place your home.”

  “I will, thanks.”

  “Come on, I'll show you where the bathrooms are.” She pulled me out the door, calling to David that we'd be back in a minute. I bustled down the corridor and ducked out of the way of a freshman with a huge box in his hands; he looked as small and scared as I felt. I still wasn't sure if it was a good idea to have a mix of ages and genders on each floor, but Morgan seemed to like it, and I had to trust my friend.

  Morgan pushed the bathroom door open. “So, the busiest shower times are always in the morning and usually about six 'til seven at night. So if you don't want to be waiting in line for a shower, come either really early or late.” She flung back a shower curtain, showing me the clean stall with three little hooks lined up across the steel frame. I looked around the cubicle and swallowed. It felt weird to know I'd be naked in the same room as other people with a flimsy shower curtain as my only form of protection. I was used to showering behind a locked door.

  I leaned my head against the frame and looked at Morgan.

  “It's gonna be okay. You'll get used to it.”

  I opened my mouth to say it, but she cut me off.

  “You're here because this is a great opportunity for you.”

  “What if it all falls apart?”

  “It won't, but if it does, we'll pick up the pieces and move on. You can do this, Ella Bella.”

  I sniffed out a chuckle and wrapped my arms around her waist. She rested her chin on my head and squeezed back.

  David was waiting on the edge of my bed with his arms folded across his chest. His head whipped in my direction as I stepped into the room, and it was hard to miss the desire in his gaze.

  Morgan cleared her throat and grabbed for her purse. “I'm gonna unpack later. I want to see Brad. Text me if you need anything.”

  The door clicked shut behind her and I felt a little bereft, but then David's arms were around me and the feeling dissipated, replaced with hot kisses. He cupped the back of my head, his other arm squeezing me close against him. I kissed back, enjoying the feel of his strong body, but I just couldn't get into it.

  I pulled back, kissing his neck to soften the move. “I want to make sure my registration is all set, plus I need a tour of this place. I want to get my bearings before tomorrow.”

  “You can get your bearings later.” He nuzzled my neck, his hands trailing up my ribcage.

  “David...” I started to say, but he silenced me with a kiss. He leaned me back, his mouth fastened to mine, and I knew I wouldn't be able to resist him.

  He opened his eyes and gazed down at me. “You really want to wait?” he asked, his breathing heavy.

  “No,” I said, trailing my finger down his cheek. “But I'm nervous and if I don't go and register soon, I'm gonna be a complete wreck. I need to know exactly where I have to go tomorrow. You know I get antsy with new stuff.” I held back just how much I was truly freaking out. I didn't want to make him feel bad. It was, after all, his drive that got me over here.

  His gaze softened with that tender look I loved. “You have nothing to worry about, baby. I've already ordered all your books and the stuff you'll need. The only thing left to do is to check you in and then show you around. This place is amazing and you're gonna love it. Trust me.” He pecked my cheek. “Come on, grab your stuff and we'll get going.”

  I fished my purse out of my large bag and threw my wallet and phone into the front pocket. Running my hands through my hair, I tried to brush out the knots and straighten up.

  “You look great.” With a grin, he reached for my hand. I took it like a lifeline, remembering the first time he'd smiled at me that way.

  It was the second month of my junior year at Pasadena High. Morgan had left for college, leaving me feeling a little lost and sending Jody on a rebellious spiral. It's like Jo-Jo had been waiting for her big sister to get out of town so she could let loose; the fact it coincided with her starting high school didn't really help, either. I was struggling to rein in the wild freshman and feeling hopeless. David saw my desolate form sitting alone in the cafeteria watching Jody flirt mindlessly with Craig Winston, the school womanizer. He'd sat down in front of me, cutting off my view and giving me that smile.

  “Want to talk about it?”

  “I don't even know your name.” I blushed, looking to the table. I actually did know his name, but we'd never been formally introduced. There was no way I'd ever have the courage to approach him. He was way handsome and he might not have been the star quarterback, but he was senior class president and really popular. He was so out of my league it wasn't even funny.

  “David Kellerman.” He chuckled and held out his hand. “And you're Ella Simmons.”

  I took his hand, a light frown denting my forehead. He knew my name? How was that even possible?

  “I hope you don't mind.” He leaned across the table. “I kinda asked around.” Scratching the top of his head, his cheeks lit with a soft blush before that dimple of his appeared. “I've been wanting to talk to you for weeks, but I didn't want to scare you off or anything.”

  My mouth dropped open. He'd noticed me? Little, mousy Ella Simmons? I glanced over my shoulder, wondering if this was some kind of prank, but I knew it couldn't be. David Kellerman wasn't that kind of guy. He was nice, intelligent, sweet...and he wanted to talk to ME.

  I looked back into his soft, brown eyes and smiled. I couldn't hold it for long, my traitorous teeth pinching my bottom lip. I looked back to the table. My cheeks felt like they were about to combust, they were so hot.

  David tapped his knuckles lightly on the table. “I just saw you sitting over here looking kind of sad and, well...I thought you could use a friend.” He glanced over his shoulder, catching a glimpse of Jody throwing back her perfect blonde curls and laughing like a hyena. “That's Morgan Pritchett's little sister, right?”

  I nodded.

  “You guys are pretty tight.”

  “Yeah, like family,” I whispered.

  He shot me a glum smile of sympathy. “So, do you want to talk about it?”

  And that had been the start. David had pulled me into his life, provid
ing me with all the safety I craved. He even helped me get Jody straightened out, and my junior year at Pasadena High had ended up being the best in my life.

  “You're going to love this place.” David pulled me from my memories as we walked out into the sunshine. “There's so much cool stuff here and Chicago is such a great city. But this campus right here.” He pointed at the ground. “This is the coolest place on earth.”

  His enthusiasm didn't wane, not for a micro-second. After registration, we collected my books from the University bookstore and he dragged me from one end of the campus to the other, showing me exactly where all my classes were...as well as his. By the end, my mind was a jumble of directions, and I was freaking out that I'd end up getting lost in the morning.

  “You know, my first class isn't until nine, so I have time to walk you to Comparative Literature if you like.”

  I swallowed and nodded yet again. My neck muscles were going to be spasming by the end of the day.

  “Hey, Ella, it's gonna be okay. I'll take care of you here, I promise.”

  “Thanks.” I squeezed his hand as we walked back into the dorm and made our way to the third floor. I was trying to remember which corridor to take when he pulled me to a stop and leaned against door 309.

  “This is me.” His dimple appeared as he slid the heavy book bag off his shoulder. “And you're just down the hall and to the right.” I looked in the direction of his pointing finger and nodded.

  Right. Remember right.

  He chuckled. “I know your sense of direction sucks, so just remember 309 and you'll be fine.”

  I grinned. “309 and I'll be fine. Got it. And I'm 315, right?”

  “Right.”

  “Okay.” I nodded, breathing out and holding his arms as he pulled me against him.

  “But remember, you can always bunk here anytime you like.” He wiggled his eyebrows.

  I snickered and pressed my forehead against his shoulder. I swallowed, feeling bad for what I was about to say, but my nerves were strung too tight. There was no way I could get naked with him right now and enjoy it. “If it's okay, I might spend my first night getting my own space organized, but thanks for the offer.”

  He made a little whine in his throat, sounding like a puppy dog. “Don't make me wait too long. I've missed you.”

  I chuckled. “You just saw me two weeks ago.”

  “I know.” He kissed the top of my head. “But even that's been too long.”

  I lifted my head and looked up at him. “Hey, I'm here now...for the rest of the year. We'll have plenty of time together.”

  His eyes sparkled. “Yes, we will.”

  Man, I couldn't get enough of that grin. Rising to my tiptoes, I planted a kiss on his lips and then moved away from him. I hefted the bag onto my shoulder.

  “Here, let me at least carry those for you.”

  “No, I'll be okay.” I forced a sunny grin. His eyes narrowed, but I put on a brave face, pretending the weight cutting into my shoulder was no big deal as I walked away.

  I could tell he was watching me. I tried really hard not to look back but had to make sure, pausing at the end of the hallway and pointing where I thought I should go. He nodded and I shuffled that way before he could laugh at me anymore. I really wished I had a better sense of direction.

  I reached my room and found it empty. Morgan was obviously still catching up with Brad. They'd only seen each other for a few days over the summer, and I could imagine exactly how they were making up for lost time. I was relieved they were doing it at his place and not ours.

  Walking through the quiet apartment, I perched my butt on the edge of my bed. The book bag thumped to the floor, and I wrapped my arms around myself.

  “It will be okay, you know.” Saying the words aloud didn't really help.

  Would it be okay?

  I hated that I felt so insecure. David and Morgan were both here. I was surrounded by people who loved me; I should be excited. Their plans for me made sense…they were great! So why was I so damn scared?

  Morgan had been right; I needed to spread my wings, fly a little. David did the right thing in encouraging me here. My dreams were basically non-existent compared to his. His vision for our future was so massive, I didn't really need any dreams of my own. He was good for me. He said he'd take care of me and I believed him.

  I just never thought that following in his footsteps could make me feel so lost.

  CHAPTER THREE

  COLE

  “You lose! Woohoo!”

  I watched Frankie prance around like an idiot, a pool cue in one hand while the other punched the air. I understood the fourteen-year-old's elation. Beating Malachi Quigg at pool was damn near impossible. I'd been trying for years and only managed it a couple of times.

  Throwing the damp cloth from my hand to the counter top, I continued wiping down the bar while Nina bustled in from the kitchen with an empty tray to collect up the remaining glasses from the pub tables.

  I grinned as she hummed her way around the room. It had been a busy one tonight; the sturdy, wooden tables filled with people enjoying plates piled high with food and mugs nearly overflowing with thick, Irish ale.

  People came from all over Chicago to hang out at Quigg's. It was a friendly joint that Malachi and Nina had started up on their meager savings. They wanted it to be a place that everyone felt comfortable in. Sunday lunches saw families with young kids shuffling in the door while Friday nights often brought in a fresh haul of college students. They were stubbornly strict on checking IDs from anyone who looked mildly underage, and alcohol was served accordingly. I had been given very clear instructions when I first started working behind the bar. It'd been drummed into me so hard, I could practically recite the rules in my sleep.

  I finished wiping down the polished wood until it gleamed and then pulled the dishtowel off my shoulder to dry off any remaining watermarks. Nina dumped the tray onto the edge of the bar and I took it off her, walking back into the kitchen and leaving it by the sink for Declan to deal with in the morning.

  Stepping back into the room, I spotted Nina, her freckled face scrunched tightly in disgust.

  “I'm guessing this is yours.”

  She held up the small, white napkin with a phone number scribbled across the center.

  “Ah, that's right. Candace.” I took it from her, folding it in half and slipping it into my back pocket.

  Nina slumped onto the bar with a groan, her red hair splaying over the wood.

  “Are you even going to call her?”

  I made my grin extra-wide as she looked at me with that droll expression of hers. “Of course I'm gonna call her.”

  “Yeah, for a booty call!” Frankie jumped up onto the stool beside his foster mother and chortled.

  “Frankie,” she scolded and turned back to me with a glare. “See the example you're setting right now?”

  “Oh come on, Nina.” Frankie rolled his eyes. “You don't think I'm good with the ladies?”

  Nina squashed her grin between tight lips and turned back to the boy. “You're fourteen years old. Let me assure you, you have a very long way to go before you score yourself a decent lady. Now back to bed, mister. You've got school tomorrow.”

  “Malachi said we could play another game.”

  Nina's green eyes rounded. “It's getting close to midnight, and Malachi is not allowed to say those things to you without my permission. Now, bed. Sleep. Grow!”

  With an impish grin, Frankie slid from his stool and bustled past his foster father. Malachi scruffed the boy's hair as he walked past, putting on an innocent face. “What's he doing up then?”

  Nina gave him a hard glare before turning to check the pub doors were locked. “That kid does not understand the concept of sleep, and you letting him play pool after closing does not help, Mal. He should have been in bed hours ago. If the place hadn't been so busy tonight, I would have been up there with him. I feel bad when I can't look after him properly.” She turned back with a fro
wn.

  Her soft heart was her undoing...and the reason every foster child who had ever been in her care fell madly in love with her.

  “You remember what I was like when you first got me. Sleep's hard for a foster kid.” I threw the dishtowel back over my shoulder. “Besides, trying to beat Malachi at pool is probably keeping that kid from running away.”

  Nina gave me a soft smile. “I just hope the state will let us keep him. I feel like we can really make a difference with this one. If we're lucky enough, he'll turn out as brilliant as you.”

  I grinned as she patted my arm. She'd never be my real mother, but she certainly treated me like her son, as she did every boy who'd been dropped off at her door. “Frankie's a good kid. He'll be fine.”

  “Yeah, as long as we can keep him away from that psycho mother of his.” Malachi's eyes bulged, his Irish accent growing thick with the late hour.

  “Mal,” Nina chided.

  “What? I only speak the truth.”

  “I know.” Nina looked toward the door that led up to the three-bedroom apartment above us. “But he doesn't need to hear us talking that way. A boy will always love his mother, no matter how messed up she is.”

  Nina picked at the counter, and I couldn't help leaning over the bar and kissing her cheek. “You're the world's best mother, Nina. He'll fall in love with you, too. In fact, I think he already has a little bit.”

  “Well, it's impossible not to, Boy-o. Look at the woman, she's the most beautiful creature on this earth.”

  Nina blushed and rolled her eyes as her husband captured her from behind, wrapping his arms around her waist and nuzzling her neck. “Malachi, stop it.”

  Finally relenting, he grabbed the broom from the closet and started sweeping up the floor, giving her neck a raspberry as he walked past her. I chuckled with Malachi as Nina yelped and slapped him on the back. The three of us continued packing up, each knowing our jobs without having to say a thing. I'd started working weekend shifts here when I was sixteen. Five years later, I felt like a pro and couldn't wait to start doing this on my own.