Fated Mate

The final bell rang releasing them from history class. Lee walked out of building and headed out to the parking lot. She didn’t have that many friends, so there was nothing that kept her hanging around school for long, apart from the few persistent boys and the glowering girls who only talked to her because their crushes were chasing after her, ready to make themselves available for the dates she turned down. She was a loner; she liked being that way, and of course being socially awkward did play a big part in it.

All of a sudden the offers had increased in numbers, she was under the impression the word ‘single’ was carved on her forehead and ‘desperate for an Ash substitute’ pasted on her back. George was his usual slimy unrelenting self and Josh was also playing his odds but at a more gentlemanly patient way. Lee thought of saying yes to Josh a couple of times just to irritate George but that would only open the door for a second date which she really didn’t want.

Lee walked to her parking space only to find it empty. She’d forgotten Ann had dropped her off; Ann’s car had stalled again. The thoughts of Ash had made it impossible for her to think of anything else. The slight body aches and fading bruises were a physical constant reminder of him. It was really embarrassing when Mr. Scott from chemistry called Lee out of her daydream with a question and she answered Ash.

Lee covered her ears, trying to silence the memory of the whole class laughing at her. It was worse when he said ‘you and Ash can continue your romance in detention.’ Starting from tomorrow, she had detention for the entire week.

It did make Jane happy when she called Josh Ash when she said no to his date invite. At least I made one person happy today.

Lee turned and headed for the bus stop. She lived five minutes away from school but she had to go to her afternoon job at ‘Luke’s Diner’ on Palm Bay Road, which took her approximately one hour to get to. All she could hope for was that she was alert enough to get off at the right stop, or she would end up on the other side of Florida.

“Hallo, Lee.”

She jumped, dropping her backpack, a couple of books spilled out of it. The voice startled her, pulling her out of her Ash fest. Lee bent down to pick them up.

“Next I’ll walk into ongoing traffic because all I can think about is Ash. Ash! Ash! Ash!” She grumbled to herself sarcastically.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Lee turned to face the voice, trying hard to pull her lips into a polite smile. She froze when she saw who it was. He had his earthshaking smile on. He was leaning against the latest BMW Prado, his arms crossed over his broad chest. The car was silver black and suited him well. She looked at him, her attention fully drawn to appreciating his physic. His brown leather jacket was unzipped exposing his white V-neck shirt that looked like it would rip over his broad chest. His black jeans hugged him, molding in conjunction to his magnificent thighs and cuffs. The only thing that was wrong was the cowboy boots he had on, which could easily be over looked because of the rest of him.

“I’m glad you’re thinking about me, although it doesn’t seem to be all good thoughts.”

Lee pulled her eyes away from his body to look at his face holding her breath so that she wouldn’t hyperventilate.

“Hi, Ash.” She sounded like a giddy teenager.

“Hi, yourself.” Ash’s grin deepened. A soft breeze blew past them dislodging a strand from the perfectly combed back black hair and sweeping it to rest above his eye. She’d never seen a more beautifully made face. Lee held in a shriek.

The dim light of the club and her apartment had not done him justice at all. If I had really paid attention, I don’t think I would have let him out of my bed! Lee control yourself you are starting to sound like Ann.

Lee’s eyes widened finally acknowledging their surroundings, and her uncovered bruised hand. “What are you doing here?”

She shifted the books into her bruised hand then brushed her hair forward to cover her jaw line. She was glad she’d worn the light weight long sleeved turtleneck.

“I came to pick you up. You have work after school don’t you?” His smile shrank. It looked off. His eyes however were unmistakably harsh.

“My other work, of course. But you didn’t have to pick me up.” Go on Lee dig your grave a little deeper.

He raised his eyebrow, dropped his arms, and stood up straight and walked up to her. She suddenly wished she were in her four-inch heels. She still wouldn’t have been as tall but close enough. His huge size and towering height were intimidating.

“So you work two jobs. What is it you do here?”

Lee could tell he was humoring her but she wasn’t going to willingly get caught in a lie.

“I ah…I teach tenth grade history.” She held up the World History book as proof. History! I picked the subject I am flunking to teach. Even I wouldn’t believe that!

He stared at her, his eyebrow still raised. As he was about to speak, he shifted his gaze and looked behind her.

“Your friend wants you.” He sounded irritated.

Lee turned to see Jane running toward them, her hand waving in the air. It didn’t take long before she reached them.

“Lee, I’m glad I caught up to you. I wanted to ask you something.” She looked at Ash, her gaze moved over him slowly. Lee could feel the jealousy burn her.

Of course, what else did she want? Josh must have turned her down but she wasn’t getting Ash. “Yes, Jane?” Lee practically shouted trying to get back her attention.

“Lee, won’t you introducing me to your friend?” Her eyes still on Ash.

Lee turned to look at him. He was back to leaning against the car, his arms folded across his chest and his gaze fixed on the ground. The same arrogance he displayed when they met. A small joy jumped inside her, but it got killed when she remembered how that night ended.

Jane was much prettier than she was, and dressed way better than she did too. Jane looked like ‘Alice in wonderland’ with her pink ensemble and her bright wide smile. Lee felt like an ugly duckling standing next to her. Lee didn’t want her going anywhere near him.

No not really. “This is Ash. He’s a friend of mine. Ash this is Jane, we have a few classes together.” She bit her tongue. She just admitted she was lying.

Jane turned to her surprised. “Ash, the same Ash you called Josh. The one you got four hours of detention for?” She was so excited, she turned back to Ash eyeing him more lustfully than before. “I totally understand you!”

Jane had said too much about her horrid day. Considering the mess Lee was already in, she didn’t want him gloating about being the reason for her imprisonment.

He looked up, his gaze on Lee. His breathtaking smile was on, and even his eyes were laughing. Lee wasn’t sure whose heart was thumping louder, hers or Jane’s.

He moved toward them, his gaze fixed on Lee. “It was nice to meet you, Jane. Lee shall we?” Lee wanted to break into a victory dance. He didn’t look at Jane even once!

He took Lee’s pack and the books in her hands then placed a hand on the small of her back and pushed her gently toward the passenger door. He opened the back door, placed her pack and books inside before he opened the passenger door and helped her in.

Lee watched Jane’s sullen face as they drove away. She fought the urge to stick her tongue out at her, so Lee settled for a girly squeal and a laugh. This was one guy Jane was never going to have.

“That’s a little childish don’t you think?” Ash spoke his eyes on Lee. He’d read into her happiness. She was too happy to care about what he thought.

“Its high school, we’re supposed to be childish.”

“You’re glad I didn’t take interest in your friend, why is that?” His eyes still on her. Lee felt him accelerate, taking the next corner swiftly without turning away from her.

Lee clasped the seat belt on. “Do you mind keeping your eyes on the road? I don’t know about you, but I have a lot I plan to do before I die.”

“Don’t worry, I’m a good driver.”

“Image how many people said that before they wrapped themselves around a pole, or a rock, or drove off a cliff!”

He turned and faced the road. “Are you more at ease now?”

“I’d be much better if you’d slow down.” She could feel the car move a bit slower and released an anxious breath.

“How’s this?”

“Better. Thanks.”