Chapter 8 - Grace
Entering the university building, I glanced back. I was glad to be able to attend my classes. With Makari keeping an eye on me, I could attend without worrying that someone was lurking in the shadows trying to kill me.
He walked through the hallways and the grounds. I wasn’t sure what he was looking for, but he said he’ll know when he sees it. It was comforting to know he was close by. He promised to be here all day.
Moving through the hallway, I wondered what about him attracted me so much. Yes, he made me feel protected, but at the same time, he also made me nervous. On the other hand, I never felt more alive than when I was with him. He was a complicated puzzle, unlike any man I’ve ever met.
He confused my mind, my heart, and my emotions. Taking my seat in the lecture hall, I battled to hear a word the professor said. My mind kept drifting back to Makari. Now and then, I would find myself smiling as I stroked my leg or arms, thinking of him. This happened in every class.
After my third class, I moved down the hallway, shaking my head. I had to do something to get him out of my thoughts. If I didn’t manage to concentrate, I would surely flunk. He mentioned meeting up with his professor friend in the library again later. Entering my fourth class before lunch, I decided I would go find him once the class was done.
This appeared to have settled my mind slightly as I managed to take notes during this class. I pushed through hordes of students heading in all directions as I tried to get to the library. It felt like there were suddenly more students than usual. Yet, I was impatient and wanted to get to my destination quickly.
Opening the library door, I smiled as I saw him seated at the table in the back. He was with the professor. They were deep in conversation as I neared them. I wondered if I should hang back for a moment. Then he looked up, and our eyes met.
I felt my heart sink to my stomach as he got up and came closer. “Hi, how’s your morning been?” he asked, kissing my cheek.
Flooding with emotion, I felt like I was back in high school, and the boy I had a crush on had just spoken to me. Glancing at my feet, I felt my body swaying from side to side. I was unable to control it. “Not too bad,” I replied softly. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”
“Oh, no, we’re done,” he said, looking back over his shoulder.
I noticed the professor was no longer there. He must have left while we were talking. I hadn’t even noticed. “There was just one thing…,” he added, then shook his head. “It’s not important.”
Before I could question him about it, there was a loud roar of voices from behind me. Turning, I saw the library was instantly filled with students. Makari ushered me into one of the corners in the back of a row. We stood for a moment, watching the people moving around.
It turned out to be some of the university’s football team and their girls. We were standing so close that I could feel his breath on my face. He strangely smelled like peppermint, which was nice. He whispered in my ear as my mind drifted to other things. “You date any of these morons?”
Glancing around his broad shoulders, I studied the men and their friends. They moved around the tables, irritating some of the students. Some grabbed a book here and there and moved to the counter in the back. One tapped a cheerleader's ass before they disappeared through the door again.
“No,” I replied. “I mostly keep to my studies. I don’t have time for things like that. I might have gone on some dates.” Looking up at him, I placed my hand on his chest before continuing. “But the guys here don’t know how to please a woman.”
Makari took half a step back. I felt his hands on my hips as he looked at me, surprised. His hands slowly made their way up. As he caressed my shoulders, he placed one hand behind my neck, and the other came to rest on my chest.
I shivered lightly as lust crept in. The sexual tension between us was almost unbearable. I felt like jumping on him right there. His hand moved down my chest. I let out a heavy breath as he cupped my breast. Closing my eyes, I waited in anticipation as he leaned in.
Our lips met with a tenderness he had not shown before. It was invigorating, lighting up all my senses. Pushing my finger into his hair, I pulled him close, wanting more of him. Makari’s hands moved back to my hips, and I lifted one leg against his side.
He played with his fingers up and down my thigh, lighting me up like a spark plug. Parting my lips, I invited his tongue into my mouth. I loved the feeling of him exploring all parts of me.
He tasted like fresh mint tea with a splash of honey. Our kiss intensified as his hand moved to my ass. Biting back the moan of pleasure, I caught his lip.
Makari pushed me up against the wall. Burning with desire, I wanted him to take me and bliss the raging fire within. Slowly, I moved my hands down his chest and grabbed the top of his pants. I started to undo his belt and top button as he pushed a finger into my panties.
There was no stopping the groan of pleasure that left my lips. Makari dropped my leg and stepped back. Smiling at me while he fastened his belt, he spoke softly. “No, not here. We can’t do this.”
No way, man, I thought, watching him take another step back. I craved him; I wanted to feel him inside me. I knew this wasn’t the place, but the library was basically empty. No one would even notice us.
As my raging hormones calmed down, I realized something in me had shifted. What has he done to me? Where has the good girl gone? I’ve changed into a bad girl in just a couple of days. This wasn’t right. Sleeping together again was off-limits. But I was so heavily attracted to him that I felt like I was losing my mind.
No, I silently reprimanded myself. This is irresponsible. We can’t ever be together again. I have to focus, and can’t be running around doing things like this. I was relieved that he backed off. Smiling at him, I replied softly. “Yes, I agree. Thank you.”
He wasn’t as innocent as I originally thought. Getting into a regular thing with him would complicate my life more. I didn’t need any more issues to worry about. “I still have two classes,” I said. Moving past him to the table, I grabbed my books and headed for the door.
The rest of the day passed in a daze. I was literally walking around in a daydream. I felt like I was only half awake. My mind kept going back to his tender touch. I was floating on clouds. As the last bell rang, I quickly headed out. I wanted to see him even though I knew this would only lead to my heart breaking.
Makari was leaning against the hood of his truck as I came out. Taking a deep breath, I tried calming my racing heart. I walked across the main road with a skip in my step.
“How’s the rest of your day been?” he asked, opening my door.
“Good, thanks. Now I just want to get home. I’m feeling slightly drained,” I replied. I didn’t dare tell him that I was drained from trying to keep my mind focused.
He got in and headed home. The drive back to his house was quiet. I kept my gaze out the window. I was scared I might end up drooling over him if I looked at him for too long. As the truck came to a stop, I jumped out and disappeared into the house. I went straight up to my room and locked the door.
I wasn’t sure how I was going to get rid of the madhouse that I had turned into overnight, but I had to try. Walking to the bathroom, I filled the tub. I opened all the drawers and cabinets to see what they held.
After finding some bath oils, I added some for relaxation to my water. I lay so long that I almost fell asleep. By the time I got out, my fingers and toes were wrinkled.
Once dressed, I headed for the bed. I had just sat down when there was a knock at the door. “Grace,” I heard Makari call out.
“Yes,” I replied quickly.
“Supper is ready. Are you joining us?” he added.
Pulling the covers up, I replied in a flat tone. “No thanks, I’m not hungry. I had a big lunch at the cafeteria today. I’ll see you in the morning. Sleep well.”
For a moment, there was no reply. I wondered if he had simply left. Then, out of the blue, he spoke again. “Okay, if you’re sure. Sleep tight.”
I listened as he walked off. Laying back, I closed my eyes and tried to clear the images of him from my mind. I had to get things straight and focus on my classes and studies. Maybe a good evening’s rest was just what I needed, I thought as I turned on my side. Tomorrow, we will see what the day holds in store.