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COPYRIGHT: This story, "The Discovery of Her" is copyrighted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. All rights are reserved by the owner and creator of this story (Myeerrz) and any unauthorized copying, broadcasting, manipulation, distribution or selling of this work constitutes as an infringement of copyright and is punishable by law.

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PICTURE OF MELODY ON THE RIGHT >>>>>

MELODY'S POV

"Dana Nehru..." Watching my classmates walk up those steps and accept their diplomas makes me feel... nostalgic. Stupid I know. I should feel excited or nervous or scared or even a little sick, but instead I feel nostalgic.

"Michael Notts..."

It's as if the past two years of school just flew by. There was so much to be done and so little time to finish it all. We all tried our best to cram in two and a half years worth of knowledge on Event Planning so we could smile in our future employers faces, as if we knew anything about the actuality of the profession. I remember the first day I walked into my interview for my internship at Party Suave Events. Even from outside the building it seemed shady; the walls were brown and dressed in bird feces and the address of the building was missing a number. Walking inside proved my theory as I was greeted by a greasy looking man withh chubby fingers and a suit two sizes too small. When we reached the floor the company was on everyone seemed very friendly and once I finished my interview I was offered an internship there. Everything seemed to be going perfect until I felt someone's hand "accidentally" grope my butt. At first I let it go because this place was going to be my new job so I might as well get along, but when it happened a second time I turned around to come face to face with the "handsy" new boss Damen Suarez. The man didn't even have the decency to apologize either! He just winked at me and said "Welcome to the Party." I practically ran out of the office and straight to the elveator. I remember bumping into one of the women that worked there and she gave me the most pitiful look I have ever receieved (even worse than the looks that Beth used to give me). But this woman was beautiful; platinum blonde hair, full red lips and beautiful crystal blue eyes. Her body was like a model, tall and curvy in the right places, she was killer hot which made me wonder why she would want to work here.

"Running away from the big bad boss?" She put a hand on my shoulder and gave it a light squeeze. "A pretty little thing like you? I'm surprised he didn't ask you to meet with him in 'private' already. He's always had a fetish for younger women... if you get my drift? He can be so disgusting. If I were you I would leave this place and find a job elsewhere." The blonde looks at me one last time and walks away. I had already made up my mind about the internship here but her little comment was enough to make sure I never looked back.

"Brian Nunarre..."

Three days later I had another interview with Sonia T Events; the story is Sonia Terrace created this company from her basment in hopes of making enough money to put her 3 kids through college. After 3 years of using her basement for client meetings she earned enough money to lease a store and she only went up from there. Her story is so empowering and beautiful that it was the first company I called for an interview. I made sure I dressed smart casual the day of the interview, wearing my favourite blue satin blouse and black dress pants I looked great. I arrived 10 minutes early on purpose to scope out the work scene and they were an awesome company. WHen arriving on their floor there is a orange and lemon water station waiting to be used. The decor is vibrant and welcoming, using popping colours like orange, baby blue and yellows. In some cases it can be too much, but here it looked perfect. One of the employees took me on a tour of the office to kill time and everything, from the desks, to the kitchen screamed for me to get a job here. When it was time for my interview I met with Sonia's second son Desmond and he interviewed me. I tried my best not to oogle him but man was he gorgeous. He looked just like his mother, light brown eyes, high cheek bones, dark brown hair and pouty pink lips. He told me everything about the company and what is expected of their employees and it was all so exciting, until he told me what they expect of their interns.

"Now for the interns that work here we think their role is vital. Each morning they receive a list of the employees breakfast and coffee orders. Once all of that is brought to each employee the intern usually works on maintaining the kitchen, refilling coffee and getting lunch. Over time the duties may change, but that's usually it." I stared at him trying to keep my mouth closed but I had never known someone to look so ugly in a matter of seconds.

"You expect me to be your dog, fetching things for you and cleaning up? I was so excited to work here and you... ugh this place is ridiculous." I said grabbing my purse and storming out of his office. What an a-hole! As if I was going to fetch him coffee when I didn't even drink it myself.

"Karen O'Brien..."

The third establishment I interviewed at was Wondrous Planning. I had called them the same week as Sonia T and they didn't respond until 3 weeks later, but at that point I was getting desperate. I had called 2 more companies that were Toronto based and 3 that were in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) and none of them would give me an interview. I even contemplated calling back the last two companies I went to but changed my mind. I showed up 2 minutes late for my interview just to find the place was a mess. Have you ever seen that episode of Spongbob when he clears his mind of everything except breathing and fine dining and when he's asked his name his brain goes crazy? Well that's how it looked at this place. Everything was so disorganized; they forgot about my meeting and were completely overbooked, their desks were filled with papers that were falling to the ground, their kitchen was a mess and even their bathroom was out of order. The person that was supposed to interview me decided to stay home that day so I had to wait almost an hour until someone could meet with me. And when we actually spoke the person was distracted with ten other things. So I excused myself politely and left the building. Absolutely terrible.

"Tanya Paul..."

The fourth and final interview was a miracle. Seriously God showed me such mercy because this company, that I now have a career at, called me one day before the self search (when the students take the initiative to find their internships before the teachers do) was over and offered me a 15 minute interview. Deluxe Events was a long shot conpany from the beginning; they are a prestigious event planning business that caters to celebrities, television networks, fashion events, movie events and billion dollar companies. Their events are lavish, extravagant, very high class but also a lot of fun, I mean these people know how to throw a party. The events they throw are legendary! I remember reading about the afterparty for the movie "Make A Statement", they had ice sculptures, private screening rooms for bonus features, 4 of the most sought after mixologists tending the bar, a pool with a huge water slide, the "it" band at the time playing exclusive songs just for the guests and so much more! And their motto? "MAKE A STATEMENT" how amazing is that? I only applied for the fun of it not thinking I had a chance. So when they called I was hesitant because who is going to be able to give their all in such a short time to such an amazing company, but when I was just about to decline the offer one person flashed in my mind... him. He could sell ice to a penguin in 15 seconds and that's on a bad day so why the hell couldn't I do it? With that in mind I went to the interview and put on the best show I could. I told them everything about myself; my qualifications, my personality, my hobbies, my dreams, even my prayers and when I was finished, the two people that interviewed me sat in silence for 2 minutes before sending me out to wait. Literally 4 minutes and 42 seconds later they came out with the papers I needed to sign and a job offer. I was shocked. Stunned! I didnt think I had done that well. They literally only hire 3 people a year and it definitely isn't last minute college students! After all the papers were signed and my schedule was sent to me I left the office with as much dignity as I could, but as soon as I reached the elevator I started jumping up and down and dancing like I was crazy. It was the best day I had had in weeks.

"Layla Pearson..."

So as I sit here and watch my second best friend Lay walk up that stage to accept her diploma, before they call my name next, I think back to all of the hard work I put in the past two years for school and the amazing future that is ahead of me.

"Melody Peters..." Walking with pride and thankfulness I head towards my future. My favourite teacher (also the sexiest teacher I have ever met) Dean Collins hands me my diploma with a wink and a quick handshake and I turn to the crowd and smile as I see my friends, family and future coworkers smile and cheer me on.

When I get off the stage and pose for a picture something slips into my mind. Somethi- no someone I've tried my hardest not to think about. Jacob Worthington. Jake was my first everything; my first love, first man to touch me intimately, he wasn't my first sexually but the way he made love to me its as if he was my first, my first love triangle and he was my first heartbreak. He and I always butt heads; constantly fighting or kissing but never truly understanding each other. So when we finally took the time to step back and examine who we were, well we fell hard. He was so beautiful; tantalizing grey green eyes, rich dark hair, strong jaw, chiseled body, beautiful smile and oh yeah he's filthy stinking rich! Though that doesnt matter now as much as it didn't matter then. His father owned a billion dollar company, Worthington Industries, before handing it over to Jake two years ago. I remember when he didn't want to take over the company, I remember when he didn't even want to go back home because he hated his father so much, but now... Jake was arrogant, selfish and possessive, but he was also caring, charming and had a big heart and he was an amazing lover. We'd spend hours wrapped up in our sheets sometimes, it was bliss. We spent an entire summer running from each other and then chasing each other and when we finally settled down he was perfection until he ruined it... until he ruined me... As I head back to my seat I think about what he could be doing right now. Whether he is in a meeting or vacationing with his new flame. Whether he is tired and stressed from building his company or happy and carefree that it is so successful. Whether he thinks about me or even knows today is my graduation day. Whether he evens cares... Buzz Buzz I look down at my phone to see a text from Tara:

TareBear - Stop thinking about him. It will give you wrinkles. Smile Mel and don't let him ruin today.

I look over to Tara and give her my best smile knowing there was no way I could have gotten over my heartbreak without her. She smiles back and makes a "We're so drinking" sign with her hands. I laugh and turn back to the rest of my class. When my eyes happen upon the stage again I can't help noticing Dean's eyes constantly glancing my way and it leaves me curious. It's not like I haven't dated after Jake because I have, but it hasn't been as serious for obvious reasons, yet somewhere in my fantasies I've always envisioned myself with Dean. He just seemed like such a mature, level headed man. He never yelled, never lost his cool... actually he is really cool. There were days when we would show up and a box of chocolates would be waiting for us. Sometimes he would buy Lindt other times he would buy the Nestle variety pack. I remember a few times we would show up to bowls of popcorn on our desk and a list of movies on the board for us to watch. Of course we would have to write a paper about it later but it was the gesture that mattered. Dean was a hard marker, always pushing us to do better and be better but he was never rude or condescending, just fair and always encouraging. And he would dress so impeccably well. Some days he would wear jeans and a dress shirt, sleeves rolled up and top button undone, other days he would wear a white dress shirt with a vest and khakis. One time he showed up in a white v-neck shirt and jeans and he looked divine, his muscles clung to the shirt perfectly and you could see the light tracing of his abs if you looked close enough. Once I remember just staring at him, his eyes, his mouth, his chest, the way he breathed, the way he flexed his muscles when picking up something heavy... he wa- no he is gorgeous but never have I seen him in a suit. He stands there in a sexy Dark Navy suit perfectly cut to his shape. His eyes are a beautiful shade of aquamarine that sometimes change to a deep shade of blue in the sunlight light. His chocolate coloured hair is gelled back with a few wisps sweeping over his eyes. His facial structure is similar to Jake's; chiseled with strong cheekbones and straight cut jaw line except his nose is a little crooked, to which he explained too many fights with his brothers. He stands at a perfect 6'1, with a lean but muscled body and hes only 26, which doesnt seem so old now that I'm 21. If you haven't realized yes I have been totallying crushing on my teacher, as has every other girl and the 2 openly gay guys in my class.

"Gina Walters..." The last person in our class is called up and now I begin to feel anxious. This is it. This is the time that I start my new life, no more dreading September because of a new year of school, no more spending hundreds on dollars on textbooks we only use once, no more school bills. I'm finished with school and about to start my life with a career I was born to excel in! And with no debts to my name, thanks to an anoynymous bursary that funded me with more than enough money to pay off my schooling and get a new place (I know it was Tara who did it but I am letting it go because I really needed it), I am set! 

"Congratulations class of 2015!" We all stand up and throw our caps in the air jumping and laughing at our accomplishment. My family begins to make their way over to me from the bleachers and I happen to notice Dean coming in my direction as well, so I stay put and talk to some students as they both make their way over. Tara is the first to reach me (as usual) and grabs me into a bear hug.

"I AM SO PROUD OF YOU MEL!! WE ARE WORKING WOMEN!!" She screams in my ear. I laugh loudly and hug her back. My parents are next to greet me and engulf me in one of the most loving hugs ever. I kiss both of their cheeks and take off my gown for them to hold. Someone behindm e runs a hand down my back and I turn around quickly to give them a piece of my mind, but to my surprise it isn't a perveted student, it's Dean. He looks down at me and smiles before walking around me to shake my parents hands. They all talk for a few minutes will I try to process the fact that he touched me like that. I'm snapped out my thoughts when  he is infront of me again.

"Can I speak privately with you Melody? There's something I wanted to address." His face looks serious, yet playful and I find myself nodding. He leads us away from my family and close to the back of the bleachers. Dean looks around and back down at me with a breathtaking smile. His right arm sits on my waist while he uses his left hand to run through his hair.

"Congratulations Melody you were always my favourite and happiest student." I smile at him.

"Well you always had a knack for making me happy." I realize what I've said and bite my bottom lip, a new habit I have immitated off of Layla. Something flashes in his eyes and he pulls me further beneath the bleachers. His grip on my waist tightens and I begin to get a little worried.

"Melody I'm not one for beating around the bush but for some reason you make me a little nervous." I look into his eyes and get lost in how beautiful they look. They remind me of Jake and I end up frowning. He catches my mood change and speaks up again.

"Listen Melody I don't do this... at all but... I don't know... now that it's not inappropriate. Well I'd like to take you to dinner." I stare at him with my mouth hanging open.

"What did you just say?" He removes his hand from my waist and cups my face. His thumb traces my bottom lip and I bite it out of habit. His lips part slightly and his thumb pulls my lip from my teeth.

"I've always loved watching you bite your lip like that. Such a tease." He takes a deep breath and caresses my face again. "I am asking you on a date Melody. Not as a teacher but as a man with an avid interest in a beautiful young woman." I'm still taken a back by his blunt confession but something in me stirs and I run my hand up his chest. I feel him shiver before he grabs my hand. 

"Where and what time?" Even with the sunlight shining through the bleachers the very blantant look of lust in his eyes is not mistaken. His hand drops from my face and he rests it in his pocket. 

"Take my number and call me when you get home, trust me I will be waiting." He kisses my cheek softly and whispers in my ear, "Congratulations again Melody, you look beautiful." He turns away but stops and looks at me again. "I've always thought you looked sexy in dresses they suit you well." I look down at my outfit; I chose to wear a red strapless lampshade shaped dress with a brand new pair of Jimmy Choo shoes (a present from Tara). My hair is down and in big curls and I'm wearing little makeup. I thought it looked both simple and daring but to Dean I am sexy... He turns away and heads back into the crowd of fawning students and I stand here grinning like an idiot. Forget the interview today is the best day ever. Tara pops her head past the bleachers to find me and she's wearing a big grin.

"Melody! Where did you vanish off to hmm? Is it possible that ever so sexy teacher of yours distracted you?" Tara pokes my shoulder and I smirk at her.

"Maybe..." I say baiting her on. Her eyes widen and I can see the excitement growing in them.

"Maybe what?" I shrug my shoulders and smile.

"Maybe he gave me his number... maybe he asked me to dinner... maybe he said I'm sexy... maybe I'm just lying." Her mouth drops open and I start to laugh.

"No f**king way! You lucky bitch! You're teache-"

"Ex-Teacher." I correct her. Tara rolls her eyes and continues.

"You're ex-teacher did not just ask you out!" I shake my head yes like an excited little child.

"Yeah he did and he was so cute about it, fumbling over his words and acting kinda nervous, but then he was all sexy saying he loves it when I bite my lip and I was like HOLY he is not gripping my waist! I thought I was going to die of excitement!" Tara pulls me into a hug.

"Aren't you lucky? Damn Mel you always get the sexy ones. First Jake and now-" She pulls back and frowns. I narrow my eyes at her but smile regardless.

"It's fine really, you can say his name without me bursting into tears. I'm past that." I loop my arm into hers and she gives me a guilty smile.

"Sorry about that." She pauses and fixes her hair. "Now let's go eat, drink and celebrate. I already know you don't like partying college girl style, so let's enjoy the evenig with your family and then binge on XBOX and junk food till the sun rises!" She grabs my arm and leads me through the diminishing crowd. It's hard to stay straight as she weaves in and out of people and I bump a few students on our way through. When we reach my parents they are talking with Dean again and I feel myself blushing, thankfully though no one will notice with my dark skin.

"Hey you guys what's the hold up?" I ask standing side by side with my mom. Dean is directly across from me and I can see a small grin grace his lips.

"I apologize Melody I just wanted to inform your parents on your progress and all of the accomplishments you have made over the years." He smiles at me but I can see the excitement in his eyes that are most likely mirroring mine.

"Mhm if I didnt know any better I would have thought Mr. Collins here had a little crush on you." My mom nudges my side and I nudge her back. She's always been the playful one out of my parents. Sometimes people think she is my older sister with the way she acts but she does know how to lay down the law when necessary. My dad is more reserved in public but an awesomer gamer and amazing father at home. He analyzes people, just as my mom does but he keeps his opinions to himself. Dean's smile widens at her comment and he licks his lips. 

"Well to be quite honest Melody is an amazing young woman in the classroom and out and not my student any longer." He ends the sentence there leaving a open ended answer. My moms eyes narrow slightly before she smiles again. My dad silently watches Dean his eyes also narrowing at the comment. He speaks up first.

"How old are you Mr. Collins?" Dean's gaze switches from my mom to my dad and he answers without hesistation.

"I'm 26 Mr. Peters." Dad nods his head but says no more. My mom pipes up next.

"We are going to Ruth's Chris for dinner in celebration of Melody, Layla and Aiden, the invitation is open if you'd like to come." Now I know when my mother is up to no good and right now she is testing Dean. If he says yes, he is in trouble because that means he's interested in me, but if he says no... well hes in trouble because it would seem rude to decline, so either way he better be a smooth talker.

"I'd love to come and celebrate Melody," He pauses to make it clear he only meant me... he is so amazing. "But tonight the teachers will be going out ourselves. Maybe another time." He shakes their hands again and stares at me before leaving. I know I'm biting my lip because his mouth twitches into a little smile before he heads towards the teachers. We head to the car and I text Layla to meet us at the restaurant. Her parents already had a pre-celebration for her and Aiden a few days ago, as they had to leave on business. When we all get in the car and head to the restaurant the first few minutes are silent, but my mom doesn't let things go so easily.

"So Mr. Collins huh? Nothing happened between you two that I should know about?" She eyes me in the rearview mirror and Tare holds in a laugh. I can see my dad glancing at me as well but he fixes his eyes on the road shortly after. I laugh loudly at her comment and look out the window. 

"Nope you're just as surprised as I am." Mom smiles at me while dad focuses on the road. They don't respond but I know this isn' t the end of this conversation.

When we arrive at the restaurant Layla is waiting at the table with two big bouquets and her boyfriend (another close friend of mine) Aiden. Now these two were a surprise couple; Layla is an extrovert like Tara and Aiden was a semi introvert, semi extrovert like me so everyone expected us to get together. Sadly when Aiden was showing interest I was still depressed and Layla became obsessed and now they are together. Aiden greets me with a smile and a light hug while Layla gets up and gives me a squeeze.

"I can't believe we did it! 3 years of fun and torture and a sexy Mr. Dean and now we're finished! I can't thank you enough for what you did with the job at Deluxe. Now we're going to be together forever!" Tara snorts, wraps her arm in mine and pulls me to my seat. Layla rolls her eyes at the action and sits to my left while Tare is on the right.

I've been noticing how touchy and possessive Tare gets whenever Layla is around. I know its because she wants to make it clear that she was my best friend first and she is. Tara now permanently lives in Vancouver so we don't see each other much, but when she does come down we make sure to enjoy every moment we have, but that doesn't stop her from feeling threatened by Layla because she is with me more. Silly girl. I love them both equally but Tara has always been there first no matter what. The two of them are so alike, but they just don't see it. While Tara has blonde hair and blue eyes, Layla has dark brown hair and blue eyes. They both have beautiful skin, Tare's being more tan and Lay's more porcelain. They even have the same taste in men, games, movies, shows, clothes and the list goes on. Sadly they chose to play the "I'm the better best friend" game to no end. I don't mind it though its just something to think about; especially now that Layla will be working with me at Deluxe. The manager and I had become close friends during my internship and I was able to convince her to accept Layla on a 3 month contract right after school to test her abilities, so basically she is in.

When we all sit I look around and smile; Tara to my right, Layla to my left, Aiden beside her, and my parents in front, everyone looks so happy. My dad, who's been silent the majority of the day, looks at me and smiles.

"We're very proud of all of you and we appreciate you coming here and celebrating with us. Melody I know it hasn't been easy for you but you perserved and graduated with very good grades. This is a big step in your life and your mother and I have talked it over... we all will look into getting you and Layla a nice apartment together. Since you two will be working together anyways." Tears well up in my eyes and Lay pinches my side.

"Thank you so much Mr. Peters I know my parents had talked to you two about this before and I really appreciate you guys taking the offer. This is so exciting!" I get up and give both my parents a big hug and kiss and sit back down. I look to Tara and she's wearing a frown but I bump her shoulder and she looks at me straining a smile. Looking back at my parents I smile. I swear this day is full of smiles.

"Thanks you guys so much! Being closer to work is very necessary to maintain a healthy work schedule. Well that's what my manager Celine says. I can't wait to start looking. Tare I'm going to need your help with house decor and all that stuff you do. You are an interior designer." She flashes me a real smile and starts chatting about everything we will need to look for. The waiter comes over and we order our dinner. As we eat, we laugh and talk about past adventures and future goals and I think to myself I haven't been this happy in years and yet I still feel a little... empty... and I hate the reason why.

***

"It's really bothering me that you and Layla will be staying together." Tara pauses our round of Halo and looks at me. Right now we are sprawled on my bed with a half eaten box of Meat Lovers Pizza, two bags of Buffalo Wings and Blue Cheese chips, one box of cookies and a case of 7UP. I sit up and place my controller down.

"Tare you don't have to be jealous of Layla. You know that right?" She grabs a cookie and nibbles it.

"I know... it's just, you two seem to have so much in common. You're both going to be working together, she goes to your church now and now you're going to be living together. It's like where do I fit in." I smile at her and hit her leg.

"You fit in right here Tare! You always have! And besides now you'll be travelling between Vancouver and Toronto more often you can stay at my place!" I bring her into a hug. "None of this is going to change. And it doesn't have to. You and Lay have a lot more in common than you think. Just take the time to get to know her and you'll see." She nods and picks up the controller again.

***

"Hello?" I kept telling myself that calling Dean at 1:15 a.m. was a stupid idea but I couldn't stop. His voice sounds groggy and muffled and it makes me feel guilty and kinda turned on.

"Hi." Ugh my voice sounds high pitched and shaky. Immature school girl much?

"Melody?" I can hear some shuffling so that must mean he's in bed. Damn it I should have just waited.

"Yeah I'm so sorry to call you so late but I just wanted you to have my number... but I guess you could have received it the same way if I messaged you. So sorry I'll just go n-"

"Hey, hey slow down. It's fine I'm awake now." I shuffle in my own bed and pick at my sheets. I keep my voice down as Tara is knocked out beside me.

"Yeah no thanks to me..." He chuckles and I hear something click, must be a lamp.

"Much thanks to you actually, now I can dream of your voice when this conversation is over. And maybe if I'm lucky you can send me a picture of your beautiful face as a goodnight present." He pauses and I almost drop the phone. "Too much too soon?" He teases.

"No no I'm just a little confused. Where did all of this come from? Or when? Or why?" I reply holding my breath for the answer.

"It may sound creepy but I've had my eye on you since second year. Something about you had changed from summer and it had me intrigued. I began to study you; your habits, your flaws, your improvements and failures but I also began to see your beauty and mischief, your smile and your laugh, your chocolate eyes and perfectly imperfect skin. The way your voice goes a pitch higher when your nervous or excited. The way you place your hair behind you ear when your being friendly. The way you bite your lip subconsciously. The way you'll put on makeup when you're feeling good, and yet you still look flawless with or without and the way you look at me during class. It's not the same as the other students or teachers. I mean, I know the looks I get, it runs in the family, but when you look at me... it's as if your examining my every feature. And your eyes... they just sparkle whenever your in my class and I don't know if its because of me or your friends or maybe it could be the day your having, but I loved seeing it. So it took me about a month and a half before I... well I guess your mom put it best... I began to have crush. And to be honest it was hard for me in the beginning. I am a man of course and a man has needs... if you get what I'm saying. There were days when you would look so sexy and I could feel my shaft hardening, so I would have to sit the entire class so it wasn't noticable." I laugh because I remember those times.

"Layla figured that was the exact reason except she would phrase it as 'Mr. Dean must have recieved a sexy picture from his sexy girlfriend again' and we would just laugh it off." He sighs.

"Yeah girlfriend." 

"Did you have a girlfriend at that time?" I ask geniunely curious and secretly hoping he says no.

"I did. I had been dating her since March but when I started to realize how I felt about you I broke it off. It didn't feel right to continue to lead her on. I remember in October when I couldn't stop thinking about you, there was this boy," He says the word with disgust, "God he wouldn't leave you alone. And at first I tried to ignore it, but when he started walking you to my class I felt the jealousy begin to peak its head. I can't remember his name but I know his face. He was a brunette with brown eyes and tanned skin. He thought he was a God. The stupid kid. For the entire second half of October he would walk you to class, sometimes seeing you to the door, other times to your seat. Then I remember on Halloween he showed up in a tuxedo and a mask and he said he was... damn it who was it again?" He pauses for me to answer but I'm just shocked that he was jealous of anyone. Let alone Zack! Zack was in the journalism program and was good friends with Aiden. When Aiden realized that I wasn't interested in him he tried to set me up with Zack. I didn't like the guy at all, but he was nice. He would walk me to class or have lunch with us. He was a cool guy, just not my type.

"He was dressed as Tuxedo Mask from Sailor Moon." I tell him. I hear him snap his fingers in the background.

"Yes that's it. Anyway this kid shows up at my class with a rose in his hand and a big stupid grin on his face looking for you. And then he had the audacity to make a spectacle of wooing you right in front of me. He even kissed your cheek! Damn it. I was seeing red that day. I was so jealous that you might actually feel something I had to call in a sub for the second half of the class. I remember forcing myself to go straight to my car because I was going to go and look for him." He lets out a deep breath. "That was one of the worst days of my life." I can't help bursting into laughter. I hear him groan but I keep laughing.

"I knew I shouldn't have told you that story." He groans again and Tare hits me in her sleep as a way to shut me up.

"Oh no," I calm down a bit more, "I'm not laughing at you, it's just the fact that you thought I was interested in Zack. I mean sure he was nice and all but he was too gawdy and conceited. Besides I turned him down at least five times that month, he just didn't get the hint. It's cute that you cared so much though. Layla and I thought you had gotten into a fight with your model girlfriend and it left you with a sour mood." He laughs as well.

"Wow I guess I got it wrong. But after that kid I realized I couldn't allow myself to lose control because let's face it, there were a lot of guys that were interested in you the past two years. I just had to make sure that as soon as you finished college and were out of my class I would make my move." I go silent, the laughter long gone.

"You don't have to say anything, I just thought you should know the truth before this went any further."

I take some time to think over everything he said. I knew I wasn't exactly the same after that summer with Jake because everything had changed. I was left broken and hurting and betrayed. I sank into pity and depression for a month or so and Tara helped me out by staying with me in Toronto until she knew I was ok. One night I remember just crying. I can't remember the reason why but I just cried and cried until I was exhausted and when I stopped I decided that I wasn't going to let Jake rule my life. So I pushed him away to the corner of my mind and heart and did my best to move on. But I hadn't realize anyone noticed.

"Wow that's kinda hot..." I stop myself from saying anything more and give my forehead a smack. "And its really sweet to know that you cared." I pause and feel that something stir in me again. I change my voice to sound a little more seductive and respond slowly. "I guess it's my turn to study you then huh? How does Saturday night sound?" He chuckles and I can hear his breathing pick up and the slight click of his tongue.

"I like Saturday," His voice sounds even huskier and I can feel my stomach begin to twist with desire, "But how about 4 o'clock. I want you and I want to have you all day. I will pick you up and we can have lunch, maybe go for a walk and then I'll take you back to my place, give you a little tour, wine and dine you and cook you some dinner. Sound fair?" I bite my lip and giggle (its been a while since I've done that).

"Sounds perfect."