Free Unforgettable by Abby Reynolds

wondered if it was on his. Every time his lips pressed against mine I didn’t want them to leave. I wanted him to devour me, to soak me up until nothing was left. But that hadn’t happened. I wasn’t sure if it was too soon. He seemed just as upset about my past as I was. Maybe he wasn’t ready. “Bye, babe.”
    “Bye.”
    When he walked away, I stared at his back. The muscles were defined through his shirt. His arms were thick and muscular. His thighs reminded me of tree trunks. With a heavy sigh, I walked into the library.
    After I found my table in the corner, I hit the books. My art history class was a lot of work but I enjoyed it. While I loved painting and made my living that way, I also loved school. Learning was something I was naturally interested in. When I felt a heated gaze fall on me, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up.
    I glanced up, wondering where the look was coming from. My eyes locked onto ones I knew too well. They were blue, the same shade as mine. They were staring back at me, undecipherable.
    My heart rate spiked. I was just calm and at ease. Now I was in flight or fight mode. Of all people to stumble across on campus, he was the last person I expected to see in the library. My palms started to sweat and my highlighter slipped from my grasp.
    I looked away, unable to look into that face for a second longer. I remembered the way he kissed my neck and cornered me. I remembered the way he shoved the drink in my hand…and I remembered everything else.
    Quickly, I shoved my belongings into my bag, needing to get out of there fast. I didn’t know what I expected him to do in the middle of a public place, but I didn’t want to find out. I had to walk past his table to reach the exit, so without looking at him, I did.
    “Livia.” His words were quiet but they echoed in the silent library.
    Shit.
    That voice used to come from a friend, a colleague. I thought I knew him until he ripped me apart.
    I needed to get away from him.
    I bolted out of the library then practically jogged to my car. I didn’t look behind me to see if I was being followed. I just needed to get away.
    Once I was in my car, I locked the doors and started the engine. I glanced around but didn’t see him anywhere. He didn’t chase me down. I leaned back in my seat and caught my breath. He hadn’t tried talking to me in six months. Why did he want to talk now? What did he want?
    Shaking the fear off, I headed home and decided to study in my kitchen.
     
    I was painting when I got a text from Scotty.
    Hey beautiful lady.
    I hated it when people fed me cheesy lines. My whole life I’d been recognized for my beauty, nothing else. But Scotty saw all of me. So when he said I was beautiful, I knew he referred to what was below the surface. Hey handsome guy.
    What are you doing tonight?
    Painting . And thinking about him.
    Keira and Liam invited me to dinner. I want you to come as my squeeze .
    Keira? She and I hadn’t spoken since she screamed at me. We weren’t exactly on good terms. I have to finish this piece. Maybe next time .
    Keira will be on her best behavior.
    That guy could read my damn mind. She hates me.
    No, she doesn’t. She’s just protective. And she’s practically my sister so I really want you guys to get along. It means a lot to me.
    Ugh… Ash was my closest friend so I understood how he felt. I’ll try.
    Thank you. I’ll pick you up in an hour.
    Okay.
    Can I make a suggestion?
    Sure.
    I really like it when you wear dresses.
    My cheeks blushed. I noticed how he reacted to me depending on my clothes or my mood. Even though he tried to hide it, he was especially attracted to me when I dressed up. I was used to hiding myself from the world but I needed to remember that I didn’t need to do that anymore. I’ll think about it.
    That’s all I ask.
     
    Scotty was there in an exactly an hour.
    I opened the door. “How are you always so punctual?”
    “I get here five minutes early and sit in the car,” he