Free Swept by Becca Lee Nyx

to come back until and certain time and I’ll do just that.”
    “Cry…” I hear Gabriel call his words cut off when I close the door behind me.
    I walk to the library; I fume as I think about how mean Emily was. Sure she was shocked, I would be too, but she can’t expect to have the whole place to herself. All she had to do was ask and I would have made plans to be out of her way. And what was with Gabriel coming to me defense? Not that I have anything against it, but I thought he was with Emily. Doesn’t that mean he would back her up? I smile as I recall the feel of him touching my shoulder and looking into my eyes. He stood up for me. He must like me if he’s willing to risk making Emily angry with him over choosing my side. I revel in the moment, and imagine having Gabriel to myself; It seems so right.
    I walk into the library and start pulling out my books. I try to lose myself in my studies, but I can’t. I keep thinking about Gabriel. I wonder if he’s okay. I wonder if I’ll ever see him again. I wonder if he and Emily patched things up and continued with her plans for the evening. My stomach lurches, what does he see in her? Surely he can’t be okay with dating a girl who kicks her roommate out for no reason. I tap my pencil on my paper as thoughts of Emily and Gabriel fill my mind. I see them all over each other and I can’t stand it.
    I feel a tap on my shoulder and turn around. Gabriel is standing behind me. I feel my jaw drop open in disbelief. It can’t be him. I blink, making sure I’m not imagining things; it really is him.
    “What do you want?” my face is flush and I feel angry, but touched that he is here.
    “I wanted to make sure you’re okay.” Gabriel hesitates.
    “What about Emily is she okay?” I have to ask even though I don’t want to, I don’t want to give away just how much I want him to wrap his arms around me and kiss me into oblivion.
    “No, but she will be. Do you want to get out of here? I’m not much of a library person,” Gabriel smiles.
    I consider his offer, but I want to make him sweat just a little before I give the obvious, yes, answer. Gabriel’s body relaxes when I agree to go with him. I throw my books into my bag and follow him to his car.
    There’s a beautiful T-top Trans Am sitting in the parking lot and Gabriel walks straight for it. He opens my door for me and I sit down in the passenger. Once we’re settled, the engine revs and we take off into the evening. I have no idea where we’re going, but I don’t really care as long as I’m with him.
    We pull into the parking lot of a coffee bar named, “In heat” Gabriel opens my door for me and I step out. We walk into the coffee shop and order our drinks, I offer to pay for my drink, but Gabriel insists on buying.
    We take our seats at a table; smooth jazz plays over the speakers in the background. I thank Gabriel for the coffee and Gabriel smiles back at me. We stare at each other and the air around us feels electric with sexual tension. I want to be as close to him as possible, but I don’t dare make the first move. I beg him to kiss me with my eyes and our hands find their way across the table and clasp. We look down at our hands, surprised at our combined action. “I want to kiss you right now,” Gabriel says his voice breaking the silence.
    I lock my eyes on his, “Why don’t you?” I challenge.
    Gabriel leans across the table and kisses me firmly on the lips. My hands find their way to his head, holding his mouth close to mine, as I kiss back. We lose ourselves as we match each other’s passion and longing. We sit, kissing each other, and then out of nowhere Gabriel is ripped away from me. I open my eyes trying to take in the scene that is folding out in front of me. Ryan has Gabriel by the collar of his shirt.
    “Ryan! What are you doing?” I yell, starting to panic.
    “I want to ask this scumbag, the same thing.” Ryan says, his speech is slurred and he pulls his fist back as