Free Heart of a Stripper by Cyndi Harris Page B

that I lead you on.” He said taking her face into his hands and she looked up to him.
    “But this—it can’t go on. I’m getting married . And besides, you’re too young—you need to find a boy your age.” He said letting her go and he saw tears dredge up in her eyes.
    She nodded as her worst fears had been brought to light. Deep down, she knew that was how he felt.
    “I’ll still be here if you need any help—”
    “It’s fine; I don’t need any help or pity from you.” She said sucking up her tears and running from the office.
    “Nevaeh!” he shouted, running to his door but stopping as she disappeared.
    “Is everything ok, sir?” Hillary asked concerned.
    “Fine.” He lied with a nod, before disappearing into his office, and shutting the door.
    Nevaeh stopped at her locker and finally let the tears fall. It seemed like she couldn’t catch a break no matter how hard she tried. Since the day her mom left, things began to crumble vastly. From her home life, to school and even that was affecting her nonexistent “love life.” She knew that if she headed to therapy, the psychologist was only going to tell her what she already knew. She’d fallen for an older guy because she had “daddy issues”. But in reality, she thought that was pure and utter bullshit. She didn’t want an “older guy” per se. Mitchell just happened to be one. She damn sure wasn’t looking for an older guy to validate her or tell her what to do.
    That was just creepy.
    "Why is such a pretty girl like you crying?" Nevaeh heard a deep voice rumble behind her.
    Spinning around, she saw a tall , brunette haired, handsome male standing there. He was clearly over six foot, and properly dressed in the school uniform. His eyes were a hazel green, and his skin was purely sun kissed. He’d obviously been sunbathing or tanning recently. She could tell he was exotic, definitely a mix of something.
    "I'm not crying." She sniffled, opening her locker.
    "Oh, so I gather the strong wind in here is making your beautiful eyes water." He smirked sarcastically.
    "Exactly right." She retorted, grabbing a few books.
    "Can I carry those for you?" He inquired, and she glared over to him suspiciously.
    "Why?" She flat out asked.
    "I like to think I'm a gentleman." He said, leaning up against the locker.
    "Oh really?" She smiled amused as she closed her locker.
    "Yeah, chivalry isn't dead with me." He winked at her, and she rolled her eyes.
    "You're full of it." She replied walking off, and he followed her as a few students noticed.
    She saw them as they began whispering.
    "I'm serious. I believe in opening doors, pulling out chairs, putting my new jacket over a puddle--you know, those sorts of things." He replied, opening a door for her.
    Stopping, Nevaeh turned to him.
    "I'm not stupid." She said glaring at him. "I'm the new girl here, and you think it might be fun to make fun of me right?"    
    He raised a confused eyebrow at her as they continued to walk.
    “I’m not that type of guy. I just like to go after something I think is worth having.” He smiled slyly as he grabbed her books.
    “I’m no one’s possession.” She protested.
    “I would never think of you as that. I just meant, I think you’re worth getting to know. Even if it’s just as friends.” He replied, still smiling and a smile teased Nevaeh’s lips.
    “Name’s Jaxon, do you want to have lunch?”
    “Sure.” She blushed.
    Mitchell paced his office as he pondered if he did the right thing with Nevaeh. Hurting her had torn him apart, but it was for the best. Or at least that’s what he thought. He had still planned to be there for her, but only as a friend. His thoughts got cut short as the door opened. Looking up, he saw Kaitlin. Her blonde hair was pulled tightly into a high ponytail, and she had on a cream pea coat and sunglasses.
    Her usual look.
    “Hi darling.” She smiled, snatching the glasses off to reveal her eyes.
    Walking over, she kissed him on the