Free June Bride: Now and Forever Romance by Regina Duke Page B

Annie Oakley. He always sat next to her. He always had a smile and something nice to say. And her dorm sisters had come up with that little chant. They even teased her about having a stalker.
    But he hadn’t been creepy or anything. He was sweet. Never knew how to dress himself, but hey, nobody’s perfect. She laughed again. It was a short, harsh sound, born of a painful thought. Her scummy ex had been everything a woman was supposed to long for. He was tall, with fashionably shaggy hair, a square jaw, and tailored clothes. He was also ten years older than Meredith.
    Maybe she should find someone closer to her own age.
    She had a wild thought. Why not begin her trip down memory lane right here? She grabbed her bag and her yearbook. She had a sudden urge to ask about the price of martial arts classes. And inside, she felt a small glimmer of excitement. It was the first positive feeling she’d had in a week.

 
    CHAPTER 2
    T wo of the mothers approached the sign-in desk.
    “Chris, there’s a non-student parked in the best spot out front. Can’t you paint ‘Dann parking only’ on the curb?”
    Chris glanced toward the front window but didn’t recognize the gray car. “What a great idea! But I don’t think the city would let me do that. Don’t worry, it’s probably someone trying to talk themselves into a tae-kwon-do class. Or out of one.”
    The ladies laughed and shook their heads.
    Chris stood up, retied his black belt, and clapped his hands. “All right, people, let’s start warming up. Karen is going to help us out today.”
    Karen popped up from behind one of the students across the room to wave at everyone. She wasn’t much taller than the eight-year-olds she was assisting. She was a first-degree black belt and Chris was grateful for her assistance. If only she would stop flirting with him. He marveled that she was only three years younger than him, yet seemed like such a teenager.
    Was I like that in school? Probably.
    He moved to the front door and stared at the gray car, waiting for the driver to make a decision. He watched her get out and head for his door. And his heart thudded in his chest. That long, lean silhouette, that short dark hair, those legs that went on forever! It couldn’t be! But he would know that woman anywhere. Annie Oakley! It was Annie Meredith Oakley, the woman of his dreams, and she was walking straight toward him.
    Instead of opening the door, he turned and hotfooted it back to the sign-in desk. He didn’t want her to see his face until he’d had a moment to organize it. Did he look like a love-starved pup? Would she even remember him? This was crazy. He caught a glimpse of himself in the wall of mirrors at the back of the gym and froze.
    She was standing right there, not two feet behind him, with a book in her arms. Just like he’d seen her on the last day of class.
    He cleared his throat and turned around. “Hello, what can I do for you?” That was so stupid!
    Meredith laid the book on the counter. “Hi. Do you remember me? We took Shakespeare together.”
    “Oh, right.” Chris pretended to search his memory. He snapped his fingers. “Meredith, isn’t it?”
    She tilted her head to one side and pinned him with a look that screamed, You’ve got to be kidding.
    “Okay, okay.” He surrendered and offered an impish smile. “Of course I remember you. It’s great to see you again.” Where did you disappear to? I looked everywhere!
    Meredith dropped her gaze to the book. As if she’d heard his mental question, she said, “I got a job in Michigan.” She paused. “It didn’t work out. So I thought I’d come back to Davis and try to reconnect with some old friends.” She glanced around the room. The class had started. “These kids are adorable. This is a really bad time, isn’t it?”
    “No, no, not at all. Well, actually, yes, it’s my busiest morning. But don’t go. I mean, don’t disappear. I mean…” He stopped himself before he was irretrievably