Read Online Matchplay by Dakota Madison - Free Book Online Page A

mine and held my hand. “I knew our hands would fit together perfectly.”
    The n he squeezed my hand and very softly said, “My sunshine.”
    I wasn’t sure I heard him correctly. His sunshine?
    He grabbed the bill with his free hand and examined it. He put it down then grabbed his wallet from his pocket, never letting go of my hand that he was holding. It was as if now that I had given him permission to touch my hand, he didn’t want to give it up.
    I had to smile when he struggled to remove the cash from his wallet with one hand.
    “Do you need your other hand?” I said asked.
    He shook his head and tightened his grip on the hand he was holding. 
    He managed to get the bill paid and we both slid out of the booth while our fingers remained entwined. It was an impressive feat but he seemed determined not to let go of the connection our bodies shared.
    As we exited the restaurant, he said, “I should walk you back to your dorm.”
    I agreed. It was starting to get dark and I wasn’t as familiar with that end of campus.
    The evenings were getting cooler and the walk was pleasant.
    “Thank you for dinner,” I said as we strolled between the academic buildings.
    “Thank you for trusting me and for giving me some things to think about.”
    When we arrived at the front entrance to my dorm, I turned to face Aaron. “You have to let go of my hand now, so I can go to my room.”
    “I know,” he said but gripped my hand tighter.
    I waited as he studied my face. I thought he might say something but he held back. Instead, he brought my hand up to his lips and kissed it very gently.
    “I’ll see you next week, Sunshine .” He slowly released my hand.
    He didn’t take his eyes from mine as he stepped backwards away from me. Then he stopped and put his hands in his pockets. I slide my ID card into the reader. When the door beeped, I opened it then looked back at Aaron. I gave him a wave and he winked at me as he turned and walked away.
    I let out a deep breath as I headed to my room. 
     
    ***
     
    I was still awake when Olivia tried sneaking into our room at nearly midnight.
    “I’m not asleep,” I whispered as she tiptoed toward her closet.
    Olivia stopped in her tracks. “I hope I didn’t wake you up.”
    “I haven’t been able to fall asleep yet,” I admitted.
    Olivia sat down on the edge of my bed. “What’s going on?”
    “Please don’t be mad at me.”
    Olivia heaved a huge sigh. “What happened with the as shole?”
    I swallowed. I knew Olivia would be disappointed but I just couldn’t help myself with Aaron. My mind had all kinds of doubts about him that unfortunately my heart didn’t. I wished the two parts of me would get on the same page.
    “We went out on what could technically be classified a date. And then we held hands.”
    Without warning, Olivia flipped my light on. I covered my eyes. “Ugh, why did you do that?”
    “Look at me,” she demanded.
    I uncovered my eyes and, still squinting, looked at her.
    She furrowed her brow. “Did you do anything else?”
    I felt like she was interrogating me. I shook my head.
    “Are you sure?” she asked.
    “Yes, I’m sure.”
    “He didn’t even kiss you?”
    “No.”
    She looked at me strangely. “That’s really weird. I don’t know what kind of game he’s playing but I don’t like it.”
    “What if he’s not playing a game?” As soon as the words came out of my mouth, I immediately regretted it.
    Olivia scoffed. “Guys like that are always playing games.”
    I wanted to believe in Aaron and trust that he was being si ncere. When we were together, he was like a completely different person than he was with everyone else. But who would believe me? Aaron had a reputation around campus that he did nothing to try to change. I also knew that Olivia was right about most guys. What if Aaron really was just a player and really good at his game?
    Olivia continued. “I just don’t want you to get hurt. I have to live with you. I don’t