Read Online Reality Ever After by Cami Checketts - Free Book Online

that made her melt a little more each time? Was she strong enough to resist him? She almost wanted Josh to kiss her. Maybe then she would know if she should date other men like her parents wanted, or commit herself fully to Crew and marriage, no matter how young she was.
    Josh was interested in her. Crew was only interested in working at the farm and getting through medical school. Sydney groaned, massaging her throbbing temples with her hands. That wasn’t fair. Crew loved her and she knew it. Maybe she should talk to that therapist her mom raved about. She was having a breakdown.
    She sighed and stood. Might as well face Josh and get this over with. She walked from the locker room but didn’t see him anywhere. She was out in the warm summer evening before the voice stopped her in her tracks.
    “Sydney.”
    Why did he have to say it like that?
    “Please, Sydney, hear me out.”
    He was right beside her now, she resumed her hurried pace. He matched her stride for stride.
    “You like me. You look for me and flirt with me every chance you get.”
    “I…”
    “And when you kissed me, you didn’t tell Crew.”
    Sydney hated thinking about that night. She slowed her pace and involuntarily touched her empty stomach. “I’m just a nice person.”
    “I think there’s more to it than that,” Josh said. “I think you like me. Will you at least give me a chance? Spend some time with me. We could go to dinner.”
    “Not hungry.”
    “A late movie?”
    “I have to teach early in the morning.”
    “Coffee?”
    “Don’t like it.”
    She couldn’t fault him for trying. He was as persistent as a telemarketer.
    “Hmm, how about ice cream?”
    Sydney paused on that one, actually considering the offer. She loved ice cream. No! She loved ice cream with Crew, not with Josh.
    “I can’t.” Sydney glanced at his handsome face. “I’m sorry, Josh, I can’t.”
    “Why not?” His voice was tinged with frustration.
    “Because I’m engaged.”
    They finally reached her car. Sydney vowed she’d park closer to the gym next time if it required circling the parking lot ten times. She inserted the key into the lock, her trembling fingers hindering her progress. Josh’s hand engulfed her own, steadying her fingers, helping her turn the key. She shivered from his touch and nearness, like it was December instead of June. He released her hand and opened the door for her. As he placed the keys in her hand, his fingers brushed hers.
    “Thanks,” Sydney managed, forcing herself not to look at him.
    She could feel his breath on her neck, he was too close. His hand covered her lower back, pressing, hoping. Her head swiveled in his direction before she could command it to stop. Her eyes locked into the depths of his dark, penetrating gaze. She couldn’t force herself to look away.
    Seizing the moment, Josh pulled her into his arms. He tilted her chin up, maintaining eye contact as he lowered his head toward hers. Sydney felt her body press against his in anticipation.
    He smiled briefly before covering the rest of the distance. His mouth was warm against hers and he really knew how to kiss.
    The roar of a vehicle coming up next to them pulled them apart. A door popped open and then slammed shut as Sydney jerked away from the embrace. Size twelve hiking boots stormed in their direction.
    Crew grabbed Josh’s arm, spinning him around. A solid jab to the nose sent Josh reeling backward.
    “Stay away from my fiancé!”
    “Crew! What are you doing?”
    “What am I doing? What are you doing? I would never have imagined you would cheat on me, but then you send me this stupid letter.” He pulled a crumpled envelope out of his pocket and shook it. “And I came here to find you, and you’re kissing him!”
    “I, um, he kissed me.” It was weak and she knew it. Why had she let Josh kiss her? The kiss was nothing like the joy and love she felt when Crew kissed her.
    Crew shook his head. “I’m done, Syd. I love you more than I ever