Evelyn

vine be mine read online

“Hi Evie,” Briar smiled at me, pulling me away from Donny’s tight hold and shooting him a censoring look, “My name’s Briar-Rose, but just call me Briar or Bri.”I studied her face for a moment. She looked sincere and welcoming; her emerald green eyes were warm and lit with mischief. She had tied her messy, wild blonde curls in a ponytail and was
dressed from head to toe in expensive designer clothing. Her slim figure was tall (5’7” like me) and barely covered by her small denim shorts and tight black singlet. I seriously hoped the rich city girl had packed something warm for tonight.“Bri’s not in the band,” Donny told me with a smirk, “She’s a groupie.”“I am not!” she protested, giving him the
finger. She pulled me down to share the log she’d been sitting on and smiled. “I’m Stone’s best friend,” she told me, pointing to where he sat on the other side of the circle they had formed, “Stone plays the drums.”I swallowed nervously and nodded in his direction, without quite meeting his eyes. He pulled a packet of Smarties from his pocket and
some of my tension fell away as I fought to stifle a giggle. Thankfully, Briar quickly moved on.“This is Alec Carmichael,” she said, indicating the man sitting on the other side of me, “He’s the base player, but he also does back up vocals.”He smiled softly at me and inclined his head.

He seemed the kindest of the group and had warm hazel eyes that contrasted with the short, sharp spikes of his black Mohawk. He slid his arm around me in a comforting way and nodded his head toward the girl sitting next to him.“That’s Fredi,” he said softly, “She plays the keyboard and sometimes sings.”“Fredi?” I asked curiously, looking over at
the interesting girl. Her hair was long, the top layer bleached blonde, whilst the layer beneath was died black. Her eyes were two different colours too; the left one green, and the right one blue. She was an average height and dressed in ripped jeans and a tight, red Slipknot shirt that stopped above her belly button. She’d obviously hacked the bottom
of it off with blunt scissors, because the ends were ratty and uneven.“Winifred Lennox,” she said, holding out her hand and then shaking mine firmly, “But don’t call me that if you want to live.”She looked me over, very much like the way Donny had done so in the car. Her eyes lit up and her lips quirked cheekily. “You’re cute,” she said, giving me a
small wink. I paled nervously, unsure if she was cracking on to me and what to do if she was.Donny laughed and picked Fredi up out of her chair. “I saw her first, woman,” he said with a laugh, then slid her down his body, “When are you going to stop pretending and give me a ride, honey?”“Never,” she said, pushing him away, “I’m not into meat.”I
snuggled closer into Alec’s embrace, hoping to hide from anymore attention. No such luck. Candy and Mason’s arrival brought the attention back to me. Candy pulled me away from Alec and handed me a fold out chair.“You meet everyone?” she asked brightly, passing me a can of diet coke. I nodded briskly; nervously aware that everyone’s eyes had
once again moved back to me.“Where’s Jamie?” she asked Donny with a frown.“He’s racing. On his dirt bike,” he supplied and then turned to me to explain.“Jamie is our lead guitarist,” he said with a grin, “James Frederick William Van Os the third!”I giggled at the name like I was supposed to, knowing that pretty much all of these people came from
rich families, and that some of those families gave their children horribly embarrassing names. That was probably the reason everyone called Stone by his last name. I chuckled at the possibility his first name was something horrible like Bernard or something ridiculous like a fruit.Ha ha, Banana Stone?I glanced over at him and tried the name out with
the visual. His head turned and he stared back at me in some sort of challenge. I burst out laughing at the thought of calling this man ‘Banana’. Then immediately clamped my mouth shut and reddened in humiliation as everyone stared at me curiously.“Nothing,” I muttered, praying that something, anything, would come along and distract them.“Hey
guys!” a sultry voice called out and everyone but Stone turned to look at the big-breasted blonde that was approaching.Chloe, I thought with relief, she should distract Stone for me.Stone’s eyes still hadn’t moved from me though. Briar groaned and I glanced over at her curiously. She caught my look and rolled her eyes, sticking a finger in her mouth
and pretending to gag.“I thought you got rid of her,” she whispered to Stone. His eyes left my face to look down at her (She’d moved to sit next to him). He gave her leg a gentle pat, as if mockingly pretending to soothe her annoyance. She scowled at him, but couldn’t stop the smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. I studied the friends curiously,
fascinated by how two very different people could be so close. According to Candy though, Briar and Stone had grown up together; their fathers were close friends.Candy was a useful friend to have. She knew everything there was to know about everyone at our university. She, unlike me, had gone to school with most of them. That was one of the
major set backs I had. I came to the campus knowing no one, while everyone else already knew each other and didn’t bother trying to make new friends.“Stone, honey,” Chloe purred, “Are you going to vote for me?”I glanced at her tight, white polo shirt and realised she was one of the rig girls (girls that posed in skimpy clothing and ‘promoted’ the
event). He spared her a fleeting glance and raised one eyebrow. His expression barely changed, but it was clear to everyone what he was saying: Do I look like I give a shit about who wins the Miss Rig Girl competition?Chloe pouted, her full pink lips plumping as she wrapped her arms around his neck from behind. “Aren’t we still friends?” she
murmured, giving his cheek a fleeting kiss, “You aren’t sore that I left you are you?”I hid my smile in Candy’s shoulder. Stone looked completely unaffected. I suspected from the way she was hanging all over him that she’d only broken off with him for attention. It looked as though her plan had backfired. Stone carefully removed her arms from his
body and gave the seat next to him a pat, sending a glance at Briar to tell her to make room. She glared at him, but obeyed, letting Chloe sit down on the long log. As soon as she sat down though, Stone shoved earphones into his ears and turned the sound up on his iPod, effectively dismissing her.“Don’t you have promotional stuff to be doing?” Briar
asked sweetly.Chloe smiled back and flipped her long, blonde hair. “I’m on break.”“Wow, it must be so tiring for you,” Fredi said with a wink, “Looking as hot as you do must be exhausting.”Chloe studied her a moment, presumably trying to decide whether Fredi had been coming onto her or making a snide remark.Donny stole her chance to respond
though, by slapping Fredi’s ass and laughing loudly. “Not everyone is as effortlessly sexy as you, Pooh-bear,” he said with a wink.Fredi punched his arm. “Don’t call me that Donovan,” she snarled.He just laughed and pulled her flush against his body, “Mmmm and you can call me whatever you like, Winnie-Pooh.”She pushed and kicked at him, trying
to get out of his grasp.“Quit it you two,” Alec said with a laugh, thumping Donny on the back, “Let her go, Don.”Donny huffed, but obeyed, quickly jumping out of the way when Fredi took a heated swing at him. Stone reached out and grabbed her, pulling her down to sit on his lap, before closing his eyes and zoning out to his music again.

Chloe glared at her and tugged on Stone’s shirt sleeve.“Stone, I’ve got to go now,” she said, leaning into his body. He nodded once to show he heard, but didn’t open his eyes. She frowned ever so slightly and leaned forward to remove an earpiece. Stone frowned and opened his eyes, his annoyance clearly written on his face. She hesitated, but
eventually leaned forward and whispered something in his ear. He shook his head slightly and then replaced the earpiece, closing his eyes again and bouncing Fredi gently with one knee. Chloe stormed off without saying goodbye and Fredi moved to take her seat.“Thank god that bitch is gone,” Briar laughed, reaching around Fredi to poke Stone in
the side, “I can’t believe she dumped you and then expected you to fawn all over her.”Stone made a non-committal grunt, but didn’t open his eyes.Fredi laughed, “She’s hot when she’s angry though.”Briar rolled her eyes. “Let’s put up the tents!” she said, jumping up from her seat enthusiastically.Stone opened his eyes at this and made a small cough
that I took for laughter. Briar spun in a circle.“Where is the tent stuff?” she asked, looking at Alec.He grinned and scratched the back of his neck, “We didn’t bring tents Bri.”She gaped at him. “But, it’s sandy and it’s the bush and there are animals everywhere!”He pulled her into a hug and looked down at her with a soft expression, “I’ll protect you
Briar. It’ll be fine.”“No it won’t,” she said angrily, turning toward Stone, “GG, why didn’t you bring tents?!”It was my turn to gape. I’d never heard anyone dare talk to Stone like that.He snorted in amusement, but didn’t answer her.“GG!” she whined, reaching out and shaking his long legs by the knees. He continued to ignore her, his face blank, his
eyes closing once more.What does GG stand for? I wondered. His first name? The initials of his first and middle names? I made a note to ask Candy later.The sky had grown dark and the temperature had started to drop. I shivered slightly, my teeth starting to chatter as I rubbed at the goose bumps on my bare arms. I’d better find what clothes Candy
brought, I thought, looking around for her, but discovering she must have gone off somewhere to make out with Mason.“Are you cold, Evie-baby?” Donny asked me, his hands taking over and rubbing my arms briskly. I noticed he’d already pulled his jacket on.Stone’s eyes opened and he looked over at me, still ignoring Briar’s rant. He bent and pulled
a large, bulky bomber jacket from the bag by his feet and made his way over to us, sending Donny a message with his eyes.“I’ll start the fire,” Donny said as Stone thrust his jacket at me and pulled me over to his log, close to where the firewood was being stacked. The jacket swallowed me, but it was warm and carried a sexy, uniquely male scent.
Briar giggled at how silly I looked and I pulled my hair from its ponytail to hide my blush. Stone sat down beside me and I trembled as a fresh wave of nerves washed over me. He frowned at my shiver and pulled a sleeping bag out of its ‘bag’, spreading it over my bare legs.The fire roared to life and I wiggled my toes inside my shoes, grateful for the
extra heat. I relaxed a little, feeling slightly safer since Stone hadn’t tried to say or do anything else to me. I eagerly accepted the stick of marsh-mellows Alec handed me and stretched forward to push them into the fire. I frowned when the top mellow burnt more than I liked, but Stone reached out and stole it off the end. I looked up at him in surprise
and his eyes twinkled a little with what I assumed was amusement. I smiled hesitantly and ducked my head in another blush, slowly sliding the next mellow off the stick and plopping it in my mouth.Mmmm, I hummed to myself, closing my eyes and savouring the warm, gooey goodness. When I opened them again, I found Stone staring at me, an
intense expression on his face. I swallowed anxiously and tried to think of something to say to break the awkward silence. Failing to find words, I extended the stick of mellows toward him, offering him another. He shook his head slightly and I slowly withdrew it.Then, with a smile, I stuck the stick back in the fire and blackened the outside of the
remaining two mellows, blowing the flame from them quickly when I pulled it out. I slid both mellows off the stick, making faces when the heat stung my fingertips. A small smile was growing at the corner of Stone’s mouth and I quickly extended my sticky fingers, hoping he’d take it before they burned too badly.Thankfully, he leaned forward and
pulled them into his mouth, licking my tender fingertips, before moving away. My stomach clenched and my skin tingled from the contact. His eyes held mine as he chewed and I found myself unable to tear away from their, cold, grey depths.“Evie!” Candy called out, jogging towards us. My head snapped in her direction and I breathed deep in an
attempt to calm down. I frowned at Candy’s dopey grin. She was obviously drunk already. She held out my phone as she drew near. [PDF] [EPUB] Evelyn Vine Be Mine (Bright Photography, #2) Download by Chelle Mitchiter. Download Evelyn Vine Be Mine (Bright Photography, #2) by Chelle Mitchiter in PDF EPUB format complete free.Brief
Summary of Book: Evelyn Vine Be Mine (Bright Photography, #2) by Chelle MitchiterHere is a quick description and cover image of book Evelyn Vine Be Mine (Bright Photography, #2) written by Chelle Mitchiter which was published in January 1, 2010. You can read this before Evelyn Vine Be Mine (Bright Photography, #2) PDF EPUB full Download
at the bottom.Stone.No, he’s not my boyfriend, or even just a friend.In fact, we’ve never spoken a word to one another.Stone and his band mates rule the ‘Alice Gardens’ house and dominate most of the other university students as well. People respect them, fear them, adore them.And Stone is their king.Their huge, silent, intimidating king. He
frightens me.Whenever I’m near him, my entire body trembles and all of my senses stand alert…Evelyn Vine Be Mine (Bright Photography, #2) by Chelle Mitchiter – eBook DetailsBefore you start Complete Evelyn Vine Be Mine (Bright Photography, #2) PDF EPUB by Chelle Mitchiter Download, you can read below technical ebook details:Full Book
Name: Evelyn Vine Be Mine (Bright Photography, #2)Author Name: Chelle MitchiterBook Genre: Chick Lit, College, Contemporary Romance, Music, New Adult, Romance, Young AdultSeries Detail: Book 2 in the Bright Photography seriesISBN # ASIN # Edition Language: EnglishDate of Publication: January 1, 2010PDF / EPUB File Name:
Evelyn_Vine_Be_Mine_-_Chelle_Mitchiter.pdf, Evelyn_Vine_Be_Mine_-_Chelle_Mitchiter.epubPDF File Size: 1.4 MBEPUB File Size: 1.4 MBIf you are still wondering how to get free PDF EPUB of book Evelyn Vine Be Mine (Bright Photography, #2) by Chelle Mitchiter. Click on below buttons to start Download Evelyn Vine Be Mine (Bright Photography,
#2) by Chelle Mitchiter PDF EPUB without registration. This is free download Evelyn Vine Be Mine (Bright Photography, #2) by Chelle Mitchiter complete book soft copy. PrologueI glanced out the taxi window as it pulled to a stop outside my new home- The Simpson University of Arts. More specifically, we were parked outside the ‘Alice Gardens’
residential building. It was one of the more expensive and elaborate set ups, which was saying quite a bit as the university itself was a very new, prestigious institution. Only the very rich were able to afford the fees here, unless, like me, you had won a scholarship.My driver quickly climbed out of the car to fetch my luggage from the boot. I hesitated a
moment more, taking in the large, white building in front of me. From my information package, I knew that this building had four floors. The ground floor housed a restaurant and cafeteria, as well as a games room and a small convenience store selling the essentials. You know, tampons, deodorant… chocolate. The first floor housed first year
students. There were two students to a room and twenty rooms in total (ten on each side of the hallway). These rooms were air-conditioned and heated, with two king-size single beds, a fridge, microwave and sink.

The bathrooms were small and shared between two rooms.I bit my lip as I thought about my new roommate.
I wasn’t the most outspoken or social person…Okay so I’m completely meek and reclusive. I worried that we wouldn’t get along. I was stuck with her until next year, when we could move up to the second or third floor to enjoy the solitude of single bedrooms. Gathering my courage, I opened the door and slowly slid out of the taxi, wincing as I left the
wonderful car air-conditioning and was hit hard by the hot, dry desert heat.I glared at the two large suitcases of luggage I’d brought with me and silently cursed my family. All around me, students were saying goodbye to their loved ones.

Loved ones that were helping them carry their things! I sighed with disappointment and buried my hurt feelings. Not one of my eleven siblings had made the trip with me. Not one of my nine brothers were here to carry my things and tell me to behave or tell me that they’d miss me. I winced as I realised that they probably wouldn’t even notice my
absence. Sure, Zane was out of the country on some special ops mission. And triplets, Vicky, Evan and Harvey, were all posted in Queensland at the Townsville Air Force base. Cooper was also in Townsville, working as a mechanic and his twin sister Charlie was in Cairns (also in Queensland) working as a nurse.But Paul (a final-year Education
student) and the younger triplets, Mike, Jake and Luke (Seniors in High school), all lived at home in Darwin (Northern Territory). It wouldn’t have taken them much effort to come with me. It was a weekend after all! And Logan, who actually worked here, in Alice Springs (as a Flying Doctor pilot) couldn’t even come and meet me at the airstrip!
Mother had wanted to finish writing her latest book and my father…well, I don’t want to talk about it.Sure, my Darwin family members had all apologised, saying that they could re-arrange their plans and try to come with me if I really wanted them to…but I had meekly whispered that it was ‘fine’ and given them a soft smile. They’d brushed the
subject off with relief and left the room to do something more important.I paid the taxi driver and cracked my knuckles, getting ready to haul my luggage up the front steps and then up a flight of stairs. However, before I could grasp the handles, my phone rang, giving me a welcome delay. I smiled as Cooper’s name flashed on the screen. Coop was
the only one of my siblings, besides Zane (the eldest), that ever paid any real attention to me. He, like me, often tired of our large, boisterous family and sought out peace and quiet.“Hi,” I murmured into the phone, biting my lip in annoyance at how soft and timid I sounded.“Hey, Evie!” Cooper greeted me cheerfully, “Have you arrived yet? I’m sorry I
couldn’t get time off to come with you.”“That’s okay,” I whispered, knowing that if he could have been here, he would, “And yes, I’m here.”“Great. How’s the place look? What’s your roommate like?” he asked, and I could hear the smile in his voice.“Uh,” I mumbled, “I haven’t got there yet.
I was just trying to work out how to carry my luggage up the stairs.”There was an icy silence on the other end of the line.“Evelyn,” he said finally, “Who else is there with you? Who made the trip from Darwin with you?”“Er, I flew down. By myself,” I said quietly.Cooper cursed quietly, before asking, “Why can’t Logan carry your things for you?”“Um,
he’s not here,” I said quickly, becoming uncomfortable, “He had a date.”“A date,” Cooper repeated stiffly.“Yes, well he offered to cancel, but I said not to bother. I mean it’s not really that big of a deal,” I whispered in a rush.“Evie,” Cooper said with a sigh, “Why didn’t you ask him to postpone it?
I know this is important to you and now you have to carry everything all by yourself. You have to start speaking up, sis.”“I’m fine,” I said, trying to sound convincing. Cooper wasn’t fooled (my voice was kind of wobbly).“Evie, I’ll call you back later tonight, once you’re settled in,” he said softly.“Don’t tell them I’m upset,” I pleaded, “Please don’t yell at
them.”“I am going to talk to them E,” he growled slightly, “And they are all damn lucky that Zane is overseas.”I winced, knowing how my protective older brother would react when informed.“I have to go,” I whispered, trying not to cry.“Okay,” he said softly, “Bye Evie. Don’t study too hard. Have some fun and make some friends. I love you.”“Love you
too,” I whispered.I pushed my ugly, red-brown long hair out of my eyes and pulled at my sweaty, black T-shirt, thankful that I had worn cool shorts on this hot, summer afternoon.
I glanced over at the building’s entrance in trepidation, as I tried to judge the distance. That was when I first saw him.Sitting atop a picnic table, in the shade of a large, native tree, was a man.
A big, scary man and he was staring right at me, watching me as he took a long drag from his cigarette.
He stood up abruptly and stomped on the butt. My eyes widened at how tall and imposing he seemed from nearly three hundred metres away.He strode toward me confidently in his dark-coloured jeans and tight, black singlet.
He stopped directly in front of me and I stared at him in awe.
My gaze started at the huge feet encased in black combat boots and travelled slowly up the entire length of his 6’8” muscular form to his shaved, dark-blond hair. Stone-grey eyes stared harshly back at me, a wicked scar on his eye-brow and a hard expression marring his strong face.
His nose looked like it had been broken at least twice and his features were angular, strong and sharp.His gaze flickered over the smattering of freckles on my nose, before he snatched my enrolment papers from the tight, anxious grip of my fingers. He glanced at my room number, before shoving them back at me and effortlessly picking up both large
suitcases. He started walking toward the front doors of the building, without so much as a word or look in my direction. I hesitated briefly, before hurrying after the frightening man, jogging slightly to keep up with his long strides. Crowds of people parted for his large shape and I followed close behind, gratefully using him like a snow-plough to clear
a pathway to my dorm.He stopped outside my room and carefully placed the luggage beside the door. He knocked on the wood briefly and then left, again without looking at me or offering a ‘goodbye’ or a ‘nice to not meet you’. The door opened and a short, red-head eyed me curiously. She glanced over my shoulder at the man’s broad, retreating
back, then down at my luggage. She shot me an incredulous look.“Did Stone carry your luggage up?”Stone, I remember thinking, What a terribly appropriate name?!Book One. Chapter OneNothing particularly exciting happened during my first semester at Simpson University of Arts. I was a nobody in high school and didn’t fare much better here. I
was overlooked. Meek and shy, I rarely gave anyone reason to notice me. I didn’t mind. I liked solitude. At least I wasn’t picked on or taken advantage of like I was at school.
My roommate, Cassandra Appleton or ‘Candy’ (do NOT call her candy apple!), thinks this is due to Stone.No, he’s not my boyfriend, or even just a friend. In fact, we’ve never spoken a word to one another. Stone and his band mates rule the ‘Alice Gardens’ house and dominate most of the other university students as well. People respect them, fear
them, adore them. And Stone is their king. Their huge, silent, intimidating king. He frightens me. Whenever I’m near him, my entire body trembles and all of my senses stand alert. Thank goodness I’ve only encountered him in close quarters once since that first day, when he carried my things.I’d run into a classmate from another ‘house’ on my
second day of lessons.
He’d sneered down at me when I’d flushed red and meekly muttered an apology. He’d snatched my books from my loose grasp and dropped them on the floor, laughing with his friend and calling me clumsy. For a moment, I’d wanted to pick up my heaviest book and whack him across the head, walking away with a laugh and an ‘Oops, forgive my
clumsiness’. Instead, I’d dropped to the floor and hurriedly gathered up the fallen texts. Seconds later, the guy was sliding down the wall beside us to join me on the floor. The hallway had become completely silent, and when Candy rushed forward and tugged me to my feet, I caught a glimpse of Stone’s back as he turned a corner.
Since that day, no one has dared bully me.Currently, I was bored. It was Study Week, the week before exams. Today was Thursday, and I’d been cooped up in my room, slaving over my notes, since last Friday. With a resigned sigh, I closed my photography text book and gazed out my dorm window at the parking lot. I should get a car, I thought with a
frown.My eyes snapped to the left as a familiar figure caught my attention. Stone was in his usual spot, except instead of sitting on top of the picnic table with a cigarette, he was sitting on the ground, leaning against the tree, with a guitar in his lap. I frowned. Didn’t he play the drums? As I watched, he busily scribbled a few notes in his music pad,
before picking up the guitar again and strumming softly. Sadly, the notes didn’t reach my ears.As if sensing me, his penetrating, grey gaze met mine. My breath caught and I struggled to remain calm, to not show my fear. His face remained expressionless as he watched me. We stared at each other, neither of us moving an inch. I longed to turn and
run, but couldn’t tear myself away, completely trapped, even from a distance, by his eyes.A curly-haired blonde shouted his name excitedly and he tore his gaze from mine. I quickly ducked beneath my desk and peeked over the sill as the slim beauty smiled brightly at him and tried to tug him towards his car, where the rest of his band mates were
now waiting. Briar, I think her name was, and one of Stone’s closest friends, according to Candy’s gossip. I didn’t know the other band members, but I did notice the absence of Chloe, Stone’s girlfriend. I ducked further when I saw Stone glance back up at my window, before he drove off.“What are you doing?”I squealed in surprise and fell to the
floor. Candy shut the door behind her and chuckled at my expense.“Er, nothing important,” I whispered, scrambling to my feet, “Just checking the desk for dust.”Candy raised an eyebrow and shook her head with a laugh, “Did you fall asleep studying again?”I chuckled quietly in embarrassment, remembering the last time she’d startled me. She took
that as an affirmative response and frowned, placing her hands on her curvy hips. Her candy-apple red hair gave her short, shapely stature a vivid presence that not many people could overlook. She stood out in a room full of people. I felt drab and insignificant in comparison, like I could fade into the background, blend into the wallpaper.“Right,” she
said firmly, “I’m intervening.
No more study.”“But-” I protested.“No,” she snapped, tossing me my camera, “Go out and take some photos. You are done studying for today.”She walked towards the door and held it open for me, motioning with her head for me to leave. I sighed and slowly walked forward, slipping the camera strap over my head.“Go,” she commanded, “Have fun.
And next weekend, I’m dragging you to the Finke Desert Race with us.”My eyes widened.
The Finke Desert Race was a two-day race through the desert. Cars, motorbikes and off-road vehicles of all types participated. People camped all along the track, usually setting up the night before to get a good place.“But, that’s right in the middle of exams!” I whispered frantically.“Exactly,” Candy said smugly, “All the more reason for you to take
time to relax. I’ll tell Mason you’re joining us.” She shut the door on me and locked me out. Groaning quietly, I shuffled quickly past the procrastinating students in the hall and made my way outside with my camera.
Hopefully, I could get a few good nature shots for my Photography course while I was out here and the afternoon wouldn’t be completely wasted.***The next morning, I woke at 0600 hours as I usually did and crept around the room quietly as I dressed in my gym shorts and a fitted tee. I grabbed my trainers and made my way to the Rugby pitch for
my daily work out. I sat down in the stands as I laced up my shoes and breathed in the early morning air. I shivered, wishing I’d thought to bring a jumper down with me. It was the first week of June and winter was definitely upon us. I loved the desert winters; freezing cold during the night, but still hot during the day.The sunrises here were amazing
as well. I glanced up at the sky, smiling at the reds, oranges and pinks vividly brightening the horizon. Red was the predominant colour of the Australian outback, right down to the soil beneath our feet. I laughed at the richly green turf of the rugby field. This upper-class university was about the only place you could find green ‘grass’ around here. I
loved seeing the faces of tourists when they saw what we called a golf course. No lush greens here.
Kangaroos, snakes, lizards and all sorts wandered freely over them as well.I hurriedly began my warm up, realising that I’d been wasting time daydreaming when I should have been ‘hustling’ as Dad and Zane had called it. People often wondered why I still did this. I was much too skinny as it was, according to almost everyone I’d met. At 5”, I
managed to look frail and delicate, no matter how many pushups I did. The truth is I often found it hard to eat. I was too busy worrying or doing something else…like studying.
I couldn’t stop this morning ritual though and even if I could, I doubt I’d want to. It was an important memory of my childhood and I clung desperately to it.Reining in my thoughts and turning on my focus, I began my 5km run, my long legs eating up the distance as I ran lap after lap around the field, my body slowly adjusting to the cold, helped along
as the temperature very slowly rose. When I finished, I quickly dropped to the grass and began my fifty pushups, followed by one hundred sit-ups, one hundred crunches and thirty tricep dips (using the stands to hold onto). I collapsed on my seat and shivered a little as a cold breeze swept over my sweat-slicked body.
I quickly began my stretches, fearful of getting a cramp.I shivered as a strange, prickly sensation wandered up my spine, as though someone was watching me. I looked around nervously, suddenly feeling very self-conscious in my form-fitting top and revealing shorts. I froze as I saw him, sitting across the field in the stand opposite mine. How long
had he been here? Had he been watching me? My body trembled in reaction to him and I gnawed at my bottom lip in anxiety.I raked my eyes over him, studying from a distance. I shivered again, though for an entirely different reason. God, he was something to look at! He wasn’t particularly gorgeous or handsome by society’s usual standards…but
there was something about him that just called to a girl. Woman, I corrected, reminding myself that I’d be eighteen in less than six months.I couldn’t see the finer details from this distance, but I didn’t need too. His features were permanently etched in my mind. Everything about him screamed Man, with a capital M. My cheeks reddened and my skin
warmed as I realised he was dressed only in track pants. There was a beanie on his shaved head, but he wore no shirt or jacket. I could see the strength in his form from here, but craved a closer look.I shook myself hard. This man was scary. I wanted nothing to do with him; I never wanted to be controlled by a guy again…not after last time. Besides,
he’d never be attracted to me. His girlfriend, Chloe Fox, was stunning. I had no interest in him. I was merely admiring his form. It was natural. Every female did.His gaze left mine as he stubbed out his cigarette and withdrew a box of Smarties from his pocket. I giggled at the sight. For some reason, Stone always carried a box of Smarties with him.
Everyone said they were his favourite, but I secretly suspected he stored drugs or something in them (yet another reason to avoid him).He looked back over at me and I had the sneaky suspicion that he was about to make his way over. No way. I hurriedly got up and walked briskly back to the dorms, knowing that if I’d held his gaze for much longer,
I’d have been trapped.twoMy first week of exams passed quickly and despite Candy’s best efforts to draw me away, I studied just as hard as I had the previous week. Saturday afternoon came faster than I expected, leaving me unprepared for Candy’s sneak attack. She lured me out of our room with the promise of study snacks, only to push me into
her boyfriend’s arms. Mason swung me up over his shoulder and ran down the flight of stairs to his car, laughing at my squeal of protest. Candy caught up to us, a large bag swinging from her shoulders. From the evil smile on her face, I figured she’d packed me some clothes in there too.Mason put me down gently and opened the back door of his car,
gesturing for me to climb in. I sighed and slid in dutifully. Candy dropped in beside me, a wide grin on her face.“We’re going to have so much fun!” she said, throwing her arm around me. I nodded slowly, not wanting to admit that I wasn’t keen on playing third wheel, especially if we were sharing the one tent. I’d just have to sleep outside the tent, I
decided. Growing up in an army family, I’d swagged under the stars many a time without the cover of one. I blinked as a familiar looking male opened the front door and sat in the passenger seat beside Mason. He was one of Stone’s friends.“Hi ladies,” he said, grinning mischievously at us, “How are you Candy-lips? Still tasting sweet?”Candy gave
him the finger and Mason punched him in the arm. “Watch it Donny,” he growled.The guy laughed and turned his attention to me, looking me over thoroughly. I shifted uncomfortably, well aware that I didn’t look especially great. I’d been studying after all. I was wearing a tight, pink singlet, beneath a short, denim, overall-dress that stopped at mid
thigh. My long hair was pulled into a perky-high pony-tail and I was wearing pink, bunny slippers. I must have looked like a small, sickly child, with my skinny frame and cute outfit.“And who’s this cutie?” he asked, his smile turning wolfish, “Evelyn Vine right?”I blinked at him. How did he know my name? Not wanting to be rude, I slowly
nodded.“Evie,” I squeaked.He smirked, “Is that your initials or your nickname?”I blushed. “B-both, I guess,” I stuttered, “B-but I meant, just call me Evie.”“Great,” he said, shooting me a wink, “Since Mase is sharing with Candy, are you going to swag up with me?”My face turned scarlet and I frantically searched for something to say back. I opened
my mouth several times, but couldn’t answer.Only if you promise to keep me warm, sexy…You wish, perve!No thanks, I don’t sleep with musicians.Oh my god, yes please! You’re so fucking hot!I didn’t say any of that. I turned my face away to look out the window, still blushing madly. Unfortunately, this just seemed to amuse Donny more.“I’m Donovan
Brody,” he said smugly, “But you can call me Donny.”I nodded politely, but didn’t look back at him. “Nice to meet you,” I whispered.He chuckled and I couldn’t help but sneak a covert look at him. He was definitely attractive. Tall and lean, with messy black hair and sharp brown eyes, he fit the stereotypical looks of a rock-star. He wore black skinny
jeans and a navy singlet, but I noticed he’d dumped a thickly-lined denim jacket at his feet. I glanced at the bag Candy had set between us and wondered whether she’d packed anything warm for me. I shivered at the thought of spending the night in the desert in the little I was wearing.I glanced back at Donny, to find him still staring at me with
unconcealed interest. “You shy, little darling?” he questioned with another chuckle.I inwardly rolled my eyes. Why do people always ask questions they know the answers to?Candy laughed.
“Be nice Donny,” she said, giving me a one-armed hug.“I am being nice!” he protested with mock affront, “I’m making friends.”I don’t get handsy with my friends, I thought as I gently eased my bunny-slippered foot away from his naughty fingers. He noticed though, and tugged it back toward him.“Did you bring any shoes for my new friend?” he asked
Candy with a small frown.She rolled her eyes.
“Duh,” she said, popping the gum in her mouth with a loud smacking noise. She unzipped the bag and gave me my trainers. I took them gratefully, but would have preferred my hiking boots to protect my skin from the worst of any spinifex grass we might come across.“So what are you studying?” Donny probed while I struggled to put my shoes
on.“Visual arts and Media,” I grunted with effort, “Focusing on Photography though.”His eyes lit up, “Photography hey? I’m studying Music. I’m in my second year.”“You should take some pictures of our band. Have you ever seen us perform?” he asked, with a quick glance at Candy.I shook my head. I’d never gone to the uni club or the local bar,
despite Candy’s urging to join her (Mason was a DJ at the uni club, so Candy spent most Friday nights there).He shrugged his shoulders as if unfazed by my lack of enthusiasm on the subject. “You should come with Candy next time we play,” he told me.I bit back a sigh and grudgingly made an effort to participate in the conversation.
I felt incredibly rude letting him carry it by himself.“What do you play?” I asked quietly and Mason turned down the car CD player so that they could all hear me better.Donny’s face lit with triumph at my tentative question. “I play guitar and I’m lead singer,” he informed me proudly, “I’ve been told I’ve got a sexy voice.” He wiggled his eyebrows
playfully.Hmmm, I guess I’ll have to come and hear for myself, I should have said, but didn’t.I coughed and averted my eyes.
“What sort of music do you play?” I asked.He shrugged. “Mostly Metal,” he replied, “Some heavy, some not so much. We do a little bit of Rock and Alternative sometimes.”I smiled and nodded in understanding. My brother Paulie (the one studying to be a teacher) had dabbled a bit with music and his garage band’s style had varied. I personally didn’t
like over-the-top screamer songs, but most Metal music was good in my book.“Do you like Metal?” he asked, watching my face curiously.“Some of it,” I replied, shifting uncomfortably and wishing he’d stop staring at me as if I was some sort of lab experiment.He grinned and gave me a pat on the knee. “Come hear us play,” was all he said, before
turning back around and leaving me alone.“Don’t worry,” Candy whispered in my ear, “He makes everyone blush. He’s the biggest flirt on campus.”I smiled at her, relieved that I hadn’t been singled out. But as soon as we reached the race track and parked, Donny opened my door and pulled me out, tugging me after him with a firm grip on my hand. I
tensed again, immediately alert. He was touching me. He was leading me somewhere and Candy and Mason weren’t following. I tried to think of a way to get him to stop…but all I could think to say was that my clothes were back there with Candy. I didn’t mention that though, smart enough to predict the line of conversation that would bring up.My
mild panic was cut short though as Donny came to a halt. I breathed a sigh of relief that he hadn’t taken me far.
Until he pulled me in front of his body and I looked around the campsite at the amused faces before me. Oh my God. My gaze stuck on one face in particular and my knees buckled as anxiety returned full-force. Donny caught me with an arm around my waist, laughing a little as I hurriedly found my feet again.“You okay Evie-baby?” he murmured near
my ear, a sexy purr in his smooth voice. I didn’t take my eyes off Stone. I nodded slightly in answer and quickly moved out of his grasp, shuffling away slightly and looking around at the other members of the band.Donny pulled me close again though and I stumbled from the force of his enthusiastic tug. “Hey guys,” he said cheerfully, “I made a cute,
little friend. This is Evie.” He placed a great deal of emphasis on my nickname and I wondered if he was making some sort of secret point I wasn’t privy to.He threw his arm around my shoulder and grinned at his friends. I glanced at Stone again and shook slightly at his hard features. He seemed stonier than usual. Was he displeased that I’d joined
them? Should I leave?