The Same Side (University Park #2)
Read The Same Side (University Park #2) Online
Authors: Cm Doporto
The Same Side
Book 2 in the University Park Series
By CM Doporto
All Rights Reserved
Thank you for purchasing this book. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author and may not be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form for any commercial or non-commercial use without permission from the author. If you enjoyed this eBook, then please encourage your friends to purchase their own copy.
Published by: CM Doporto
Cover art by: Cora Graphics
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content. Any trademarks mentioned herein are not authorized by the trademark owners and do not in any way mean the work is sponsored by or associated with the trademark owners. Any trademarks used are specifically in a descriptive capacity.
Thank you for your support.
Dedication
To my Aunt Dorelia. Thank you for telling me all about
those vampire books. If I’d never read them, I doubt this story
would have been written.
Acknowledgements
I’d like to thank my husband for his continual support. I can’t do this without you, babe. To my son, for allowing me to write when I should be giving you more attention.
A huge shout out to my critique partner, Sam. Your help has been wonderful and I’m glad we work well together. Many thanks to my street team, CM Doporto’s Heroes and Heroines. I appreciate your dedication and time with supporting my books and getting the word out. A big thank you to Smexy Fab Four for managing my street team. Thanks to Cora Graphics for creating another beautiful cover! Many, many thanks to Monica for the edits on this book. You’re awesome! A big salute to Barb. Your coaching and advice makes me a better writer. Love you!
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the bloggers and reviewers who take the time to read and post reviews. Your support of indie authors helps get the attention of readers we work hard to obtain.
A huge thank you to you, the reader. Without you there would be no one to read my story. I appreciate you taking the time to read it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did writing it.
Most of all I want to thank our Heavenly Father for providing me with the opportunity to do what I love, write.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Raven’s head tilted to the side and his eyes captured every part of me with finite detail. My breathing stilled and the incessant hunger that was building inside of me begged for release. I had fought the feeling for way too long and I refused to wait another second, minute, or day to experience what he had to offer.
I wanted him to kiss me.
No. I needed him to kiss me.
Kiss me and take my lips captive.
My heart pumped faster, waiting anxiously as he moved closer to me.
A tender smile played on the edge of his lips. “Are you sure you want me to kiss you?”
I nodded, unable to speak as my eyes zeroed in on my target. His lips called to me, pulling me in until I breathed in all of his air.
His mouth pressed to mine and my eyes fluttered closed. He kissed me softly, touching my lips in a gentle motion. I melted when I felt the warmth of his hand caress the edge of my face. My lips parted and his tongue slid in effortlessly, causing every muscle in my body to relax. Our tongues swirled together and I devoured his sweet taste. The kiss was everything I’d ever dreamed of and more. Raven was a damn good kisser. If his lips could reduce me to a puddle of water, I could only imagine what the rest of his body could do to me.
He pulled away slowly. “Lexi?”
“Hmm?”
“Look at me.”
I didn’t want to let the feeling go and even though he had stopped kissing me, I was holding on to it for as long as I could. Slowly, I opened my eyes.
Holding my gaze, he said, “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to kiss you.” He brushed his thumb across my lips and it took every bit of my strength to not barrel into him and beg that he take me.
I took a deep breath and counted backwards from five, pacing the beats of my heart. “I’ve been dreaming about you kissing me since the day I met you.”
For several seconds, we simply stared at each other. The hunger in his eyes knitted me tighter in his trap and I was truly helpless. If he was intuitive, I’m sure he knew what I wanted. And even though every hormone in my body screamed his name over and over, I refused to rush in to this. The last thing I wanted was to become another one of his hoes.
“How about we go grab a bite to eat? I’m starving and if I don’t—”
He stopped and smiled. He didn’t have to finish for me to know what he was thinking. I nodded and relaxed back in the seat. “That sounds like a good idea.”
“I’m really craving Mexican food.”
“Perfect.”
We exited the parking lot of the university stadium and headed down the street. Raven reached over the console and took my hand, holding it in his. His rough skin felt good against mine and through his touch, I could sense that he missed me just as much as I missed him.
Being with him made me so happy. It took my heart to a place where it finally felt free to beat on its own. My only fear was Raven destroying it. But I had to take that chance, otherwise, I’d never know.
He pulled up to a Mexican restaurant off 7th Street and a slight heaviness hit me. The last time I had been to that area was with Collin and my friends when we went bowling. I internally shook off the hurtful memories and concentrated on getting to know Raven better.
Spanish Christmas music filled the air and colorful lights decorated the hodgepodge of 1950s car parts scattered throughout the restaurant. For a Saturday night, the place was empty. The hostess led us upstairs to a booth in the corner and we sat opposite of each other. I looked over the menu and decided on a light dish, since I hadn’t been eating too much over the last month.
“Did you have a nice Thanksgiving?” Raven glanced up from his menu.
I closed mine. “No, not really.”
“I’m sorry.” He frowned. “Why not?”
Shifting in my chair, I considered what I would tell him. Did I really want to admit how pathetic I was? “I, um…”
“If you don’t want to talk about it, I understand.”
I shook my head. “It’s okay.” Leaning against the table, I confided in him. “I actually stayed in bed instead of going home to eat with my family.”
His eyes widened and a look of sympathy settled on his face. “Were you sick?”
“No.” I looked at the table, ashamed to reveal the truth. “I mean, I told my family I was sick.” I grabbed my napkin and unrolled it. “But I wasn’t. I didn’t want to be around my mom. She won’t stop hounding me about my breakup and…” I took in a deep breath. “So to save myself from the agony, I chose to lie to them instead.”
“Wow. I’m sorry.” He placed his hand on top of mine and the tension released.
For some reason, I wanted to tell him everything. Explain to him how screwed up my life was and how I was dying to find a new one. He was so easy to talk to. I felt like I had known him my entire life. “Thanks. It hasn’t been easy.” I grasped his hand for support. “I basically grew up with Collin and everyone expected us to marry. I just went along with it because he’s all I’ve ever known. But deep down, I knew we didn’t love each other.”
“It takes a lot of courage to admit that and do what you did.”
“Yeah, it does. I just want to be happy and… well, loved.”
“I understand. I’m sure there are women who just go with it and then several years later find themselves in a nasty divorce.”
“Exactly. And Delaney helped me realize that.”
I wanted to tell Raven that he was the one that also opened my eyes, but I refrained. I wasn’t sure if that was something he was ready to hear.
“Thank God for that. Otherwise, we might not be having this conversation.” He grinned.
“Yeah, I guess you’re right.”
“So, why are your parents so overbearing?”
“My mom got pregnant with my older sister when she was in high school. I guess they felt that if they directed all our steps, that wouldn’t happen to us. To be honest, I never really thought I was missing out on much.” I stalled for a moment. “I just did what I was told, wanting to be a good daughter.” My throat tightened and I pushed the lump down with a tough swallow.
“Sometimes it takes a rude awakening to realize there’s more to life. Believe me, I know.”
I nodded, quickly wiping away a stray tear.
A tall, skinny guy stopped at our table. “Sorry to keep y’all waiting. Can I bring you something to drink or are you ready to order?” He had on short-sleeve shirt and shorts, as if it were summer time, and a purple ball cap that he wore backwards.
“Do you know what you want?” Raven hesitated, unsure if he should tell the guy to come back.
“Yeah, I’ll have the chicken fajita salad with the dressing on the side.”
The waiter nodded. “And to drink?”
“Water with lemon, please.”
“No problem. And for you?” The guy didn’t bother to write anything down, committing it to memory instead.
“I want the beef fajitas, tortillas, refried beans, and rice. The whole works. And a tall glass of sweet tea.”
“You got it. And by the way, great game.” The waiter patted the table and smiled at Raven.
“Thanks, man.”
“If you need anything, just holler. My name is Brock.”
“Thanks, Brock.” Raven handed the guy our menus and he walked off.
I couldn’t help but smile. Being recognized and appreciated by total strangers had to be thrilling, not to mention, ego boosting. “Do you ever get tired of that?”
Raven shrugged. “Sometimes. Especially if I want some privacy.” He leaned forward, keeping his gaze steady on me. The restaurant buzzed with a low chatter but with the way he was looking at me, it was as if no one else existed.
The waiter promptly returned with our drinks. He placed a basket of chips in front of us along with hot sauce, guacamole, and cheese dip. “It’s on the house.”
“Thanks.” I grabbed a chip, unable to resist the tempting food that I’d deprived my body from over the past month.
“Thanks, Brock. I’m starved.” Raven immediately took a chip, dipped it in the guacamole, and shoved it in his mouth.
