Finding Our Course: Collision Course Duet Read online

  Finding Our Way

  Ahren Sanders

  Collision Course Duet, Part 1

  Copyright © 2014 by Ahren Sanders

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations and incidents are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, locales or events is entirely coincidental.

  Editing: Anna Gorman Coy with AGC Editing

  Kendra Gaither at Kendra’s Editing and Book Services

  Cover Design: Melissa Gill, MG Bookcovers & Designs

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Epilogue

  Staying On Course

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Epilogue

  Acknowledgements

  Meet the Author

  Author Links- Keep in touch!

  Prologue

  Tonight’s the night. It’s not only my eighteenth birthday but also my high school graduation. I’ve been dreaming about this day for six long years. I am moving on to another chapter in my life, and this is the day Bryce Randolph will finally realize I’m an adult.

  I fell in love with Bryce the first time my brother brought him home after football practice when I was twelve years old. He was the new guy at school, and my brother, Nate, and he hit it off on the first day. As soon as they walked through the back door that afternoon, my world changed. Bryce was the most beautiful guy I’d ever seen. Even at fifteen, he and my brother were more filled out and muscular than the other guys their age.

  Bryce became a permanent fixture at our house. Neither of the guys ever treated me as the pesky little sister. Even though they were in high school and I was in middle school, I hung out with them all the time.

  My best friend, Quinn Jackson, and I made the varsity cheerleading team in high school as freshmen and traveled with the rest of the squad to all the games. We always got questioned about Nate and Bryce from the other girls, which made me uncomfortable, but there was nothing I could do about it.

  Quinn is the only person in the world who knows how I feel about Bryce. She’s known since the first time she saw the goofy grin on my face when we watched him playing catch in our backyard. I think my mom was suspicious, but she’s never said anything.

  The first time Bryce dated a girl more than a few times, I cried myself to sleep for a week. It was a ridiculous reaction, but I was a hormonal teenage girl. Unfortunately, the girl was also on the cheerleading squad and carried animosity toward me when she learned how close he and I were. During one particular game, when he and Nate ran a play that resulted in a touchdown and lead for the team, they both came to me on the sidelines, taking turns swinging me around as I screamed.

  Bryce was single soon after that because he broke up with her for being a massive bitch to me. It was one of the best days of my life.

  I turned fifteen the week Nate and Bryce graduated. Quinn and I concocted this elaborate plan for me to get Bryce alone so I could kiss him. I’d never been really kissed before, and I wanted him to be my first. My parents had a party, and almost all the newly graduated senior class was there. Bryce hung out with mostly the guys by the pool, but I saw him walk down to the deck and knew it was my chance.

  He heard me behind him, and when he turned his head and saw me, his face lit up in a smile. He motioned for me to come over, and I walked straight into his arms. The smell of his cologne surrounded us, and I inhaled deeply.

  “You know we’re only a phone call away if you need us, right?” he asked.

  “I know.”

  “You have a few more years of school left, and it kills me and Nate that we won’t be here in case some jackass gets the wrong idea. Or worse, someone fucks with you. I know how guys think, Devon, and I hate that we can’t stop the way they’ll look at you.”

  “What do you mean?” I was truly confused.

  He sighed and pulled me closer. “You’re a beautiful girl, inside and out. Without Nate and me around, I’m scared some guy will try to take advantage of you. Promise me you’ll be careful.”

  Boldness took over, and I pressed him for more. “Is that because I’m like a little sister to you?”

  “Yes. No… I don’t know.”

  My heart deflated. There was no way he’d kiss me if he considered me a little sister. But I decided to take a chance and rotated in front of him, staring into his blue eyes. Not really knowing what I was doing, my arms wrapped around his neck, and I lifted up on my toes to reach his mouth. As soon as our lips touched, my nervousness dissolved. He took over, and when my lips parted and our tongues swirled, my knees fell weak. What started as sweet quickly turned frantic. His hands gripped my scalp, holding me hostage. Our mouths moved in sync as we devoured one another. Lack of oxygen made me dizzy, but I didn’t dare pull away.

  His hands moved to my hips and squeezed lightly. I was lost to him, but all too soon, he pulled away. His eyes met mine with anger and confusion.

  “Jesus Christ, Devon! I’m so sorry. What the fuck?” He stepped back and ran his hands through his hair, looking around to make sure we were still alone.

  Heat rushed up my cheeks, and tears filled my eyes. “Why are you sorry? I started it. I wanted to kiss you. I’ve been crazy about you since I was twelve years old!” Yep, I just blurted it out like a true lovesick teenager.

  His face softened, and he pulled me in for a hug. “Devon Harris, when you turn eighteen, I hope to God you still feel this way. Come on, let’s go back to the party.” He led us back to where things were getting wild and winked at me before joining the other football players.

  As the years went by, we never mentioned the kiss again, but I began to understand what he meant by being eighteen. It wasn’t just an age; it was maturity. I’d grown so much in the last few years. The few boyfriends I had never lasted long because nothing could compare to the men Nate and Bryce had become.

 
; Both joined the ROTC and went to college with the intention of joining as Officers in the Navy after graduation. Quinn and I visited them one weekend on our college scouting trips, and our minds were made up. We are both going to attend University of Tennessee as well.

  My brother’s excited about me following him to school, and my parents are thrilled I’m going to be close. Once again, only Quinn knows I’m partly following the love of my young life.

  A knock at my door jolts me out of my trip down memory lane. Quinn walks in with an outfit similar to mine.

  “We look hot. I can’t wait to see the looks on people’s faces when they see our shoes.” She kicks one foot behind her, showing off her new hot pink heels. We decided if we had to wear all white, we were going to add a pop of bold to sass up our outfits.

  “Me too! Are you guys the first ones here?” I ask, referring to her family.

  “Yeah, but a huge truck pulled up behind us. A girl I didn’t recognize was getting out of the passenger’s seat.”

  “Huh? Wonder who that is?”

  “Okay, let’s get downstairs and get the hundred pictures taken so we can party as soon as this ceremony is over. I’m ready to throw down tonight.”

  We head down the stairs to the sound of laughter and greetings. The familiar scent of Bryce fills the room, and my stomach does somersaults knowing he’s so close. Even though we’ve spoken a few times, I haven’t physically seen him since Christmas Break.

  As soon as I hit the bottom step, I sense something is very wrong. I can feel it all the way to my bones. Quinn steps behind me, placing her arm through mine. She knows, too. Everyone, including my parents and Nate, Quinn’s parents, and the Randolph family turn to face us.

  The unknown woman is in the middle of the room standing next to Sheila, Bryce’s mom, and Bryce. She has her arm linked through his in a possessive manner, and when our gazes meet, there’s a flash of something. I can’t tell what, but when I look into Bryce’s eyes, they are sad and pleading.

  “Hi, everyone,” I squeak, trying to find my voice.

  All the parents rush over to engulf us in hugs and kisses. Nate holds on to me a little longer than normal, and when his eyes meet mine, they’re filled with concern. He doesn’t get to say anything because Bryce breaks in and hugs me tightly and then stands back. Unknown woman is still clinging to him, giving me a sneer.

  “Hi! I’m Devon.” I hold out my hand to her, and she looks at me with recognition.

  “I’m Holli. I’ve heard a lot about you.” She shakes and drops my hand roughly. “I’m Bryce’s fiancée.” Her hand moves over her flat stomach and rubs gently, with the tell-tale sign of pregnancy.

  Those words cause me the most pain I have ever felt in my eighteen years. They also change the course of my life.

  Chapter 1

  Year and a Half Later

  “When will I ever get used to Virginia winters?” Quinn shivers besides me as we walk to the Communications Building.

  “Probably about the time we graduate?”

  “Have you decided yet about the holidays?”

  “I’m going to fly directly into Aspen and stay the ten days, then I’m coming right back.”

  “How’d your mom and dad take it?”

  “All right. They didn’t push too hard because they knew I may bail all together.”

  “Want me to come back early so you won’t be alone on New Years?”

  “Nope, I’ve been invited to a few parties. I’ll be fine.”

  “We’ll see. I haven’t spent New Years without you since we were like eleven years old. No need to break tradition now.”

  I love my best friend. She can read me like a book and knows how much I’ll miss her over the holidays, but she also knows I would never ask her to give up her family time for me. God knows, I already disrupted her life enough. To this day, I’m not sure her mother forgives me for Quinn being in Virginia.

  The day of my high school graduation became a blur after Holli and Bryce’s announcement. It wasn’t hard to stay away from either of them, especially when we walked into my favorite Mexican restaurant for my celebration dinner and Holli became ill. Bryce had to take her home, and I never saw him again that night.

  The next day, I set about changing my entire future. There were several schools I’d been accepted to prior to deciding on UT. One of my top choices was University of Virginia in Charlottesville. I called them and spoke to the Dean of Admissions and did everything short of begging to get my slot back. Somehow, I even got Quinn’s back, too, explaining she was my roommate. The only caveat was we had to attend summer school, which started three weeks later.

  I wasn’t sure of Quinn’s reaction to the drastic change in plans, but she was surprisingly excited. When I sat down and told my parents that night, my dad hit the roof, but my mom was more accepting. She followed me to my room and sat on my bed as we made of list of things we needed to do. When we were finished, she pulled me down next to her and wrapped her arms around my shoulders.

  “I know why you are doing this, Devon, and I completely understand.”

  Tears stung my eyes and a sob escaped.

  “Are you upset with me?”

  “Not at all.”

  “Aren’t you going to tell me how unreasonable I’m being? How I need to grow up?”

  “Not at all.”

  “Nothing? Not even that this is a rash decision I may regret?”

  “Nope.”

  “Why?”

  “Because when your heart breaks, my heart breaks. And I saw your heart break yesterday at two-thirty p.m. Watching the light die out of your eyes was one of the hardest things I’ve had to witness in your life. I’ve known for years how you feel about Bryce Randolph, and even though your level of devotion worried me, I understood it. Part of me wishes you would have gotten over it through the last year, but you continued to live your life and become this beautiful young woman.”

  “You don’t think I’m acting like a silly, eighteen-year old, lovesick fool?”

  “Well, yes, but that’s okay. You fell in love with an amazing young man. Bryce is one of the finest people I know. He’s noble and respectable. His decisions are selfless. He’s determined to serve his country with honor, and, until yesterday, I’d never thought poorly of him. But when he walked into my house with that girl and killed the hope and longing you had, on one of the most important days of your life, I lost respect for him.”

  I couldn’t control the sobs that racked my body.

  “Mom, it hurts so much. Such a stupid thing to say, but I’ve had a crush on him forever. He made me feel safe and special, and one night, many years ago, I spilled my guts and told him I was crazy about him. Instead of embarrassing me, he told me he hoped I felt that way when I was eighteen. And I still do! Every other guy I have ever gone out with can’t compare to him.”

  “Young love is devastating, Devon, and you never gave anyone else a chance. The reason I didn’t talk to you sooner is because I fell in love with your dad the first day of sophomore English. You’ve heard the stories of us being high school sweethearts, but it wasn’t always easy. Even with my own self-doubts throughout the years, I never stopped loving your dad. I saw the same love on your face the last few years when you looked at Bryce.”

  “You don’t think I’m too young?”

  “No, but now things have changed. I’m going to support and help you move on. Bryce was sad yesterday. It was obvious, but he’s going to do the right thing with that girl. It’s the kind of man he is. Will he be happy? I don’t know, but it’s my job to make sure you’re okay. Whatever it takes and however long.”

  “I love you, Mom.”

  “Love you, too. Now, let’s get some rest before we tackle getting you ready to leave for college. I thought I had seven weeks to get used to my baby leaving. It may be you consoling me soon.”

  The next day, we started a whirlwind of packing and shopping. My brother had a conniption when he learned what I had done, but when he s
aw the hurt on my face, he realized something was wrong.

  Bryce tried several times to contact me, but I was able to avoid him. He took Holli back to UT campus and started his own summer semester.

  Since my departure was so rushed, we did a small dinner with Quinn’s family as our going away party. At the last minute, the Randolphs found out and insisted on coming. They were so wrapped up in the news they were going to be grandparents, they didn’t ever ask me about my change in plans.

  Three weeks to the day after graduation, I drove away from Nashville with a new outlook on life. My heart was broken, but for the first time, I was focused only on me. There was no longer the possibility of a Devon and Bryce, and I vowed to never be a lovesick fool again. Young love or not, it hurt like hell.

  “Hello! Earth to Devon?” Quinn waves her hand in front of my face, bringing me out of my trance. “Where’d you go?”

  “I was just thinking about us moving here.”

  “Best decision we ever made.”

  “I think so, too.”

  “Our paper is due next week for World Journalism. Do you want to head to D.C. this weekend and see if we can catch a protest or something?”

  “Yes, actually, that sounds great. I’ll bring the camera.”

  “I hate it that you’re a double threat. Besides journalism, your photography skills will get you into the Master’s of Fine Arts Program with no problems.”

  “We’ll get in together, just like we do everything else.”

  When we get to the building, we head to our separate lectures. The small group I always sit with saved me a seat, and I smile as I greet everyone. It’s a running joke among my peers that Quinn and I are the babies. Since we both graduated with AP credits and came straight to summer school, we’ve always been the youngest in our classes. Technically, we’re both juniors.

  My pocket vibrates with an incoming message, and I almost drop it when I see who it’s from.

  Bryce’s name appears with a single sentence: We need to talk.

  Staring at the screen, it seems like a good idea to ignore him. But in the back of my head, I think about my ‘Getting over Bryce Randolph’ program and the steps involved. I created this personal program the first summer at UVA. It was three weeks after moving here, and Quinn finally convinced me to get my head out of my ass. We started meeting new people. Then I gradually started dating. We both made the cheerleading team, which helped keep our social lives busy.