Don't Let Go: A Full Hearts Novella Read Online Free

turned back. He looked hot and sweaty, but his slow smile, just for her, made her stomach turn over. She picked up the ball and tossed it up, catching it with a grin. “Nice hit.”
    “Oh yeah? Is that what it takes to impress a girl like you?” Ben asked, sauntering over to pluck the ball out of her hand.
    Alicia laughed, blushing as he came closer. “Depends on who’s doing the hitting. I heard the principal gave you a week’s vacation so I thought I’d bring your homework for you. I thought maybe I could help you get caught up before finals.”
    Ben nodded, looking down at his feet for a moment before answering. “That’s an offer I can’t refuse. My coach said anyone who doesn’t pass is off the team, and that wouldn’t look good for the scouts.”
    “Well, good thing I came, then.” Alicia stared into his hazel eyes but she couldn’t help but hold the image of his lean, muscled torso. It was now etched in her brain and was stirring feelings that were new to her.
    “Wanna sit outside? There’s a picnic table behind the barn,” he said as he started in the direction of the old building. Looking at his brother, he said, “I’ll get you to throw some more pitches tomorrow, okay? You should probably head in and get your homework done too.”
    Cole grinned at his big brother, looking ready to tease him but clearly deciding against it when Ben threw him a warning glance. “Good night, Alicia!” he called sweetly as he walked in the direction of the house.
    Ben and Alicia settled themselves on the same side of the picnic table, Alicia arranging their books, taking out her notes. They worked until the sun disappeared behind the mountain, laughing and talking as Alicia caught him up on what he had missed. She noticed him stealing glances at her when they were supposed to be working and her knees felt weak when she thought of him lowering his mouth over hers. She decided to turn up the heat a little.
    “Are you looking down my overalls?” she inquired when she saw him glance down at her side again.
    Ben’s face turned red. “No, but if I were, it would only be because I was wondering what happened to the rest of your shirt.”
    It was Alicia’s turn to blush. “That’s the style, Ben. Why? Do you not approve?”
    Ben grinned down at her. “Oh, I approve alright. It’s just a little bit hard for me to concentrate on these math questions with most of your shirt missing.”
    “Hmm,” Alicia said, doing her best imitation of a teacher. “Keep your eyes on your work, Mr. Mitchell.”
    “Then tomorrow wear clothes that aren’t missing parts.”
    Later that evening, as she started the car to go home, she groaned at the wild fire of desire and frustration now burning up her insides. For eight long years now, she had only had eyes for Ben and she had felt certain that tonight would be the night they would make it official. He had had so many chances that night to kiss her, but for some reason he had held back. There were several perfect moments, but he had let each opportunity slip by. Alicia slapped her palm on the steering wheel, regretting that she hadn’t been bold enough to take things into her own hands.
    * * *
    Alicia lunged at the phone, managing to pick it up on the second ring before her parents could. It had been two weeks since she started helping Ben with his studying and in that time, she had gotten used to hearing from him almost every day.
    “Hello?” she answered, her heart pounding at the hope of who was on the other end of the line.
    “Hey, Alicia. It’s Ben. I was thinking maybe I should take you out for a burger or something to thank you for all of your help getting me through senior year. I figure I owe you.”
    Alicia silently screamed into the air, jumping up and down for a moment before responding. Trying to sound casual, she lowered her voice. “Sure, Ben. When were you thinking of going?”
    “How about tomorrow night?”
    “Sure. Pick me up around six?”
    “Will