First Love Read Online Free Page A

friend who went to her wedding. In the fall, she shows up and couldn’t understand why I didn’t want to continue being lovers.” Drew closed her eyes. The nightmare of that year had dimmed, but not much. “She had the audacity to tell me she wasn’t a lesbian, but she didn’t want to give me up. I was so angry. After that, I decided it would be a cold day in hell before I trusted that easily. At eighteen, it’s teenage hormones. Now my head is in charge.”
    “Guess there hasn’t been anyone since then?”
    “Nope. That was a wake-up call. I date, but I’m much more cautious. I don’t want anything, or anyone, distracting me. And I don’t want to get that hurt again.”
    “If I had said that with my first boyfriend, I wouldn’t have risked again. You can’t really mean it.”
    With school, working on her parents’ ranch, and rodeos, she didn’t have time or want to have time for anything serious. “I’ll eventually settle down after I get back to Wyoming.”
    “You mean there are more gay people in Wyoming?”
    Drew laughed. “There are. We have this unwritten code that only lesbians can wear black western hats with purple headbands.”
    Mark’s eyes were wide. “What do the guys wear?”
    “Chaps. No pants.”
    Mark was hyperventilating.
    “Of course, during the winter they always wear long coats to cover the bare asses.”
    “No! Wouldn’t certain body parts freeze?” He stopped and looked at her grinning expression. “You’re kidding, right?”
    “Yes. Thought it might get you excited.”
    “Well, I like the idea of leather, but I’d prefer wearing the fringe and jewelry.”
    “I can see you now. Fringed vest and sequined chaps.” Drew grinned, stuck her thumbs under her belt, and strutted around.
    In mock seriousness, Mark stood, hands on hips. “And why not? I certainly have the figure.”
     
    *
     
    The next afternoon, Drew went to Criser Hall to meet her perspective tutee. As she exited the elevator, she noticed groups of people hanging around. While most were in jeans or shorts, some wore dark suits. I can’t imagine walking around that dressed up in this sauna. Drew decided it was futile to understand the strange behavior of Southerners.
    The reception area was empty, but the inner door to Mrs. Harris’s office was open. Soft voices barely reached the outer office. There she found the administrator talking to a female student. This must be the person wanting a tutor. Drew gave her a quick once-over. She’s cute, in a preppy kind of way .
    “Excuse me; I wasn’t sure if I should come in.”
    “Please do,” Mrs. Harris said. “Drew, let me introduce you to Jordan Thompson.” She turned toward Jordan. “This is Drew Hamilton. I’ll leave you two alone to chat.” She closed the door as she left.
    Drew checked her out. She was probably eighteen or nineteen and immaculately dressed. Carefully matched everything, including shoes. Oh, well, it’s a job. “Hello.” She put her hand out.
    Jordan stood and shook the proffered hand. “Have we ever met?”
    Drew wanted to laugh at the unexpected question. Everything about the person standing in front of her indicated privilege, from her well-manicured hands to her label clothing. She choked down the laughter and remembered her good manners. “No, ma’am.”
     
    *
     
    “You look familiar.” Jordan had interviewed eight people in two weeks. They all recognized her and either were nervous or overly solicitous. Or they didn’t pass the screening her father insisted on. She wanted a tutor, not some political junkie or wannabe.
    She stared at Drew’s attire. Can this day get any worse? The boots were polished, but well worn. The jeans and plaid Western shirt were baggy, clean, and faded, but had sharp creases. G.I Jane. With those wide shoulders and slim hips, she could be a Jane or Joe. Jordan sighed. She needed to find a tutor quickly. Well, at least, she’s not part of the Washington crowd .
    “No, ma’am. Don’t