Lost in Light Read Online Free Page A

he announced with a broad smile. ”Good coffee,” he amended when he saw my face twist in displeasure.
    I didn’t drink coffee often, always finding it to be too bitter and acidic. But early on in our friendship Liam had introduced me to the deliciously sinful and decadent Chocolate Chip Frolatte at Dazbog Coffee and I had been hooked ever since. Coincidentally there just happened to be one not too far from campus. Rolling my eyes at his pleading expression, I shooed him off of my bed before throwing back the covers.
    “Why don’t you go feed Ansel and try to make up with him,” I suggested as I got out of bed and stretched with a groan. Mumbling something uncharitable about my cat under his breath, he shuffled out of the room leaving me alone to get dressed.
    Walking over to the window I looked out at the bright sunny day and felt the warmth of the sun shining through. It was the beginning of fall, and in true Colorado fashion the temperature was still hovering in the mid-seventies, but could easily snow the next day. Deciding to take advantage of the warm day, I fished a pair of denim shorts and a light cotton peasant blouse out of my closet along with some clean underwear, and walked into the bathroom to brush my hair and teeth.
    Spying my reflection in the mirror above the sink I frowned at the sleep-tangled mess of my dark red hair, deciding to braid it in pigtails rather than wrestling it into some state of obedience. My eyes still looked a little puffy and shell-shocked from the night before, but a light dusting of shimmery eye shadow and some mascara helped hide any lingering swelling. Finally donning a pair of grey gladiator sandals with a ruffled rosette on the top I met Liam in the living room, feeling my heart lighten just a little at his warm and friendly expression. Looping his arm in mine he gently bumped my shoulder and pulled me towards the door.
    “Come on, let’s get you some chocolate deliciousness!”
    ***
    Liam’s bright red convertible Mustang gleamed in the sun, putting my poor Jeep to shame, but I happily slid into the front seat and helped him unlatch the roof. The engine rumbled and purred as I titled my head back and slid on a pair of sunglasses, relishing the sun shining down on me once the soft top was fully lowered. Easing out into traffic he flashed me a mischievous grin before putting his foot down and roaring down the street, my stomach feeling like it was still sitting at the curb.
    Within ten minutes we were pulling into the parking lot outside Dazbog Coffee, and I was glad for the Pioneers baseball cap that I kept stashed in the glove box. Coming around to my side of the car, Liam once again linked his arm through mine and together we walked into the coffee shop. The air conditioning caused goose bumps to rise along my arms, and sent a shudder rippling down my spine. After ordering and collecting our drinks we settled at a small table nibbling a blueberry scone that we split between us.
    By some small grace of God he didn’t bring up Jake, or ask for any details about the previous day, content instead to gush about the Adonis that was his boyfriend, Patrick. I blushed furiously at some of the details he shared, but was happy to think about that rather than Jake. Besides, seeing him so obviously smitten with such a great guy gave me real pleasure after having watched him date one jerk after another during high school.
    “What’s up with Professor Sexy Pants?” Liam asked, smirking at me over the rim of his cup as he took a break from regaling me with the finer points of Patrick’s sexual prowess.
    Following the direction of his gaze, I felt my heart lurch into my throat and my face blanch before flushing deeply. Sitting a few tables away to my right was Professor Davis. He looked sinfully relaxed in a pair of faded grey jeans worn through at the knees, a slim fitting t-shirt that appeared to be equally worn and comfortable, and a pair of black boots that shone with a brilliant