Rewriting History Read Online Free Page A

you.
    I press call. I need to hear her voice. I close my eyes and listen to the sound of the ringing, going over our last kiss in my head. Am I willing to risk everything for whatever this is?
    “I miss you too,” I say when she answers. “Where are you?” I don’t care anymore. I need to see her. I need to feel her in my arms.
    “Walking home. I wanted to clear my head,” she replies.
    “Let me pick you up and we’ll go downtown and get a coffee,” I suggest.
    “Sure,” she sighs. “Why not?”
    I see her walking just out of the school grounds. I check my rearview mirror and see the street is deserted. It’s late enough that most of the staff and students have already left for the day, but I’m aware enough to know I still need to be on my guard.
    I pull the truck to a stop next to her and open the door, watching her as she peels off her school blazer. She pulls a sweater over her head, easing her long, dark hair through. I watch as it cascades around her shoulders. Her green eyes catch mine and she smiles. Does she like me watching her?
     
    The waitress at the coffee shop takes our orders as we sit side by side in a dark corner. We’re in a trendy lane in down town, so there is little chance of us being spotted, but I’m still nervous. I don’t want to ruin this. She reaches across the table and takes my hand, entwining my fingers in hers. Even the slightest touch drives me insane.
    “What do you want , Eli?” she asks.
    She holds her breath as if she’s afraid of what my answer will be. My answer is simple: I know what I want, but I also know we don’t always get what we want. People—like my father—who go after what they want without considering how it will affect other people will inevitably wind up losing everything. I’ve seen that firsthand, and I don’t want to be that person.
    “You,” I finally reply. Because it’s the truth. Whether I can have her or not, it’s her I want.
    “Really? And tomorrow? Or next week? I need you to make up your mind and stick with it. This?” She throws up her hands and looks around. “It’s driving me crazy.”
    I sigh. “Look, Jill. I’ve been thinking a lot about us. Not seeing you, not being able to hold you, I can’t handle it.” I pause and take a breath. “My position at school is only temporary.”
    It’s true. Six months is still only temporary, and I haven’t even been offered the damn job yet.
    “Dad’s already getting better, and as soon as he’s good, he will be back in the classroom to teach you.” I pause. “I like you. As in, I really like you. I want to see where this goes. Can you give me another chance?”
    “What do you think?” she says. The smile on her face gives away everything.
    “There is a catch,” I add, avoiding her eyes.
    She raises her eyebrows and waits for me to continue.
    “You’re seventeen. I don’t want to sleep with you until you’re eighteen.”
    “That’s less than a month away. Besides, sorry to be the one to tell you, but that ship has already sailed. Or have you forgotten?” she smirks.
    Forgotten? There’s no way I could forget how being inside her felt.
    “Jill,” I growl as she laughs. “Just go with me on this, okay?”
    “Okay,” she agrees, her lips twitching into a smile. “What happens after your position is over?”
    “I’ll find work around here.” I don’t add that it might be at her school. There’s no point in worrying her until I know for sure. I’m convinced things are going to work out so long as I’m not her actual teacher. “I’m not planning on going anywhere. There are tons of positions advertised at the moment. I’m qualified to teach both high school and college history.”
    “I love the sound of that,” she grins.
    I smile back. The more I think about it, the more I know that being with her is the right thing to do.
    Whatever I need to do to make this work, I’ll do it.
    ***
    Even though I’d been expecting it, the offer hits me hard. Galleu