Chapter 26 Picking Up
Daniel, who said he didn't want to hurt me, had already shattered me.
This indecisive Daniel was just the worst.
I deleted his messages one by one and replied, "Arrived, no biggie."
Daniel replied almost instantly with several long voice messages.
I deleted them without listening and put my phone away.
Late concern meant nothing. What was Daniel trying to do now?
Brad was waiting by a black SUV, looking sharp in a white patterned shirt and dark pants. He smiled when he saw me, his eyes lighting up. He took my luggage and ruffled my hair. "Hey, Jane! It's been ages. Look at you, you've shot up!"
I shyly looked up at him. "Brad, you look even more handsome."
"Thanks for the compliment," Brad laughed, putting my luggage in the trunk. He opened the passenger door and fastened my seatbelt.
As he did, I caught the fresh pine scent that was so Brad.
"Why are you so thin? Haven't you been eating?" Brad asked, turning to me. I didn't know what to say.
This summer was rough—I got hurt twice, was hospitalized twice, and lost my appetite. Helen even nagged me this morning to eat more, saying a strong wind could blow me away.
"Brad, it's been two years, and you still remember how I looked. Staying slim is a never-ending battle for us ladies," I laughed awkwardly, touching my cheek.
Brad gave me a skeptical look. "You've lost that twinklein your eyes. Whether it's about shedding pounds or something, I don't give a damn. From today on, I'm gonna help you get back to the old you. Get ready."
The dorm was dusty after a whole summer. My roommates would arrive tomorrow, so I started cleaning. By the time I finished, it was almost 7 PM, and I was exhausted.
Just as I was about to rest, Brad sent me two documents and called me on video.
Brad said the documents were his ideas for the competition. They were rough and needed more details. He wanted my input so we could aim for the championship together.
"Can I look at them later? I just finished cleaning the dorm and I'm really tired," I said weakly.
Brad raised an eyebrow, showing his neat white teeth and the tear mole at the corner of his eye. "The chow down kicks off with this grub. I'll come downstairs to get you, and you can rest after eating."
Honestly, I was too tired to move.
But I was also really hungry, so I agreed.
"By the way, do you mind if my classmates join us?" Brad asked.
"I don't mind." More people would avoid any awkward silence.
Brad wanted to pick me up, but I told him to send me the location when he arrived, and I'd go by myself.
At 7:30, I got to the barbecue place we agreed on.
Barbecue spots always brought back bad memories, and just seeing one made me uneasy.
As soon as I walked in, a tall, strong Brad stood up from a window seat. He had thick eyebrows, bright eyes, and well-defined features. His tanned skin made him even more attractive.
Brad said something to his friends and walked over to me.
I hadn't noticed before, but Brad was really tall and well-built.
Daniel was tall too, about 6'1", and very handsome, but he was lean and always had a cold demeanor, making him hard to approach.
Brad, on the other hand, had broad shoulders and a strong physique. Even in a shirt, you could see his muscles. His thick eyebrows and defined features gave a sense of security. The girls would call him a hunk, someone they wanted to rely on.
He was really tall, almost 6'4" by my guess.
Even in my wedges, I barely reached his shoulder.
"I was just about to settle them in and come get you," Brad said, smiling.
"Brad, did you hit a growth spurt? You're a giant." I regretted it immediately, feeling my face heat up.
Brad was in his twenties, so he couldn't still be growing. What a silly thing to say.
Brad seemed surprised by my comment but then smiled slowly, like a poppy blooming in the dark, beautiful and dangerous. I was stunned; I always knew Brad was good-looking, but his smile was almost divine.
Brad's eyes shone like a starry night sky, filled with countless twinkling lights.
"Do I look good?" Brad asked in a deep voice.
"Yes, you are the hottest one here." I nodded instinctively.
Today I realized how much I cared about a man's appearance.
Brad laughed at my silly look, a deep, enticing sound like a cello playing in a jasmine garden, low and melodious.
This man was truly a charming devil!
"Brad, bring your pretty sister over, the barbecue is ready."
He led me over and introduced me to everyone.
"Wow, Northern Institute of the Arts has such a pretty junior. How did I miss that?"
"Brad, you're so stingy, you should have introduced us earlier."
"Hey there, gorgeous, you got any siblings back home?"
"Brad, I'm done with the brother act. Can I upgrade to your brother-in-law?"
Brad laughed and told them Jane was too good for them!
Faced with these good-natured jokes, I was so nervous my palms were sweating.
Even though I was outgoing and liked friendly people, meeting them for the first time, and with them all being big guys, made me uncomfortable.
Growing up, the closest men to me were Ronan and Daniel.
Sure, there were other boys too. In high school, my backpack was once filled with love letters, and tall, handsome boys had cornered me with flowers, confessing their love. But back then, my heart and eyes were all for Daniel, so no matter how good others were, I didn't notice them, and naturally didn't appreciate their different charms.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
