Chasing Mia SAMPLE

Chapter Two- Kiss It

As I watch Ryder load his things into the trunk of my mom's car, I actually fight back the urge to cry. I don't ever cry. Actually, if it's beyond hungry, sleepy, annoyed or angry, it's a special circumstance for me to show any emotion. I blame it on growing up with boys. I was a girlie girl for a few years, but Ryder, CJ, Russ and Jake always made me feel like I had to be tough like them.

I think Ryder is a little emotional today too, though he'd never admit it. He loads the last of his bags into the car before turning to look at me. I stand from the front porch step where I've been sitting and start towards him. He holds out his tattooed arms and warmly embrace him.

"I'm gonna miss you so much," I mumble into his chest.

"Me too, peanut," he says, kissing my cheek. "Take care of yourself at UCF. Remember what I told you about using one punch to knock a guy out cold?"

"Aim for the throat."

He grins and pats me on the head. "That's my girl. I'll call to check in on you from time to time. Keep Russ and Jake out of trouble."

He opens the passenger side door of the car and I grab his arm before he gets inside. "Wait."

He turns to look at me and I again fight back the urge to cry. I know he's been a pain in my ass all these years, but I've never been without him. I'm honestly a little afraid to be without him for the first time in my life.

"Stay out of trouble, Ry. For me," I tell him.

He purses his lips together and nods. "See ya, peanut."

I swallow the lump in my throat as I watch them drive away. The minute they're out of sight, I feel the sting of loneliness penetrate my heart. I've been so excited about having a little freedom that I didn't even think about what it would be like to not have Ryder around. Despite everything, he's truly my best friend and the only person in the world I trust completely with my life. Being without him is going to take some getting used to.

***

I dress like a bum for what I hope is my last shift at my parent's bakery. Dad is helping a customer when I walk in the front door. He shoots me a pleading glance and I quickly make my way behind the counter.

Dad isn't much for customer service, or talking to people in general. Not to mention, people get a good look at his appearance and run. He's not the type of guy you'd picture owning a bakery, yet that's how he and my mom met. He's been doing this for over twenty years, believe it or not.

I take over for him and he jets into the kitchen. "Hi, I'm Mia. What can I do for you today?"

A slender, middle-aged woman with short black hair and green eyes smiles politely at me. "I was told this is the best place to get a wedding cake."

I put on my most professional smile, despite my appearance. "Oh, yes ma'am. My mother makes the best wedding cakes in the state of Florida. She's not in today, but I can show you a few pictures-"

The front door opens and the most beautiful guy I've ever seen walks in. My jaw drops and I instantly become dumber, forgetting everything I was doing before. He stands next to the woman I've been talking to and smirks at me. His eyes are amazing and his jawline looks like it was chiseled by god himself.

"What part of wait in the car did you not understand, Torrance?"the woman snaps at him.

He shrugs. "I got bored." His eyes travel up and down my body and he grimaces. "Damn, sweetheart. You must've had a rough night."

I scowl, but my dad would kill me if I punched this guy in the face right in the middle of his bakery, so I restrain myself. However, the lady smacks him in the back of the head and gives him a pointed look. "You apologize, right now."