“Hey!” she squealed, bouncing over the threshold and giving me a hug. “You’re here and all settled in. Girl, I am up to my ears in boxes, and my first class starts tomorrow!”
Laughing, I followed her into the hallway and past the empty room once occupied by Christian and Luke. Across the hall, Kara’s stuff had been stashed in the room I had once shared with Chloe, yet the other half of the room lay empty for her new roommate. She would arrive today, along with the two guys who would take over the other empty room. Because all of Kara’s roommates from last semester had either transferred or graduated, we were getting a group of newbies we’d never met.
“I’ll help you unpack,” I promised. “As soon as I get back from grocery shopping. Someone’s got to get some food up in here.”
“Here, take some money,” she offered, reaching into the pocket of her jeans and handing me a few folded twenties. “Don’t forget—”
“Smoothie ingredients,” I finished for her. “Got it.”
Smiling, she followed me down the stairs, where I found a gigantic bouquet of flowers looming in the doorway Frowning, I watched as it came through our front door, which had been left hanging open, allowing in a blast of cold, January air. A huge smile spread across my face when the pink and white stargazer lilies moved aside to reveal a face I hadn’t seen in over a month.
“Royce!” I screamed, launching myself at him and almost knocking the big vase from his hands. “What are you doing here?”
Keeping his balance, he also managed to maintain his grip on the vase of flowers while hugging me against him with the free hand.
“Mmmm,” he mumbled while leaning in to kiss me. “You didn’t think I’d miss this, did you? I wanted to come surprise you and check the place out … see if you need any help settling in on your first day.”
“Well, I’m all unpacked,” I said, “but Kara needs help.”
Kara blushed as Royce’s gaze swiveled toward her. “I would be Kara, and you are not obligated to help me.”
Letting me take the flowers, Royce gave her his megawatt smile. “I’m Royce, and I’m happy to help.”
“I’m off to the grocery store to stock up,” I told him. “Maybe you can stay and help Kara while I’m gone?”
Nodding, Royce rolled up the sleeves of his sweater. “Put me to work, it’s why I’m here.”
“First,” I said. “Come upstairs and help me … find a place to put these flowers.”
Royce caught my pointed stare, and got the hint. I dashed up the stairs at a near run with him hot on my heels, his laughter ringing out with mine along with our footsteps pounding up the stairwell. Once alone in my room, Royce closed the door and pounced on me, barely giving me enough time to set my vase on the nightstand.
“God, I missed you,” he murmured, tumbling me onto the bed and turning me until I faced him.
Pulling me tight against his body, he kissed me, taking his time. Once he had thoroughly obliterated any coherent thought I possessed, he broke the kiss but kept me in his arms. It had been far too long, but we’d both been busy. Royce’s sculpture at Madeline’s had earned him a lot of attention, so when he wasn’t counseling at Willow Creek, he was working on pieces for different businesses—most of which turned out to be similar to Madeline’s, where quirky metal sculptures added to the appeal of the atmosphere.
The past few weeks had kept him in Houston while he worked to finish a piece for a small Italian café.
“I missed you, too,” I replied. “How long do I have you for?”
Smiling, he ran his fingers through my hair, observing my latest batch of highlights—hot pink.
“Forever.”
I wrinkled my nose at him. “I’m being serious.”
“So was I,” he insisted. “These past six months have been hard, because all I’ve wanted to do is be with you all the time. But they’ve also been amazing, because when I am with you it’s always better than I remembered. I know things have to be long distance for a while longer, but I just wanted you to know how I feel. I’m in this for the long haul, Kinsley. I love you … and if I have my way, you’re never getting rid of me.”
Tears. Today had definitely turned into a day for tears.
Damn it.
“I love you, too,” I croaked out, trying not to sob hysterically. “And you just try getting rid of me. I will hurt you so bad.”
He cringed, pretending to be scared. “Yikes. My mama warned me about you New Orleans girls.”
Laughing, I sat up on the bed and kicked him lightly. “I’m from Baton Rouge, not NOLA.”
Rising from the bed, he rolled his eyes. “Close enough for the crazy to rub off.”
Laughing, he dodged a throw pillow, then reached out to pull me to my feet. “Go on, do your shopping. I’ll help your friend, and when you get back, we can … talk. You know, about how much we missed each other, and how much I love you.”
My heart pounded and I felt heat flaring in my middle at the thought of such a conversation.
“Okay,” I replied, reluctantly leaving the room and leading him back down the stairs.
The dopey grin was back, and I had a feeling it wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon. I was feeling too damn good, and there was too much hope in me to be tamed.
I was going to study art.
I was now a healthy weight, and using journaling and painting as an outlet for my anxieties instead of purging.
I was in love with an amazing guy who loved me back.
But most importantly, I was in love with me … in a way I never thought I would be.
Once back downstairs, I found Kara opening the door for a group of kids carrying suitcases, duffle bags, and backpacks. As the three of them filed in, I realized they weren’t kids, but our new roommates. All freshmen by the look of them, and all wide-eyed with excitement. I found their enthusiasm contagious as they introduced themselves to us.
Stepping forward, I extended my hand to the closest guy and smiled.
“Hi,” I said. “I’m Kinsley. Welcome to 4C.”
Dear Reader,
While Kinsley’s story is entirely fictional, the truth remains that in the U.S. alone, 30 million people have reported suffering from an eating disorder at some time during their lives. Anorexia has the highest mortality rate among all mental illnesses. And while many movies, books, and advertisements might portray eating disorders as the sort of illness that only affects certain demographics, studies have revealed that eating disorders occur equally across racial and economic lines. Eating disorders do occur more often in girls and women, but 10 million of the 30 million reported cases of eating disorders in the United States are boys and men. Thus, the addition of characters like Derek and Royce to this story. When discussing eating disorders, males are often, sadly, left out of the narrative.
Due to the increased media pressure on people to conform to societal standards of beauty, the occurrences of eating disorders have continued to surge. Yet, despite that surge, eating disorder research is still seriously underfunded. That is why 20% of the royalties I earn from sales of this book will be donated the NEDA (National Eating Disorder Association). NEDA has a proven track record of putting the majority of their funds toward spreading awareness about eating disorders, connecting people with the proper resources to help themselves or a loved one through their recovery, and many other services, such as support for those who have lost loved ones to one of these life-threatening illnesses. You can visit www.nationaleatingdisorders.org for more on the association, and for resources for yourself or a loved one. While you’re there, you might also check out the available information on the NEDA Walk, an opportunity for you to be sponsored in a walk that can help raise even more money for this amazing organization. NEDA Walks occur in many cities all over the United States
Thanks for reading, and for downloading this book. Consider the money spent on it a contribution to a wonderful cause.
Hugs and love,
Alicia
Stay tuned
for the next book in the Sharing Spaces series, which will feature Christian’s story! Sharing Spaces book 4 does not have a title yet, but make sure you’re subscribed to my newsletter to stay up-to-date on its release. Click here to subscribe: https://us4.admin.mailchimp.com/lists/designer/?id=190349 and get some bonus Sharing Spaces Stories delivered to your inbox!
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About The Author
Ever since she first read books like Chronicles of Narnia or Goosebumps, Alicia has been a lover of mind-bending fiction. Wherever imagination takes her, she is more than happy to call that place her home. With seven Fantasy and Science Fiction titles under her belt, Alicia strives to write multicultural characters and stories that touch the heart. V-Card, the first book of the Sharing Spaces series, was her first Contemporary Romance.
The mother of three and wife to a soldier, she loves chocolate, coffee, and of course good books. When not writing, you can usually find her with her nose in a book, shopping for shoes and fabulous jewelry, or spending time with her loving family.
Alicia can be found on the web at any of the following links:
www.fantasybyalicia.com
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www.goodreads.com/alicia_michaels
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More by Alicia Michaels
The Lost Kingdom of Fallada Series
Beyond the Iron Gate (Prequel)
Daughter of the Red Dawn (Book 1)
Child of the Sacred Earth (Book 2)
Rise of the Tide (Book 3)
Tempest’s Fury (Book 4)
The Bionics Novels
The Bionics (Book 1)
The Resistance (Book 2)
Sharing Spaces Series
V-Card (Book 1)
Brat (Book 2)
Thin (Book 3)
Coming Soon
Untitled (Sharing Spaces Book 3)
Flight of the Phoenix (The Lost Kingdom of Fallada Book 5)
The Revolution (The Bionics Novels book 3)
Thin Page 20