Changing Lanes (Highway 17 #1) Read online

  “You’re right, again. Yes, we both love Ava. I promise I handled it. I told her the same thing I’ve said for six months; I love her but just as a friend. I think she finally understood this time.” Mom purses her lips, nodding slowly as she passes by walking toward the kitchen.

  “We shall see. Come eat, you need to be on the road in less than two hours to make orientation.” She drags a chair away from the table before setting my plate in front of me. Biscuits and gravy with scrambled eggs and cooked apples. The bowl on the side is filled with grits, a southern staple. I may already miss my mom’s cooking.

  I eat my fill and then some, enjoying my last day at home and quiet moments with my mom. The next few years won’t be easy, but if I can make it, graduating college will help us both. Our farm will benefit from my education, too; I have big plans for this place.

  “Are you ready?” Mom stands on the front porch, her arms crossed over her body.

  “Just a few more things, then to tie it off.” I watch her from the other side of the truck.

  “Promise me you’ll call.” She wipes her eyes as she talks to me.

  I stop everything to look her in the eyes. “You know I will.” Walking around the truck, I take the steps two at a time. I pull her into a hug. “Mom, it goes without saying, I’ll stay if you want me to.”

  She hugs me for another minute, then pulls away. “No. You’ve done enough here, it’s time you do something for yourself.” She pulls me back in. “Please, be sure to take your time. Life is short but should always be enjoyed. Don’t do anything that will make you waste your time on regret.” She pushes me away, waving me back to work. Packing my truck bed, I tie it off with some rope.

  “Brannon, I’ll always be proud of you. I love you.” She kisses my cheek. Hugging her tight, I kiss the top of her head.

  “I love you.” I kiss her again. I jump in my truck and wave from the window as I drive down our farm road.

  I’m on the road by ten, I should be in Blacksburg by three this afternoon. Unpacked and ready for freshman orientation by five, barring any obstacles. I’ve faced plenty of roadblocks and detours in my life, but I’ve tried to ensure this chapter of my life runs as smoothly as possible.

  I have no time for reroutes. I need to get back home to help my mom with the farm. Some may think an engineering degree is farfetched for a farmer, but I have plans to make our place more efficient. My senior project garnering me a scholarship proved I have the capability.

  As I drive Highway Seventeen, I watch as the palm trees fade in my rearview mirror. Living just a few minutes’ drive from the beach has always been great, especially having a farm. It’s such a contradiction, but that’s why North Carolina is a great place. Diversity will keep you on your toes.

  I’m blessed to live on the border of North Carolina and South Carolina. Our farm sits off a rural route in Shallotte, North Carolina, thirty minutes or less to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. So, y’all come visit, we’ll give you down-home charm with the sand between your toes.

  Hitting I-74 West, the traffic picks up and the hustle and bustle of the big city kicks my sense into overdrive. Beach season causes congestion back home, but this is a completely different adrenaline rush. Dorothy, we ain’t on the farm anymore.

  The highway slows as I reach I-77 North, but the mountains create a sightseeing problem for me. Majestic, they have a blue tint to them. Once I merge onto I-11 North, I start to see signs for Blacksburg. My adrenaline kicks in and my stomach starts to flip.

  The directions are quite clear; signs are everywhere directing new students to their dorms. Trees dot the campus with stately buildings lining the drive. It’s a big place, I’m just nervous. People are everywhere as I’m guided into the student parking.

  You would never imagine the beauty of Virginia Tech’s campus until you walk the grounds. I am awe-struck. The architecture of the original campus stands out amongst the new, modern facilities.

  It appears my roommate already claimed his side of the room. The mostly white room has dark wood beds resembling bunk beds, sitting on opposite walls. Matching small desks with no chairs, I’ll need to buy a rolling chair.

  “Hey, how are you?” A tall, lanky guy with sandy blond hair enters the room carrying a box. He sets it down, turning to me. “I’m John Austin.”

  “Hey, man. Brannon O’Hurley, it’s good to meet you.” I offer my hand, and he takes it with a smile.

  “You need help?” he asks.

  “Naw, I got it. Looks like you’re just about set up.” I nod to his side of the room.

  “Yeah, gonna go hit the courtyard for hotties.” He smiles as he exaggerates his nod.

  “Good deal. I’ll see ya in a bit,” I say as I walk out the door.

  “Sounds good,” John says. Roommate’s cool, that’s good. I have a feeling I’ll never see him. I laugh as I see him run up behind a gorgeous redhead.

  I turn my focus back to the task at hand. Closets at the back of the room next to the bathroom, I love that the bathroom adjoins our dorm room. Plenty of wall space to hang posters. I don’t have a lot of options still; I need to move this shit around.

  The beds sit against two large, open windows overlooking the courtyard. I immediately rearrange my things, setting my desk at the window. Turning the bed against the far wall of the room, it gives me a space for a small refrigerator.

  What feels like a hundred trips later, my truck is unloaded; I unpack everything I can before hauling ass to the student center for orientation. The hall is at capacity, and the doors keep opening. Soon after entering, university officials announce this is the largest freshman class in history. Yeah, I think we can tell.

  We’re ushered into the courtyard where they’re set up to handle the festivities of orientation. Tables set around the perimeter with information for various clubs on campus, as well as Greek Row for fraternities and sororities. Upperclassmen give direction as they show groups of freshmen around campus. I really wish I could skip this part, I’ve walked this path twenty times already between my visit and registration.

  About the time I decide to duck out of this tour, a blonde introduces herself as our guide. She has sun-kissed highlights with deep water blue eyes. She’s built well with some curves on her small frame. Her smile rivals the sun in brightness, so does her laugh. Maybe one more trip around campus won’t hurt.

  She sounds like a Yankee as she begins talking, pointing out areas freshmen students need to know their locations. Her accent heavier on words such as ‘park’ and ‘walk’, kinda like mine when I say, ‘sweet tea’ and ‘y’all’. “Hello, I’m Torrie. I’ll be your tour guide; if you’ll just walk this way.” She makes eye contact with me, giving me a drop dead grin. “To your right, we have the student center park.”

  I watch less of her pointing and more of her walking, as her full, round ass bounces in front of me. Throughout the tour, I receive a few smiles and side glances until it’s my turn to sit in for the college president’s speech.

  Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

  Rolling over, I slap my alarm clock several times before I finally get it shut off. I lay there, trying to get my bearings as the hustle and bustle on the other side of my door resonate in my room. Time to shake a leg and get my ass up.

  I shower and dress in record time. I don’t think I was out the door this quick at home. First day of classes and although I’ve been over this campus thirty times this weekend, I’m nervous about being late. Dear Lord, I’m such a dork.

  Walking campus this early is a plus, though, not many out. Maybe that’s why they have freshmen take eight a.m. classes. To keep us on our high school schedules and away from the busy height of the day for most students, noon.

  Entering the building, I make a straight line for the lecture hall. This is a larger class, including upperclassmen also. Of course, I would be the first here. At least it gives me prime seating. The advanced classes I took in high school helped me get into second-year classes. That and the fact I crushed my ACT a
nd SAT’s.

  I knew early in life I wanted to be an engineer. My parents’ bought more Lego’s than anyone I know of. I’ve always had a knack for building, so I worked hard to get into one of the best engineering schools on the east coast.

  Virginia Tech is close to home, and the scholarships made it a perfect fit. Even with all of that, I still worry about the farm. We’ve worked hard to keep it afloat these last few years, and I’d hate for my family to lose it because I want to attend college.

  The lecture hall slowly begins to fill, laughter in the hallway draws my attention. I know that laugh. Sure enough, in walks the blonde from my class tour. Prettier now than she was yesterday. How is that even possible this early in the morning?

  She’s flanked by several people; I’m sure a couple are football players. I don’t even realize I’m gawking until she smiles widely at me. There I sit, pen in the corner of my mouth while it hangs agape. Smooth.

  I pride myself in my everyday southern charm, so I wink as if it’s of no consequence she’s caught me staring. Her brow rises as she smirks at me. I’m not sure that’s good. I have a gut check moment when it hits me, she’s gonna call me on my bullshit. Fuck.

  I straighten my spine, sitting taller in my seat as she walks toward me. No way is she coming over here, by me. She breaks into a small smile. What the fuck have I done? I’m not sure I care, but I’m about to find out.

  She motions to the seat next to me. “This seat taken?” Only one seat, her friends will need to find others. Hell yeah, it’s open.

  “Naw, no one’s sittin’ there,” I say with confidence as I make room for her to scoot in beside me. Not too much room, though, her ass grazes my knees as she squeezes through. It’s a fine ass, round and just the right handful.

  She giggles as she settles next to me. I quickly play my words back in my head, trying to figure out what I might have said that made her laugh. Nothing. I got nothing. She puts me outta my misery by explaining her mood.

  “I love your accent. You’re just a good ol’ southern country boy, aren’t you?” Not what I was hoping for, but I’ll take it.

  “Sure am, ma’am. Ain’t nothing wrong with that, is there?” I nod, giving her another wink. Hoping to reassure myself more than her.

  “Not a damn thing.” Her lids fall heavily over her eyes as she gives me a once over. “You play ball?” Her eyes snap back to mine.

  Shrugging with a grimace. “High school.” She must want a ball player.

  “Hmmm, I would’ve thought football. So, country boy, why VTech?” Leaning on her desk, she turns her face toward me.

  I mimic her by leaning on my desk, facing her full on. “Engineering, of course. You?”

  “Really? I thought maybe you were just hanging out here, waiting for me.” She flips her hand about the room. What an idiot I must sound like, we’re in the engineering department. Shit.

  “Scholarship. Full ride.” I grin with a wink, hoping to gloss over my earlier faux pas. I think it works as her brows lift in surprise.

  “So, country boy has brains. Cool deal.” She returns my wink, and my lips turn up in a shit-eating grin. Damn straight.

  The professor enters the room, garnering everyone’s attention and putting an end to our conversation. We trade glances and flirtatious smiles throughout the hour, making our time together fly by.

  As soon as the class is dismissed, I stand, allowing her out of the aisle before I walk toward the door. She lingers behind with her friends, signaling me to leave. Not that I want to, but I don’t beg. Besides, I’m here for my family. I don’t need interference.

  The day goes by fast, and I drop into bed later that night. Soon, I’m roused from sleeping by a text from Ava wondering how my first day has gone. I type a short response, letting her know it was good but I’ve crashed for the night. I’m exhausted.

  Tuesday passes in a blur with Wednesday morning coming way too early. I hurry to the lecture hall to find what is now my favorite seat. After a few minutes, I hear my favorite new sound followed by the blonde it’s attached to.

  She sits in the back of the lecture hall with her groupies hanging onto her every word. I’m not sure whom I more jealous of, her for having people hang onto her every word or them for getting to hang onto her. Class whizzes by, and before I know it, I’m onto my next class where I can dwell on her.

  Thursday kicks my ass just in time for Friday to arrive which I welcome with a sigh. After this morning’s class, I’m free. Well, to go to the library for the weekend. My advanced classes are going to test me on every level.

  My favorite new past time walks in with a few other people. She glances over at me and bites her lip as she raises her eyebrows. I shoot my best full on smile. She nods, releasing her lip, and walks my way.

  “Hey, country boy. You saving me a seat?” She slides in next to me.

  “Only you. How ya been doin’?” I turn to look at her, she leans in.

  “If I told you, I’d have to kidnap you,” she whispers.

  “I’ll take my chances.” I wink at her, and she giggles.

  “I think you know you’re cute. You making any girls here swoon with that southern drawl?” Her shoulder bumps mine.

  “I think so.” I grin when she frowns.

  “Is that so? Tell me who, I’ll warn her off your charms.” She wrinkles her nose with a lopsided grin.

  “If I told you that, I’d have to kiss you,” I tell her as the professor enters the room, subsequently ending our conversation.

  Her friends rush to her once again as soon as class is over. I step to the side, slowly walking around to the exit. Maybe one day we’ll get longer than a few minutes to talk. I consider waiting but decide to move on.

  Early Saturday morning, I make my trek across campus to the library. My plan is to find the cubicle furthest away from traffic. I have a shit ton of work to do and don’t need a distraction. Studying all day, I drag myself to my dorm room until tomorrow when I’ll do it all again.

  Three weeks in, I’m getting the swing of things. Ava texts every other day, and my mom has now taken it up, saying it’s easier than calling. She never ceases to amaze me at how she can adapt. Her fierce strength pushes me to be a better man.

  Fifth week of classes, I’ve hit my stride and bounce into Monday’s class ready to own it. Funny enough, it’s this exact moment I’ll remember for the rest of my life. It’s the day I get owned, body and soul.

  For weeks, the blonde I’ve had my eye on since orientation has exchanged smiles and stares with me. We’ve spoken a few times, she sat by me a couple of times. I’ve held the door for her, she’s winked from across the room at me. So, imagine my surprise when I see there’s only one empty seat in my row when I get to class. Today is my lucky day.

  The blonde with the wicked laugh sits to my right. The knot in my stomach should’ve told me all I would need to know today, but it was too late. The second she spins in her seat to greet me with a lopsided smile, I get lost in her deep ocean blues.

  So, this is what it feels like. Damn.

  With a grin spread across my face, I slide into my rightful seat. She leans in, her scent washes over me, clean with a hint of flowery goodness. I take all of it in. I’m not even sure if it was to burn it to my memory, knowing we would never last, or to never forget how I felt in this moment.

  “Hey, country boy. How’s it going?” Bumping my shoulder with hers, she elicits the response I’m positive she wanted. I get chills and fight the urge to kiss her.

  “Hey there, country club. I’m good. How ya been?” responding as I open my textbook, I play nonchalant.

  “Yeah, well maybe a girl was playing hard to get. Didn’t you notice?” She chews on the corner of her lip while trying not to smile.

  “No, ma’am. Can’t say that I did. When did the game start?” I feign surprise, trying to play cool.

  “Oh, well played, country boy. Well played.” With a coy smile, she pushes her thigh into mine as the lecture begins and our f
lirting ends.

  Fifteen minutes in, her hand touches mine, drawing my attention to it. Beneath her fingers, a white piece of paper. Passing notes, cliché or adorable? Who the hell cares? I slide it from her onto my desktop.

  Do you like me? Yes or no? Circle one.

  Completely cliché. I’m okay with that, so I circle one before passing it back. And yes, it was yes. I place the paper lightly under my hand so she has to work her fingers through mine to retrieve it. If she wants to play, game on.

  She smiles and begins to scribble something else out, passing it between us once again. My pulse races at the simple act of sharing our thoughts in such a way. Simple but intimate. I take the scrap of paper from her, spreading it open to reveal its words.

  Don’t you want to know if I like you?

  The smirk is plastered on my face before I have a chance to gather myself. There’s no way I want to give myself away too early. One quick glance at her and she already knows the jig is up. I’m busted. Sprung. She has me, and she knows it. Not a bad place to be in, if I say so myself.

  No.

  Folding the note, I pass it without hesitation. Her response is lightning fast and to the point. There’s no pretense to her actions. She’s just ever so perturbed at me. I bite my cheek with a little more vigor than I should have. The taste of blood makes me cringe.

  NO?

  Her one word makes me chuckle out loud. Causing people close to us to turn, looking. My face flames red, slightly embarrassed, and she giggles, earning us the attention of the professor and her friends. I’m not sure who is more surprised.

  We steer clear of any more disturbances during class. Her friends gather around us before I realize the class is even over. I stand from my seat and work my way through the crowd. I soon walk away, knowing how this will play out.

  To my surprise, she catches up with me outside of class. Jogging across the courtyard, her ponytail swaying behind her. She may be country club, but she looks country girl with her cutoff denim and a plaid shirt. Although the Timberlands tells the tale.