The Hidden Years by Susan Kearney

Author:Susan Kearney [Kearney, Susan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance, Contemporary romantic suspense, Fiction, Harlequin Intrigue
ISBN: 9781460350805
Google: 9lVNAgAAQBAJ
Amazon: B00H5I6OXC
Barnesnoble: B00H5I6OXC
Goodreads: 20310948
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2000-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

BUT HE DIDN’T GET IT. Why did people join fraternities? Jake wondered. Maybe because he’d grown up in an assortment of homes with different kinds of people, he found variety fascinating. He didn’t like the idea of limiting himself to people who thought like he did. He supposed a shrink might say that was because he didn’t like himself. He preferred to believe he was broad-minded.

They found Pi Epsilon Lamda on a street with other houses. Although each flew its own emblem, the houses differed in looks—some were A-frames, some Colonials, some contemporary. Most were brick with large eaves, rich landscapes and yards that needed watering.

Cassidy might never have been on this campus, but she appeared right at home. She smiled at a jock in a sleeveless T-shirt decorated with orange alligators biting one another’s tails; he was petting his dog. She seemed comfortable, friendly and at ease with her world. One of the reasons Jake enjoyed being with Cassidy was her self-confidence. She didn’t hold back, enjoying each moment without worrying about consequences. Open to a variety of people and circumstances, she met the world with a sense of optimism that cracked through Jake’s cynicism.

Just being around Cassidy made him more open to new feelings. Food tasted better. Smells were sharper. And beating the danger that followed them seemed possible.

After years of schooling himself to turn a stoic face to the world, Jake could feel himself opening up again. And whenever Cassidy noticed his voice betraying his emotions, she further shattered his protective shell. Oddly enough, he didn’t mind. There was a freedom in letting himself feel, but a danger, as well.

Jake still maintained control of his actions. He recognized that he possessed special feelings concerning Cassidy, ones she might never return. Had she ever had those feelings for him? He suspected she still considered him a friend, just as she always had. That she wanted a sexual fling didn’t necessary indicate any deeper emotions. Her impulsive nature made reading her difficult. But either way he could deal with it. He had to.

The fraternity jock stopped petting his dog, wiped his hand on his T-shirt, then offered his hand to Cassidy. “Can I help you?”

Jake didn’t like the way the kid eyed Cassidy, as if she was some simpering coed impressed by muscles. What bothered Jake even more was that he’d noticed. He hadn’t been with Cassidy for forty-eight hours and already he was seeing things he’d never before observed. But he wasn’t losing control. Being perceptive about strangers wasn’t a weakness. Not when danger could come from any direction.

Cassidy’s grin widened. “Would you be a Pi Epsilon Lamda?”

The kid nodded with pride. “Sure am.”

Jake smoothly inserted himself into the conversation. “My dad belonged.”

“Cool.” The kid’s smile widened.

Cassidy took Jake’s hand and explained the reason for their visit. “Jake’s dad said if he ever came by this way to look him up on the composite.”

Jake didn’t like her using his real name, but he couldn’t fault her. He had neglected to tell her otherwise.

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