His Gift Was For Her, I Left

Chapter 2

Everyone knew Dax was head over heels for me.

Freshman year, someone rigged the system and took my scholarship away. He went ballistic—fought it all the way up to the dean's office, got it back for me, and ended up on our advisor's bad side for the next three years.

People said it was never about the money for him. He didn't care about a few grand. What he couldn't stand was seeing me get screwed over.

Sophomore year, my family went under. Everyone scattered like roaches when the lights came on. Everyone except Dax. He showed up at my door with his savings, pressed it into my hands, and said, "I hate seeing you go through this."

I wouldn't take it, so he started showing up with breakfast every morning. Claimed he couldn't finish it. Somehow, all those "leftovers" ended up in my stomach.

He bought me clothes all the time too. Said his mom bought the wrong size, but those weren't exactly her style.

Rumors started flying that we were together. Then people said I was after his money, that I was throwing myself at him. One guy ran his mouth too far, and Dax beat the crap out of him. Got himself written up for it.

I asked him if it was worth it. He looked me dead in the eye and said, "They were lying. I'm the one chasing you."

I grew up starved for love. And I'd admit it—during the darkest time of my life, Dax Harrington was the only light I had.

But now? He wasn't the same guy who'd blush and trip over his words whenever he lied.

He was still Dax. I just didn't recognize him anymore.