Gangster and the Bookworm

Some would call it fate, others would call it misfortune. When dark meets light, innocence tangled with temptation. What happens when he falls for her? He should push her away to not bring her down. How could he when she is his salvation?

With a sigh and a roll of hazel eyes. Same story just written differently. A guy who is written to be tormented with his feelings about a single girl. Lacey has heard it all before. Her blonde locks pulled in a ponytail. She is taller than the average female standing at 5’7, though she doesn’t care. With one look at her, anyone could tell that she wasn’t America’s dream girl. Beauty standards for females are unrealistic. Men being told to follow a certain path. Lacey knows she is pretty even if she doesn’t feel it at times. It’s the extra curves that weigh in her mind. She just makes the excuse that it makes her a great snuggler since she has squish. She isn’t packing a lot that causes health problems. Just out of shape.

Lacey had just gotten out of class for the day. The weather is nice so she finds a spot outside to sit and crack open a romance book. Not having enough funds to fill up her car she asks if Joyce, her best friend, is willing to pick her up and drop her off at home. Not that it was a long drive back home. It’s two and half miles. Dare she try to walk it? Nope! Joyce had texted her while she was in class that she had to run a few errands but it wouldn’t be a problem.

Fletcher's best pal, Isaac, had slept over at a girl's place in the dorms and Fletcher came to Isaac's rescue by getting him out of there. Fletcher, shaggy dark brown hair. Obviously screams bad boy. He is littered with tattoos and he wasn’t done. He texted Isaac alerting he was here. He tossed the car into park but kept the car running. His brown eyes looked down at his radio’s clock. The car was a classic muscle car. Big surprise, it was painted black. Leaning back in his seat to look out the windshield.

Fletcher spots Lacey reading while waiting on Isaac to show his face. As he watches her, Lacey checks her watch to look at the time. While she was distracted her bookmark took off like a gust of wind blew past her. Leaving her bag, her drink, and her phone she jolts up and chases after the bookmark. Fletcher removes himself from his car and picks up the bookmark that blew nearby him.. She runs up to him, “Thank you so much for saving my bookmark. May I have it back?”

He says, "Yes but I want your number."

"What for?"

"I want to get to know you. Someone who still reads a book and by the looks of it, a romantic one," he answered.

"Is this a prank?"

"Nope. Perfectly serious," he replies.

"Phone," she holds a hand out for his cell. He digs it out of his back pocket and hands it to her. Couple of seconds of silence as she inputs it into his phone before returning his phone. He looks at the contact information and discovers her name. Such a delicate name, suits her perfectly.

"Lacey? A delicate name," he comments as he gives her the bookmark.

"Thanks. What-" Just then, Joyce pulls up and gives out a sharp honk making Lacey jump.

"That's my ride. Text me, I forgot to send a message to my phone so I have your number," Lacey sighs. She runs over to collect her things before climbing into Joyce's car. It was only after the car left Fletcher's view did Isaac show up.

“Why are you standing outside of your car? Hurry lets go before she comes storming out,” Isaac rushed out. Fletcher shook his head before getting behind the wheel. He has a feeling he is going to come to like this Lacey.

( Author's note: Apologies for the short chapter. )