Transcend (Transcend #1)

by Jewel E. Ann

“I can relate to high expectations.” I chuckle. “You have a doctorate degree. Surely you’ve met or exceeded all expectations.” “Except my own.”

Griffin leans over and whispers in my ear, “Really, babe? Out of everyone at this table, you hid your face at the prospect of seeing my ass?” I press a napkin to my lips and finish chewing. “Reflex.” I laugh.

He’s my mind’s favorite place to go.

“Close your eyes.” “Why?” My head cocks to the side. “Because I know you don’t want to see the tattoo on my ass.”

“I was her now. She was my always. And I thought that would add up to forever.”

“Something is wrong with me.” “Who told you that? They’re an idiot. You’re perfect.”

“I need you to love me,” I whisper, baring every ounce of my vulnerability to him. “More than anything.”

Good. She read my nod as “you’re correct” instead of “yes, it was really wrong of my mind to go there.”

But the worst part is now that I know Nate has thought or is thinking about it, I can’t stop thinking about him thinking about it, which means I’m thinking about it.

The mind isn’t simply a dangerous place, it’s the most dangerous place. All that’s wrong, sinful, and evil starts in the mind. It’s ironic how the part of the human body that controls everything is also the most out of control part of the body.

If I could choose a mind to read, it would be his. I want to know what makes him tick. I want to know what he thinks when he looks at me for long minutes. Even when I’m not looking at him, I feel his eyes on me. I don’t know how … I just do.

It’s the slow start of a love song.

Your heart’s just … mine. And I take care of what’s mine.”

certainty leads to nowhere except one’s demise. Sparingly use the words promise, guarantee, always, and never.”

I just felt like I’d arrived somehow. And I still feel it every fucking day.”

Professor Hunt is the teacher all the girls want to screw. Good thing I’m not his student. I only fuck him in my dreams.

“Nate …” My chin inches higher until our eyes meet. “I’m afraid of what’s going to happen when you realize I’m not her.” He cups the side of my face with his hand. I can’t breathe. If he kisses me, I will shatter. “I’m afraid of what will happen when you realize you are her.” He closes the space between us. Don’t kiss me.