7:00 a.m.

Elizabeth rose early, but when she looked over to her bubbly roommate's bed, it was already empty. She stood and stretched, not yet used to the firm twin bed on which she was sleeping now. I really miss my bed at home. At least I can go home this weekend if I want.

Rosemary entered the room, already having showered and dressed in a pair of red shorts and a flattering tank top. She had full makeup on and her highlighted hair pulled back into a ponytail. And she was perky. Elizabeth groaned silently. I'm not sure how much of her I can take.

"The showers actually weren't that bad. But I suggest you get down there fast if you want any hot water. Once the boys start waking up, I imagine it'll start going fast."

"Thanks. I'm heading there now." Elizabeth gathered her things and trudged down the hall. She felt much better after showering though. She picked out a purple dress and slipped on some sandals.

"Oooooh! Cute dress! I love the little stripes! Very pretty!" Rosemary said everything with such excitement in her voice that it was really hard for Elizabeth to tell if she was being sincere.

8:05 a.m.

Jack rolled out of bed after hitting the snooze button once on his clock. I can't be late on the first day. He yawned and looked over at his roommate, who had just slept through the alarm twice. Jack grabbed a granola bar and an apple from the stash his Mother had left him. She had pleaded with him to make sure and eat breakfast. Today he would oblige her.

He went down the hall to the showers and cleaned up. The three-day-old stubble on his chin was quickly becoming a beard, but it remained. After shaving every day for his job that summer, he had grown pretty sick of it. He came back with a towel around his waist and picked out some clothes. What should I wear for the first day of class? He pulled a blue button-down shirt off of a hanger and pulled out his favorite jeans. He swept his hair into place with his fingers and a little gel, trying his best to tame the cowlick he'd inherited from his Father.

Just before he stepped out of the dorm room, he put on his black flip-flops and checked himself in the mirror hanging on the door. It'll do.

8:54 a.m.

Elizabeth found a seat and sat down. She looked around the large auditorium. Wow. So many. She took a deep breath. Talk about being a little fish in a big pond now. Daddy was right.

The seats around her filled quickly. She pulled out her book and the class syllabus she had printed the night before. She double-checked the classroom number to make sure she was in the right building and room. That would be awful. Thankfully, she confirmed that she was in the right place.

8:58 a.m.

Jack was sitting in his class, watching the professor write his name on the board. Jack pulled out his syllabus from the class with furrowed brows. Maybe it's a sub? The professor greeted the room. "Good morning students, I'm Dr. Rodgers. Welcome to Philosophy 203!"

Philosophy? Oh crap. I'm not in the right room! Jack gathered his stuff and slipped quietly out of the back of the room. He looked at the syllabus again and realized he was in Room 404 instead of 304. He rushed down the hallway to the stairs. He found the correct room and looked at the professor and the classroom full of students through the tiny window in the door. He spotted an empty seat, but it was all the way across the room. Okay Jack. Just be calm. Act like you meant to be late. You've got this.

His little pep talk didn't calm his nerves, but he couldn't very well miss the first day of class. He opened the door as quietly as possible and entered.

9:04 a.m.

Elizabeth looked up just as a guy entered the room. Late. He was very attractive. He waltzed across the room right in front of the professor in a blue button-down, his flip-flops lightly clacking lightly as he crossed. He claimed an empty seat a row up and seven or eight seats across from her. Elizabeth noticed most of the girls around her were watching him like a hawk. Gawking really. And it's no wonder. That cowlick and those dimples… and his lips. She shook her head slightly, refocusing her attention on the professor, who was now introducing himself to the class. Elizabeth, snap out of it. It doesn't matter. He's never going to notice me.

9:05 a.m.

"Good morning class, I'm Dr. Jackson and you are in English 111. If you haven't taken an Advanced Placement test to get into this course, you are in the wrong class."

Well, at least I know I'm in the right class now. Jack looked around the surprisingly full classroom. He caught several people looking at him. Probably because I was late. I won't make that mistake again. His cheeks grew pink. He continued looking around the class as Dr. Jackson read through the syllabus. His eyes slowed when he saw a girl in the row in front of him. She was listening intently to the professor, but as he watched her, she reached into her bag and their eyes met briefly. Her crystal blue gaze captivated him. Jack looked down at his paper, embarrassed even more that she'd caught him admiring her.

As the class wore on, he couldn't help but glance her direction. Now SHE is definitely my type. Her brown hair had a slight reddish tint and the loose curls grew down to her lower back. She was listening intently. From her profile, he could see that her lips were pursed, but she moistened them quickly and finally let them rest. She pulled her long hair to the side and sat up very straight, lifting her chin high. She looks a little familiar to me. The way she touches her mouth is very… alluring. Jack blinked hard. You need to pay attention to the professor if you're going to survive this class, Jack.

9:20 a.m.

Monday and Tuesday passed quickly. Elizabeth had run into Paul a couple of times in passing and they had exchanged pleasantries and made plans to eat together in the evenings. He seemed like a really nice guy. She had seen Faith running with him Tuesday afternoon. That must be why he's so skinny.

Elizabeth quickly found that her favorite professor was Dr. Jackson. He was a jovial, nearly-bald man, very friendly and kind to say hello in the hallways. She was excited for his class. She had arrived early and claimed the same seat that she sat in the first day. A few moments later the attractive guy had walked in and sat down in a seat much closer to her own. He was now just a seat down from her in the row directly above her.

He makes me nervous. He was now close enough that she could see that his eyes were a very unique color. She tried to evade her desire to inspect him, but the fascination was tenacious. His lips are almost heart-shaped. The beard is actually quite appealing on him. Even when he's not smiling, you can still tell he has those killer dimples. You need to pay attention to the professor if you're going to survive this class, Elizabeth.

8:55 a.m.

Friday morning arrived. Jack found himself leaving his dorm a little earlier every day, trying to ensure that his path would cross with the mystery girl's as often as possible. When he had gotten lucky and saw her, he made a mental note to himself when and where it was. But he didn't muster the courage to even say 'good morning.' You're such a wuss. He chided his own inaction. If Lee were here, he'd walk right up to her and introduce himself. Or he would dare me to. He smiled at the thought.

Their RA had invited the two of them out to the lake Saturday with a large group. Rosemary had insisted that they come, so of course Lee had agreed to go. She had really swept him right off his feet. I didn't expect him to be smitten with someone so soon, but he's clearly whipped. Jack was looking forward to participating in some water sports, but not as much as he was looking forward to seeing the girl again in class.

8:59 a.m.

Elizabeth took her seat just in time. She was nearly late thanks to Rosemary's fussing over the outfit she had chosen and the way her hair "looks beautiful, but a little flat." Rosemary had a knack for giving evaluations that really weren't compliments in anyone else's head but her own. That said, Elizabeth was surprisingly pleased with the way things had turned out after Rosemary's makeover... especially when she saw that Mr. Handsome was now camped out in the seat right next to hers in class. Gulp. He probably won't even notice me. She rolled her eyes at the ridiculousness of the likelihood.

She had passed him on the sidewalk a couple of times throughout the week and had even seen him eating dinner in the cafeteria when she was with Paul. They had not even so much as really smiled at each other during the encounters, but rather nodding as if in agreement of mutual recognition before shyly averting their gaze.

Class seemed to fly by and for that she was grateful. Her notes were probably sketchy at best, as she was sorely distracted and trying to make sure she didn't do anything stupid with him so close. Class was over and she still didn't even know the guy's name. She grabbed her bag and finished her classes for the day, meeting Paul in front of the biology building to walk to a local pub called The Irish Lion for lunch.

9:00 a.m.

Jack was glad that he had arrived first that morning. He forwardly claimed the seat next to where the beautiful girl had been sitting all week, wondering if she'd move when she saw him. He watched the minutes tick by on his watch, beginning to doubt if she was even going to show up that day. She doesn't seem the type to skip class. I hope she isn't sick.

He smiled when he saw her, unable to suppress the natural reaction. He quickly suffocated it with his hand, pressing the dimples back into his cheeks. If she noticed that he'd moved next to her, she didn't let it show. She looks really nice today. And man, she smells delicious.

Class went really slowly and Jack was grateful. He watched her out of his periphery as she took notes; her penmanship was impressive, as neat as it was quick. He grinned at the thought that he hadn't really taken a single note and would probably need to borrow hers because he'd been too busy watching her to pay attention. Yet, another class slipped by without him even learning her name.

11:59 a.m.

Paul was waiting for Elizabeth outside the Pritzker Building and they walked down the sidewalk together. They settled their plans to go down to the docks and get the jet skis the next morning and to enjoy a day on the lake with their Campus Ministry friends.

Elizabeth and Paul chatted effortlessly as they walked, smiling and laughing at Paul's new "whakadoos" on his floor and Elizabeth's misery with her new roommate. "She can't be that bad! Although, I find it hilarious that the very girl we saw at the picnic ended up being your roommate. Talk about a twist of fate!" Paul chuckled. "Maybe God's trying to teach you something about judging a book by its cover?" He raised his eyebrows at her as he spoke.

Elizabeth juggled the two books she was carrying in her arms, not having taken time to put them in her backpack before they started walking. She was starting to regret the decision, shifting them from side to side.

"Here, let me carry those for you." Paul took the books from her hands before she even had a chance to respond. "Your cheerleader can't be worse than the frat guys I'm dealing with. The pledges have started and they're already missing curfew to go to the parties."

"Oh I bet. And you'll get to clean up after them! Yech. Have fun with that!" Elizabeth smiled broadly at him. "Thank you for carrying my books. I can just put them in my backpack."

"I don't mind at all."

The sincerity in his voice made Elizabeth smile. He truly seems to enjoy being helpful. What a genuinely nice guy. She was conflicted in the way she felt about Paul.

12:12 p.m.

Jack met Lee at his Jeep and the two climbed in to go grab lunch before their afternoon class together.

"Oh ya! I almost forgot! Did she move when you sat next to her this morning?" Lee was curious if his plan for Jack had worked.

"No, she stayed. She didn't even act like she noticed really."

Lee looked at him with one eyebrow raised. "Not notice you? I highly doubt that!" Lee laughed and then suddenly gestured towards the sidewalk. "Hey, isn't that our RA walking over there? Damn. Look at that girl with him! She's hot!"

Jack pulled up to a red light and looked in the direction Lee was pointing. He strained his eyes in shock. "Yes, that's Paul, but that's the girl!"

"What girl?"

"THE girl. The one from my class! I've seen them eating together in the cafeteria a couple of times this week too."

"Really?" Lee spoke with disbelief. "You think pleasant Paul is moving in already?"

They watched in amazement at their nerdy RA as he laughed and walked with the gorgeous girl, seemingly totally comfortable in her presence. They continued down the street shoulder-to-shoulder, enraptured in conversation. "It certainly seems like it," Jack replied dejectedly. And I didn't even learn her name. Lame.

"Maybe he's related to her somehow?" Lee tried to sound optimistic, even as they watched Paul take Elizabeth's books from her and continue their friendly banter.

8:34 a.m.

Elizabeth's phone chimed as she was pulling on a dress over her swimsuit. Rosie had insisted she wear her red bikini and the navy sundress. She walked to the door and opened it to find Paul standing there in swim trunks and a t-shirt. "Sorry, I was afraid I'd wake up your roommate." He winked and grinned, imagining Rosemary to be the type to sleep in really late on a Saturday morning.

"She's actually been up since 7, already dictating my wardrobe choices!" Elizabeth laughed. "She is down at the cafeteria having breakfast with her ducklings…" Elizabeth furrowed her brow. "And I think she said some guys from upstairs."

"Oh ya? Well, from what I can see, she seems to have good taste. You look nice," his shy grin appeared. "But I do think she's sunk her claws into a guy on my floor. I think he's a business major or something." Paul noticed Elizabeth's bag in the floor, stuffed with a towel. "You ready to go?"

"Yes, I'm packed and ready, but I haven't eaten anything yet and I'm starving."

"We can stop and get something at IHOP or something if you'd like. My treat."

Elizabeth looked up at Paul, trying to read his intentions. A little shiver went through her. "Sure."

8:54 a.m.

Rosemary finished her breakfast and Lee carried her tray up with his to put them away. Jack sat waiting with the girls. A couple of them seemed intent on making small talk with him, but he wasn't interested in leading them on, much to Lee's disappointment. He was really only going on this adventure for Lee's amusement and for a chance to be on the water for the day.

His eyes glazed over as Rosemary went on and on about her classes and the theater projects she was getting involved in. Lee seemed to be enthralled with her every word. Jack's mind drifted as they walked to his Jeep, and Rosemary continued to spew information about her roommate and how "she has really nice things, but very little knowledge of how to make them work for her." Jack rolled his eyes at her back-handed compliments, completely tuning her out at that point. Her roommate is probably just another one of her little cronies, or soon will be. Lucky girl! He chuckled at the poor lass.

9:10 a.m.

Paul opened the restaurant door for Elizabeth and she walked through, holding the inner door for him. He returned her smile as he walked through it. She is really lovely. But so young. And she's a Thatcher. The thoughts racing through his head made him a little nervous. You need to get your head out of the clouds.

The conversation again flowed easily. They talked about their classes, but also about their families. He learned about her younger sister, and he told her about his older sister. They had a lot more in common than he imagined that they would. I would have never believed that she was a Thatcher if she hadn't told me. They're actually pretty awesome people. She's actually pretty awesome.

10:00 a.m.

Elizabeth checked in at the dock and she and Paul each claimed a jet ski. The dock hands filled up the tanks and Elizabeth instructed them to just put it on her Dad's account.

"You don't have to do that Elizabeth. The ministry will pay for it."

"I don't mind. It's no big deal—we've been coming here for years. Any time you need to fill up today, just come back over to this dock and fill up. I told them it was okay for you to charge to my family's account."

Elizabeth's reassuring smile melted his resolve to stay single a little bit more. They navigated slowly through the no-wake zone. Once they reached the clearing, Paul gunned it, enjoying the high-powered watercraft. He looked back, expecting to see Elizabeth pretty far back, but instead, she had matched his tenacity and flew right past him, spraying him with water as she sailed by. Whoa! She is awesome indeed!

Soon they had reached the area where everyone else had gathered, but continued to enjoy the versatility of the jet skis by themselves for a little while longer. Elizabeth had forgotten just how fun they could be with the right company. Finally, they puttered up to the dock where the group was and tethered the equipment. Paul took Elizabeth's hand and assisted her up onto the dock and she accepted it, even though she'd dismounted hundreds of times by herself.

10:02 a.m.

Rosemary and Lee led the group down the hill to the lake after Jack parked. The air smelled fresh and crisp. It reminded Jack of the many, many trips that he and Tommy had taken with their Dad. Camping, fishing, hiking and being on the water. He looked out over the water and smiled as he watched the boats snake through the water, leaving a trail of spray behind them.

Two jetskiers were jumping the wake of a couple different boats, already out there enjoying the morning waves. He watched them in the distance, just tiny specks jostling for position. They looked like they were headed this way. Maybe they're actually with this group. It would be fun to ride one that nice!

Jack had not moved from his spot on the beach. One of the riders was close now, but was still having a lot of fun manipulating the watercraft in spins and small jumps. It's her. The sudden realization sent a chill down his entire body. He knew he shouldn't be standing there gazing at her like he was, but he couldn't bring himself to break the spell of the scene before him. Who IS she? This girl had completely captivated his thoughts lately. He could not shake her from his dreams. She was as pretty and natural as… he had nothing to compare her to. He had never seen a girl like her.

Soon, Jack was shaken from his musing as he realized who she had been jockeying with. After they pulled up to the dock, Paul had tethered her watercraft and was helping her up onto the dock. Awesome. Just awesome. Jack shook his head. He doesn't look at her like she's his cousin.

4:28 p.m.

The day was filled with laughter and fellowship. Elizabeth had spent most of her time with Paul and Faith and a guy named Troy Gariss, whom she hadn't met before.

Elizabeth had thought she might have caught a glimpse of the guy from English 111, but she wasn't sure. He looked familiar, but out of context, she was having trouble placing him. She strained her eyes from her perch in the sand while she enjoyed a piece of watermelon. That IS him. Oh my goodness. He probably won't even notice I'm here.

He walked across the sand in front of her and joined another group of guys that she didn't know. He seemed to be a few inches taller than her and had a rather athletic build. His shoulders looked strong and so did his arms, as evidenced by the toned biceps on display from his tank top. He now had significant beard growth on his face, but still there was an odd familiarity to his smile. He was talking to Paul and Elizabeth continued to watch intently, wishing she were brave enough to join them. His eyes were… I'm not sure what color his eyes are. I guess you'd call them hazel. Sort of green and sort of gray, with a slight hint of blue in the light.

Paul was soon walking back over to her. "Hey! We're going to take the jet skis out for one last spin if you don't mind. I'd like to ski a little before the day is over and it's really fun jumping the wake behind a jet ski. We need someone to ride behind the driver though to hold up the flag in case I go down. You up for it?"

"Sure! Julie and I used to do it all of the time with our cousins. Let me take off my shorts and shirt though, because I'm sure to get wet doing this." Elizabeth put her clothes in her bag and walked down to the edge of the water where Paul was standing. "Ready when you are!"

Paul stepped to the side after securing the rope the back of the watercraft. It was then that Elizabeth realized who would be driving the jet ski that she was to be riding behind. Up until that point, she had assumed it would be Troy. She was flustered at the realization.

Oh man. Are you kidding me Paul? I don't even know this guy's name!

They smiled their slight, acknowledging grins, as they were accustomed to doing when they saw each other. She swallowed hard and climbed onto the back of her own jet ski. It was very hard to concentrate with him so close. The other girls around were constantly looking their direction and she was sure that they weren't looking at her. He must have a line of girls a mile long waiting for a simple 'hello.' She rolled her eyes and sat up straighter, determined to resist his charming good looks. But her resolve was waning.

5:14 p.m.

Jack was enjoying talking to some of the new friends he'd met, all the while attempting to catch glances of the girl from his class. She had spent nearly the whole day with his RA and his blonde friend, and another guy Jack didn't know. She was quite good at many of the games as well, and seemed to have quite the competitive streak in her. He smiled at the thought… I'm falling for a girl I've never even met.

Paul came over and joined the guys from Jack's floor. They chatted for a moment before Paul asked if any of them had experience pulling a skier behind a jet ski. Jack waited for a minute to give someone else a chance before voicing that he had done it with his brother before. "But you can't do it at this lake without someone else riding on the back of the jet ski with a flag. The water patrol will ticket you if you don't have someone watching in case your skier goes down."

"Oh really? I didn't know that. Well, those jet skis will hold three people if you squish together. But maybe we should pick someone small so that we don't get weighed down too much." Paul immediately thought of Elizabeth.

"It'll have to be someone daring too. It's pretty easy to get thrown off if you're riding backwards watching the skier," Jack added.

"I know just the person. You go get on the red jet ski and I'll go get her."

Jack watched as Paul started walking towards the girl from English 111. He smiled as he thought about his good fortune.

Who knows? Maybe I'll learn her name today.

6:23 p.m.

Paul and Jack had each skied for a while and then Paul hopped on the back to let Elizabeth have a turn. Both men were impressed with her abilities in the water, but Paul was a little less awestruck because he knew her family was probably out on the lake a lot. He hadn't even bothered to introduce the two, having assumed they'd already met.

"She signaling to speed up, Jack! Let's see what she can do! Go cross the wake of that pontoon over there! They're with our group."

"Are you sure? It's pretty choppy and I don't want to make her wipe out."

"She won't," Paul answered so confidently that Jack was sure he knew something that Jack didn't. They must be together.

Jack cranked up the speed a little and headed towards the bumpy wake. Elizabeth soared with ease over it, even pulling the rope tight and catching air over the wake a few times.

He maneuvered the jet ski so that he could swing her across it and then be able to watch her as she plotted her moves. Sometimes she'd simply sail across and other times she'd jump if the conditions were favorable. She was undeniably enjoying it. She has definitely done this before. And every guy out here is eating it up.

She soon gave them the signal that she was finished, dropping the rope and sinking into the water. Paul held the flag up and Jack circled around to go retrieve her.

"I bet you're tired after all that showing off!" Paul exclaimed.

"Meh, just having a little fun," she shrugged her shoulders and blushed. "But yes, my quads are killing me! I haven't done this since last summer and apparently I'm out of shape!" she laughed at herself as she struggled to get the skis off her feet.

You don't LOOK like you're out of shape, Jack suppressed another grin. "You should go again, Paul. Give her a little rest and then we'll head back."

"That's a great idea. I'd love to try jumping that wake—I haven't done it much before though, so take it easy on me!"

Jack looked at the gangly Paul as he jumped in the water with Elizabeth. This is going to be fun. He gave the girl his hand to help her up onto the back of the jet ski with him. She accepted it with a small, shy smile.

As they got into position to pull Paul up out of the water, Elizabeth carefully stood and turned around to face the back. Jack steadied her with a hand on her hip. She settled in and Jack gunned it so Paul would get up quickly. Elizabeth lurched forward and then backwards into Jack's back. His warm, bare skin felt like fire to her own wet, cool back. Both sat up quickly. "I'm sorry."

"It's alright. But man, you're freezing!"

"Sorry for that too."

Jack whipped and spun Paul around the lake, half enjoying watching him wipeout a few times. Partly because he had convinced himself that the fascinating girl was attracted to Paul, and partly because he enjoyed the sudden take-offs and how she had to push against his back to brace herself.

Paul soon signaled that he was finished, worn out from the day. Elizabeth wasn't paying attention and when Jack whipped the jet ski around to get Paul, she lost her balance. Jack's reflexes were fast and in a split second his arm swung behind him, wrapping around her waist to steady her. She grabbed it tightly, afraid she was going to be flung off.

"Are you okay?" In an instant, their eyes were upon each other in semi-embarrassment and shyness. "I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to throw you off."

She smiled with red cheeks. "It's not your fault. I was the one not paying attention."

They sat there for a moment just looking at each other. "We should go get Paul," he finally spoke.

"Yes, we should." She loosened her grip on his arm and swung her leg over the seat to face him. She slid up close to him to allow room for Paul on the back. He smelled like the outdoors—fresh and clean. His back radiated heat and it felt amazing next to her wet, shivering body.

"Here, hold onto me." Jack pulled her hands around his chiseled abdomen. "I don't want to be responsible for you falling off." A cunning smile covered his face as he drove them back to the beach area, thoroughly enjoying the feeling of her arms around him. She was pressed so intimately to him that water was dripping from her hair down his back. At least I have an excuse for the goosebumps she's causing. He tried not to think about the fact that Paul was probably right up against her on the other side.

They arrived at the beach area much sooner than he would have liked and Paul jumped on the other jet ski to help her return it to her parents' dock. The girl released her grip from Jack's waist and backed off to let him get up. He pulled his hand out of the jetski keychain and held it open for her. Her fingers brushed over his in the exchange and he hoped that she didn't notice his tense breathing.

"Thanks Jack!" Paul called out as he slowly pulled away. Elizabeth looked back at the handsome man they'd left standing at the dock. So your name's Jack, eh?

"No problem, Paul. I enjoyed it!" Jack returned, watching Paul drive off with his captivating classmate. He smiled to himself as he realized that he still didn't know her name.

9:10 a.m.

A couple more weeks passed quickly and Elizabeth had settled into a routine. Her classes were a breeze for the most part. She ran into Jack pretty often, but they had still yet to have a conversation other than the handful of awkward words they'd spoken at the lake. And really, I'd prefer to forget that awkwardness.

They both sat in class listening to Dr. Jackson as he addressed the class. "Alright everyone. We're going to start our first group project for the semester. I'm a firm believer in everyone learning really early in your college career how to work in a group. Few careers allow for sole independence, so it's a crucial skill that not everyone does well naturally." Dr. Jackson started counting groups of five all over his classroom. Soon he had reached Elizabeth's row and she and Jack just made number four and five in a group.

Oh my. This will be interesting. Me, Jack and three other girls.

9:14 a.m.

Jack began counting quickly, ahead of Dr. Jackson. Wouldn't it be amazing… 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5… Oh my gosh. If he keeps this up, I think we'll be in a group together!

Dr. Jackson continued his counting pattern and Jack was elated to be the fifth person in the group with the remarkable girl. He hadn't even noticed that the other three members were also girls. After Dr. Jackson finished dividing the groups, he began giving them the instructions for the project. It would conclude with an oral presentation about the subject they chose to research. He instructed them to break into their groups and begin with some introductions and general information about themselves.

Jack listened as the other girls introduced themselves and shared where they were from and what they were majoring in at UIC. Soon it was his turn.

"Hi, I'm Jack Thornton. I grew up in a small town about an hour south of Chicago and I'm a Criminal Justice major. I'll be graduating with a BA in Criminology, Law and Justice if all goes as planned."

9:22 a.m.

Elizabeth took mental notes of the three girls as they introduced themselves. One of them in particular seemed to be a little more ditzy than the other two, but all three seemed to be particularly interested in what Jack had to say. I might as well not even be here! He's way out of my league, especially with the line of girls watching his every blink. She rolled her eyes at the swooning.

It was now her turn. "Hi, I'm Elizabeth and I'm majoring in Elementary Education. I was born and raised right here in Chicago."

Jack moved closer to her and extended his hand. "It's nice to finally learn your name, Elizabeth." His face mirrored the shy grin she gave him. "Do you have a last name?"

She pursed her lips for a second before taking his hand. "Pleased to meet you," she said softly. "It's Thatcher. Elizabeth Thatcher."

A little gasp came from the mouth of the ditzy group member, Tiffany. "Oh, are you related to the Thatchers, like the one that the Commerce Building is named after?"

Elizabeth looked shyly at the ground, before deciding to raise her chin proudly. "Yes, William's my Dad." Jack released her hand.

"You're kidding! I didn't dream I'd meet anyone famous here!" Tiffany bubbled over.

"Well, you still haven't," Elizabeth looked at her strangely.

Tiffany laughed and shrugged off Elizabeth's casual response. "If you say so."

Elizabeth quickly changed the subject and took the opportunity to find out what everyone wanted to choose for their subject. Dr. Jackson had given them a list of topics on the whiteboard at the front of the room for direction. They had soon settled on a topic and all agreed to do some reading on it before Wednesday.

9:42 a.m.

Jack tried to listen to Elizabeth's words, but inside his mind was spinning. Thatcher. She's a Thatcher. They own half the freaking city. Good grief Jack. She's practically a celebrity around here. No wonder I thought she looked familiar. He scolded himself for the silent tirade. He tried to dismiss the thoughts, as she had been nothing but kind in their interactions at the lake, almost shy. And she wants to be a teacher! That says something about her character, doesn't it? But no wonder she's hanging out with Paul. He's going to be a surgeon. Right up her alley… And another resolution hit him… Right up her parents' alley. They'd never allow her to date a guy like me.

Jack barely even caught what the group had decided on for their topic, much less the fact that he was supposed to do some reading on the matter before the next class period. Class soon finished and Elizabeth's pen tumbled to the floor as they stood to leave. They both reached for it at the same time. A surge of lightning rushed through him as she looked up with her Heavenly blue eyes, their faces mere inches apart. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize who you were."

Her eyes frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"

He stammered. "I mean, when we were at the lake and everything. I didn't realize who you were. I hope I didn't get you in any kind of trouble horsing around out there like we were. I know the papers follow you guys everywhere."

Elizabeth rolled her eyes and chuckled silently. "My parents knew where I was. And it was a Campus Ministry outing, so I highly doubt the Tribune sent a team to cover that! And even if they did, I wouldn't know about it. I stopped reading that crap years ago." She reached for her pen, now in Jack's hand.

He felt some relief at her answer. Their hands grazed again as he grinned out of one side of his mouth and placed the pen into her outstretched palm. "Well, I should have at least introduced myself before wrapping my arm around your waist like that. Please accept my apologies."

"I was glad you did."

Elizabeth was shocked by her own words. She looked shyly into his steely green eyes. Neither of them spoke. Elizabeth was quite surprised by her own tumbling thoughts. There had been no shortage of boys vying for her attention in high school. In fact, several had essentially stood in line, just waiting for the slightest nod of interest from her or from her little sister. Julie definitely had more fun with it than Elizabeth had though. She hadn't been interested in stringing people along that she wasn't really interested in. And now. Now there are two guys that have completely captivated me. Very, very different guys. I can hardly think straight.