Claiming Xana (Wildcat Graduates Book 2) Read online

  Claiming Xana

  A Wildcat Graduates Novel

  Book 2

  by Xana Jordan

  Copyright © 2016 by Xana Jordan All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system without the written permission of the author and or publisher, and where permitted by law. The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. Ebooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away, as it is an infringement on the copyright of this book. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author's rights is appreciated.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, actual events or locations or other public venues is entirely coincidental.

  Cover design: TIffany Black at T.E. Black Designs

  Editing: Emma Mack at Ultra Editing Co.

  Cover photo: www.123rf.com

  Formatted by: Brenda Wright at Formatting Done Wright

  Table of Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Chapter 45

  Chapter 46

  Chapter 47

  Chapter 48

  Chapter 49

  Chapter 50

  Acknowledgements

  My senior year of high school should have been one of the happiest times of my life. In some aspects it was, but Xana’s absence at school and in my life made it less appealing than it should have been. I was used to not having lunch with her at school, but her absence at my baseball games, band practices, and in my car everyday, was harder for me to deal with. Nothing seemed quite right without her. Seeing Stacy at games and dances with Cade made it harder to move on from Xana, because it reminded me of what we had together until I messed it up. I was and still am completely mad at myself for how I handled things with her.

  Having Stacy and Cade talk about Xana and her new boyfriend, Jeff, wasn’t the easiest thing for me. I know I shouldn’t have expected her to stay single like I did, but part of me, the selfish part, wanted it. When Cade would come back from seeing Stacy in Magnolia, he would tell me about Mike and his friend, Jeff, that was taking the girls out to parties, and watching out for them. How Jeff would hang around her and do things with Xana when Mike and Stacy were gone. I didn’t want to hear that, but at least she wasn’t going out alone, or locking herself away from everyone. I would hate that more, I suppose.

  After Christmas came and went, I tagged along with Cade and Stacy to a New Year’s Eve party, and found out that Xana and Jeff were somehow dating by then. Stacy was just as surprised to find that out. Xana called her to say she had decided to go to the party after all, and would be there later than planned because she was going with Jeff. When Stacy questioned her about the relationship status, she confirmed that they were indeed dating. Needless to say, I didn’t stay at the party for very long. I left before they could arrive. I didn’t want to believe they were dating, much less see it with my own eyes.

  As time and school passed, Cade and Stacy kept me supplied with information about the two of them, regardless of how strongly they felt that it would only upset me more. I didn’t care. I loved her, and that wasn’t going to change just because she had a new boyfriend. Something about their relationship didn’t feel right, and secretly Cade agreed with me about that fact.

  Now, we’re about to be attending the same college, and I plan on making her mine again. I’m going to show her just how much we belong together, that it’s always been just the two of us. No matter how long it takes.

  My first year of college was hard, but I was never more thankful to have Stacy as my best friend and roommate. Having her there instead of some nameless roommate who asked too many questions was what I needed. No one knew what had happened to me with Noel, and having him an hour away was just what I needed to start everything over.

  Cade would come and see Stacy, and I enjoyed spending time with him. He always made me laugh and just feel...normal. They never mentioned Noel to me, and I was grateful. Whenever Cade told us about his baseball games, he conveniently left Noel’s participation out of it. I love him for that.

  Mike, and his friend, Jeff, took me and Stacy to a lot of the parties on campus, and made sure we weren’t out alone. I appreciated that. They were always around to help us out if we needed it. Jeff never seemed to mind helping us, and when Stacy would go back home to see Cade, he’d keep me company and do things with me. He was easy to talk to, and I never felt awkward around him. In a lot of ways, it was a lot like having Mike around all the time, but he wasn’t nearly as annoying or aggravating as my brother.

  I’m not really sure how our friendship evolved the way it did. We were doing things with Mike and Stacy, and sometimes alone, but it was never anything that could be considered a date. And then we all went home for Christmas. He had come home with Mike for the weekend after school let out, and just said the two of us were going to the movies. I was surprised, because I was not expecting anything like that to ever happen, and I was even more shocked when Mike acted like it was no big deal that we were going out alone. In fact, he almost seemed like he already knew it was going to happen.

  We had great times together, and he never pushed me to do anything more than I felt comfortable with, even though I knew he was ready. I was very thankful for that, because after everything that happened with Noel, I was not sure I could ever do anything like that in the near future.

  Mike and Jeff were going to graduate in May, and they really started to get serious about studying after Spring Break. Jeff was following his dad’s footsteps and going into the family restaurant business. His business classes kept him studying up until the last minute possible before exams and graduation. I didn’t get to see him all that much while he was studying, but sometimes we’d study together, well at least in the same room.

  We’ve seen each other over the summer. Not as much as we used to, but with him working in Texarkana at the restaurant and me here in El Dorado, it’s harder to get together. We have talked to each other on the phone, and have sometimes skype
d. Mike has even taken me to Texarkana with him, so I’ve gotten to see him then. The last part of the summer our communication slowed down a little. He’s been so busy helping his dad do some renovations and upgrades, that it’s taken more of his time than either of us expected.

  Now, I’ll be starting the school year without Mike or Jeff there, and I am afraid of how different it is going to be. Not to mention the fact that Noel and Cade will be there as well. Stace just told me last week that everything was official for them to attend Southern Arkansas University with us. I’ll be glad to have Cade around more often, but he and Noel are a package deal, and I’m not quite sure I can handle that. I guess only time will tell if we’ll ever be able to be around each other as friends.

  Having Cade and Noel with us at college, I’m sure Stacy will be in their room a lot. I guess that will give me more time to study for my accounting and math classes. They really aren’t my cup of tea, but Jeff convinced me that it would be a secure career to have in the future. I suppose he is right. Everyone needs someone to take care of their billing and payroll, don’t they?

  I’m tired of being at home for the summer. I’ve gotten used to being on my own at college, and to have Mom and Dad around, constantly monitoring every single thing I do is about to make me lose it. The only reprieve I’ve had is when Blain is at home from work. I’ve practically ran away to his house on more than one occasion when I just needed a break. It’s the only time my parents don’t seem to bother me. Reece has helped keep me occupied in her own way, with movies and shopping. I swear, that girl is a shopping machine.

  Band camp starts Monday and Mike and Dad are moving my stuff into the dorms tomorrow. Jeff is unable to help me move since he is tied up at the restaurant and can’t afford to leave and help us. Mom insists that Stacy and I need new bedding and furniture, so she is dragging us both shopping with her. She should just take Reece and Stacy. They love to shop for anything. I just really don’t care what my comforter pattern is, as long as it serves its purpose. I hope we can get moved in early enough tomorrow so I can go to sleep at a decent time. Shopping with the two of them always exhausts me for days.

  Stacy and I are in the dorm closest to the band hall, and we’re on the bottom floor. I’m glad I won’t have to worry about climbing all of those stairs. Cade and Noel are in the freshman dorms across campus. Luckily, I won’t have to run into him that often, except for band. Thank coconuts for that.

  Mom decided to help Dad and Mike move Stacy’s things, too, since Cade would have to move his own things, and the Johnson’s really couldn’t physically do it themselves. She thinks of Stacy as one of her own, just like she does Reece and Blain. I love her for that, too.

  After they have us all moved in and unpacked, Dad takes us all out for an early dinner and lets Mom stop to buy us some groceries before they drop us off at the dorm and head home.

  “I will just sleep better knowing my girls have food if they need it,” Mom insists. Dad never stood a chance against her.

  Stacy and I are in our room relaxing and going over our practice schedule for tomorrow when she gets a call from Cade. I start gathering my pajamas and toiletries while they talk. I’m reaching for my towels when she interrupts me.

  “Hey, Xan. Cade wants to know if you want to come over and watch a movie with them.” Stacy gives me her best pleading look, but it doesn’t work this time.

  “No, thanks. I just want to take a shower and veg out for the rest of the night. Give him a hug for me, though.” I don’t even give her a chance to argue with me, and leave the room to take a shower. That was a close one.

  “Hey, Noel,” Stacy greets me after she kisses Cade at our door.

  “Hey, Stace. I missed you this summer. Between ball practices and work I didn’t get to see you that much. Dad kept me too busy,” I tell her as she gives me a hug.

  “I know, and then I had to go off to Houston for two weeks with the grands.” Stacy laughs and makes her way over to Cade’s bed and gets comfortable between his legs.

  Cade takes the remote and gets the movie started as I grab us each a bottle of water from our oversized mini fridge. We have two of them so we’ll never have to worry about eating.

  Halfway through the previews I can’t stand it any longer and ask about Xana. “Is she okay, Stace?” I ask, my voice low and full of concern. I raise my head to look at her in the eyes.

  Stacy gives me a sad smile as she answers, “Yeah. I think so. We didn’t see each other too often this summer, so I can’t be sure right now. I can’t read her like I used to, but I think she’s happy enough.” Stacy shrugs apologetically, “Sorry.”

  “Why didn’t she come tonight?” I ask, even though I already know the answer.

  Stacy raises her eyebrow at me and sighs. “She said she just wanted to shower and veg out tonight, but we all know the real reason.”

  “Yeah.” I sigh and lean my head back against the dorm wall.

  “Don’t think too much about it, man. Just give her time and she’ll come around. Be patient with her, okay?” Cade advises me. I know he’s right, but I need her, and I know with all of my soul that she needs me just as much.

  The first few days of band practice went by rather quickly. It’s Wednesday afternoon and we’ve broken up into sections to work on certain parts of our show music. I was looking forward to this until I learned Xana had made the flag line and wouldn’t be marching like she usually does. Stacy was on the line last year and the band director, Mr. Warnock, saw her practicing with Stacy and placed Xana on the line this year. Apparently, Stacy had told Mr. Warnock about Xana’s flag skills and he used that practice as her audition piece. I’m proud of her for trying something new, but damnit if I don’t miss her marching close to me.

  After rehearsals are over for the day and everyone has showered, a bunch of us decided to go bowling at the bowling alley just down the street. We all meet in front of the band hall around six o’clock, and since it’s close enough we decided to walk there and back. Stacy and a few girls from her dorm are the last ones to show up. As we’re about to leave, Stacy catches me looking around for Xana, and just shakes her head in acknowledgement that Xana’s not coming. How long is she going to keep avoiding me?

  The local bowling alley is much like our old one back home in El Dorado, and I can’t help but think about the first time Xana and I went bowling with Stacy and Cade. I’m lost in my memories when an somewhat familiar brunette comes to sit beside me.

  “Are they always like that?” she points over at Stacy and Cade when she sees my confused expression. I haven’t really been paying attention to anything around me while I sat there and reminisced.

  “Oh, Stacy and Cade?” I ask, and she nods in return.

  “For two people who are dating, they sure don’t act as if they like each other,” she states and looks toward the arguing couple once more. It’s obvious that she doubts that they like one another enough to be dating.

  Laughing at her facial expression, I assure her, “Oh, they really do like each other, more than they will ever admit to anyone. Xana and I always wondered how they made it work, but they just do.”

  I lean backward in my seat, arms crossed, and watch Cade and Stacy as they quibble over what order our group is bowling in. Shaking my head, I turn it toward the girl sitting next to me. She was pretty, with shoulder length brown hair. She was fairly tanned and looked to be somewhat active, given the muscle tone of her long legs.

  “I’m sorry, I don’t know your name. I’m Noel.” I hold out my hand to shake hers, and she smiles brightly at me.

  “How stupid of me! I’m Mallory, Mallory Martin. I play saxophone and am a friend of Stacy and Xana’s.” Now I know why she looked familiar.

  “Oh, right! I remember now. I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you. It’s been a long day, “ I apologize, not quite sure why I feel the need to make excuses for my memory.

  “It’s no problem, really,” she says as she smiles at me again. I find myself smiling back a
t her when Cade walks over to the table.

  “Hey, Mallory. You wanna play with us, or are you playing on another lane?” Cade asks her, then looks my way, eyebrow raised. I simply shrug my shoulders.

  “If you guys don’t mind, that sounds like fun. It looks like my lane over there is really full.” Mallory nods over to the other side of the alley where a group, mainly made up of life-size Barbie wanna be’s, is already playing.

  “No problem. We have room,” Cade replies and turns to Stacy. “Go ahead and add her, too, Stace.” Looking back at Mallory, Cade warns, “Just a heads up, but Stacy is very...competitive.” That makes Mallory and me laugh.

  Mallory shrugs, “I saw her in action at some of the band parties last year. It’s alright.” Cade and I look to each other with concern.

  Turning to Mallory, I lean over and say very seriously, “Maybe so, but this is an entirely different situation. You haven’t really seen her in action...yet.” Cade, arms crossed, nods in agreement, his expression matching my own.

  “God help us all,” Cade says as he looks up to the ceiling, and says a silent prayer. I can’t help but laugh harder than before at his behavior.

  Stacy, hearing my laughter, yells over to us, “Enough joking around, people! Time to get this slaughter on the road. Let’s bowl, little lambs!” May God have mercy on our new companion. Xana is usually the only one who can keep Stacy from going overboard when we play games. And she’s not even here.

  The first three weeks of school are over and Jeff is coming to see me for the weekend. I’m excited to see him. It’s been a month since we’ve been able to see one another in person. He’s always so busy working for his dad, but took the weekend off to come see me and attend the huge after parties his fraternity throws at the end of rush week. Mike was upset that he couldn’t come tonight, but said he will be here for tomorrow’s ceremonies. It never ceases to amaze me what they put those pledges through, and I’m sure I don’t know the half of it.