Jocelyn's Choice by Ella Jade

pulled out, but that didn't always work. I just hoped the odds were in our favor and thought maybe I should consider going on the pill.

Chapter Eight
    I was finally finished with high school. I held my diploma and made my way through the crowd. My gaze immediately locked with his. He was making his way through the masses to get to me with that sexy grin spreading across his face. When he finally reached me, he picked me up and plastered his lips against mine.
    Hmm . . . he tastes so good.
    He lowered me back to the ground and handed me a bouquet of yellow roses.
    "They're beautiful." I smiled. "Thank you."
    "You told me the dress you're wearing underneath that gown is yellow."
    "You remembered?"
    "I remember everything about you." He brushed his lips against mine. We were interrupted by the sound of Max clearing his throat. I closed my eyes and giggled when I heard Alex softly groan.
    "Hey, Dad." I turned to face him.
    "Congratulations, Jocelyn." He awkwardly smiled. "Hey, Alex."
    "Hello, Chief Andrews," he said, as he shook his hand.
    "I think you can call me Max. After all, we have watched a game or two over a few beers, so I think you've earned it."
    Alex smiled.
    "Are you ready, Jocey?" Max asked.
    "Actually . . . ." Alex stepped in. "My parents were wondering if you'd like to go to dinner with our family?"
    I glanced over at the Jordans, who were chatting with Evan and Cali. They looked so proud of their son as they smiled and took tons of pictures. He looked entirely too good in that cap and gown. Only Evan Jordan could pull off that look and make it desirable. I almost took Alex up on his offer, until I saw Brenna, Ryan, and Julia approach Jack. There was no way I was spending my graduation dinner with Julia and Brenna. I didn't care if Ryan was there to keep them in line.
    "Thanks, Alex." I smiled as I squeezed his hand. "But we made reservations, and I'd like to go to dinner with my dad." As much as I wanted to be with Alex, it had always been Max and me, and I wanted to share this time with him.
    "Of course." Alex smiled. "My mother just wanted to extend the invitation."
    "That was very nice," Max said. "I'll go over and thank her, and then I'll meet you at the car, Jocelyn."
    "Okay." I watched him walk away.
    "Will I see you later?" Alex asked.
    "I hope so." I kissed his jaw, wanting to feel his stubble against my face. "Will you pick me up from the restaurant?"
    "Just text me when you're ready, beautiful." He kissed my forehead.
    "You're not mad I'm not coming with you?"
    "I know why you don't want to go." He frowned. "I'm sorry she came with us."
    "It's not your fault Julia is attached to Brenna's hip." I laughed. "But, now at least you'll have someone to sit with at dinner." I knew that was why Julia came. Evan had Cali, Brenna had Ryan, and Alex would have her. How perfect.
    "That's not funny. You know I'm not interested in her."
    "I know," I said. "Don't keep your family waiting. I'll see you in a little while."
    "Jocelyn," he said, "congratulations."
    He headed back toward his family. As soon as he approached, Julia hooked her arm through his and pulled him to the exit. Alex barely looked at her; he talked with Evan as they walked out of the building.
    Max and I had a quiet dinner, but then for some reason during dessert, he decided to get chatty. I love my father, but I wanted to get to Alex.
    "You sure you don't want dessert?" he asked as he stared down at his apple pie.
    "No." I smiled. "But you dig right in."
    "Alex is leaving soon?"
    "A few weeks," I said. "I'm trying not to think about it."
    "You really like him, huh?"
    "I do. More that I expected."
    "What do you mean?"
    "When he asked me out that first time, I thought it was to tease Evan, and it might have started that way, but he's really interested in me, and that's shocking."
    "Jocelyn?" He shook his head. "Why is that so surprising?"
    I smiled and looked down.
    "Look," he said. "I don't want you to think for some reason you're not worth Alex