CHAPTER THREE

The morning finds me rushing to get ready for class, and cursing the homework I had not completed the night before. I hear a knock at my door, and as I pull up my jeans, I stumble towards it. I grab the knob, twisting it and pulling it open. I stare through wide eyes at the figure standing outside my doorway, at the foamy toothbrush in my mouth drops free as my lips part in surprise. Jason smirks, crouching to pick up the toothbrush. He looks up at me, tilting his head curiously.

“Rough morning, babe?” He says slyly. I snatch my toothbrush from his hand, tossing it in the confines of my dorm and stepping out the door. He watches me all the while, and I feel inexplicably exposed beneath his gaze.

“I’m not your babe.” I spit, perhaps a bit too late. He grins good naturedly, offering his arm to me.

“How about letting the star player of the basketball team walk you to class?” He suggests, and I roll my eyes in spite of the stirring in my gut. I resolve to ignore him, edging past him to make my way to class. He falls into step beside me, and I try not to show just how frazzled his presence is making me. “That wasn’t a no.” He says observantly, and I scoff, though I do not dismiss him. It couldn’t hurt for him to simply walk me to class, and perhaps it would be enough to get him off my back for a while. The walk is silent for the most part, but as we grow near the building my next class is in, he clears his throat somewhat awkwardly. I consider him from the corner of my eye, and he brushes a hand through his short cropped hair.

“Is there something on your mind, Jason?” I drawl, and he chuckles in response.

“You.” He says bluntly, and though I feel a warmth pooling between my thighs, I try to dismiss him.

“What’s new?” I retort. He seems all too amused by the situation, as if somehow sensing my discomfort. I am entirely ready to ditch him so I’m not late for class, but as I move to slip away, he grabs me gently by the hand. I hesitate, my breath catching in my throat as I turn to consider him. He stares earnestly at me, for once without his signature smirk. His smile is genuine, and he releases my hand, drawing his hand back towards himself.

“Go out with me.” He says, apparently unable to articulate himself past that single demand. My eyes widen in surprise, and I am simultaneously enthralled and horrified. Though he’s always shown an interest in me, or more specifically, what lie beneath my jeans, he’s never outright asked me out before. I was certain he knew of the scandal that would arise, I know he’s aware of how much my father hates him. Hell, I’ve never even shown any indication that I might return his interest. In fact, I’ve done just the obvious. Which is what should make this so easy.

“Ok.” I blurt, internally cursing myself for my idiotic response. His eyes light up, and he pumps his fist victoriously. My heart flutters in my chest, and I exhale sharply. “But I have class now. We’ll discuss it later.” I tell him under no uncertain terms. He nods, offering me a wink before slipping away. I swallow the vestiges of regret that linger at the back of my throat, knowing that it’s too late to take back the acceptance at this point. I turn, slipping into the building and off in the direction of my class. Though I’m certain I will be unable to focus on the subject, it will at least give me some time to gather my thoughts.

Class seems to pass all too quickly, but I suppose time flies when you’re miserably caught in your own mind. The teacher assigns some homework, and thankfully doesn’t mention the work I neglected to turn in. I follow the surge of students rushing from the classroom, trying not to agonize too much. However, the plan of dismissing my thoughts of cute basketball players is dashed as I, once again, slam into a familiar figure. He looms over me, quirking his lips in a curious smile. I feel dread pooling in my gut, and I realize I feel almost guilty for accepting Jason’s date proposal. In spite of how irrational it was, I felt as if I were somehow betraying the man before me by accepting his rival’s invitation.

“Jenny.” He says cordially, offering me his arm. I know I should dismiss him. I know I should tell him that Jason has asked me out, and that I shouldn’t encourage the glint in his eyes. However, I can’t stop myself from taking him by the arm, allowing him to lead me down the halls. As we’re walking, he suddenly pulls me off path, into a janitor’s closet. At once, his lips are upon my own. I would gasp in shock, were I able to draw breath. Instead, I simply groan in appreciation, tangling my hands in his long hair. He presses me back against the door, pressing his knee between my thighs as he thoroughly explores my mouth with his tongue. I find myself pressing against his knee without entirely realizing what I’m doing. He pulls away from our kiss, and I realize with a start that my scent is radiating from his entire being-- specifically from his knee. I blush in embarrassment, and he grins good naturedly, leaning in to press another chaste kiss to my lips. This is all moving so fast, and I shouldn’t be enjoying this situation so much, but… god, he’s so gorgeous. I nip his bottom lip teasingly, and he exhales a sigh, cupping my cheek in his hand. I press my cheek into his palm.

“You have such a way with words.” I say sarcastically.

“I’ve been told.” He replies teasingly. He brushes my hair away from my eyes, considering me with a fond expression. “But, if you want words… how about these: Will you go out with me?” He murmurs. I should be panicking. I shouldn’t be melting beneath those dark eyes, essentially putty in those warm and calloused hands.

“Of course…” I reply softly. He grins, looking very much the cat that got the canary. I pout at him, leaning in for a final kiss. He obliges me, capturing my lips in a possessive and passionate kiss. I can almost feel my lips bruising from the force, and it sends an aching shudder to my core.

“Great…” He begins, pausing uncertainly. “Alright, you go ahead and slip out of here. I’ll leave in five minutes or so to make it look less obvious.” He offers. I redden at the implications, as well as the realization that the broom closet reeks of my desire.

“Okay… thanks. I’ll see you later, Ricky.” I murmur before stepping out of closet. I quickly shuffle away, thanking whatever powers may be that the halls are empty for the time being. I make my way out of the building, only realizing what a mess I had made for myself as I step into the brisk air of the outdoor campus. Two dates with two devastatingly handsome men, that my father would kill me for even glancing at. One date would be bad enough! Two dates with the same guy, even worse, but this… my father would kill me.

I try to swallow my panic as I slip away from the building, making my way past the sciences and engineering building on the way to my dorm.

“Jenny! Jenny Parker!” A masculine voice calls out, and panic grips me even harder than before. Was there another, third stud who had me in his sights? I turn to face my would be dreamboat, only to be faced with a rather plain looking man with thick rimmed glasses. He pushes his glasses up on his nose as he approaches me, and I curse myself for stopping.

“I really need to get to my dorm--” I begin, trying to get myself an out. He rolls his eyes, flipping his hair out of his eyes.

“Believe me, I’m not interested. I simply have some… intel that you might find of interest.” The man says brusquely. I quirk a brow, feeling borderline offended that this dweeb doesn’t find me to his tastes, but then I realize who he is. Jim Reagan, the towel boy for the basketball team. The openly gay towel boy. I redden in embarrassment, cursing myself for my assumption.

“Oh, hi Jim. Sorry, I didn’t recognize you at first.” I apologize. He shrugs his shoulders, not looking awfully offended.

“I have a forgettable face.” He admits. I try to smother a laugh, succeeding only partially. He waits for me to regain my composure, and once I do, I gesture for him to continue speaking. “Anyway, I overheard some talk in the locker room, and I thought you might find it of interest.” He offers, pushing his glasses up once more as they slip lower on his nose. I tilt my head curiously, and he glances around to make sure there’s no one else in the immediate area. “There’s a bit of a wager going on in the locker room, and… well, it involves you.” He mutters. My eyes widen in surprise, but all at once I know what he means. “Ricky and Jason are trying to see who can bed you first. It’s altogether juvenile, and I thought you deserved better than that.” He confirms, and I feel my heart drop into my stomach. I can’t believe I had been so enchanted with the basketball players. I can’t believe they had played me so effectively. Most importantly…

“I can’t believe they thought they’d get away with this.” I say with a devious smile. Jim quirks a brow, and I grab him by the hand, dragging him towards my dorm. “Come on! We have planning to do!” I announce excitedly.

“I didn’t sign up for all this... “ He replies reluctantly, but follows along obligingly.

Jason and Ricky think they’ve got this bet in the bag. Well, now that I know what’s going on, it’s time to turn the tables on both of them. They’re going to regret ever making this bet, and perhaps ever running into me.