The Impact of You

Avery

When Jase practically shoves me into the guest room, I’m confused. And hurt. I thought we were really getting somewhere, and after last night’s make out session, I’d been looking forward to a repeat of that. Apparently Jase isn’t. Which sucks. But I scrub my face, brush my teeth, and try not to pout as I crawl into bed.

In the morning, things are quiet over breakfast again, and Jase doesn’t dally – we’re soon saying goodbye to his mom and in the car for the journey back.

The closer we get toward campus, the more my panic sets in. Madison had been beyond pissed that I was going home with Jase, not believing for a second that his motives were virtuous with me, and now Jase, the guy I’m risking everything for, is barely speaking to me.

When he parks in front of my dorm, we exit the car and I wait while Jase retrieves my bag.

“I don’t know what I did wrong…but I don’t want things to be weird between us now,” I say.

His eyebrows draw together. “You did nothing wrong. I thought maybe I’d rushed you the other night, so I wanted to make sure you knew that wasn’t all I wanted.”

Oh. I shake my head. “Well, you got quiet on me… so I figured you were mad about something.”

His finger presses over my lips. “Stop thinking so much. I’m not mad. I’m giving you time to sort out whatever you need to sort out. Just don’t shut me out, okay?”

I nod. “Thanks for this weekend.”

“Thanks for being so sweet to my mom,” he says. He leans down to plant a tender kiss against my forehead, then turns back for his car.

I was right about Madison’s mood. She sends me suspicious looks and cryptic comments all afternoon while I try to study. I’m relieved when Noah shows up for our regular Sunday night dinner in the cafeteria.

with mystery casserole, not able to focus on anything but Madison’s suspicions. Am I being stupid to think there’s something between me and Jase? When I slide into my seat, Noah has clearly been briefed on my weekend getaway,

tray on the table, but remain standing in front of them. “What? Will

careful. Jase could be playing some kind of game with you. And you’re bound to fall for him, spending so much alone

some reason, it just annoys me. “Is it so impossible that Jase really likes me? How many other girls has he brought home for the weekend to meet his mom? Did you

up his hands in surrender. “Alright. We love you. We support you.

smiles weakly and I can tell they’re mentally deciding to

I slide into the seat and stab at the food on my plate. Do they know something I don’t? Is this all going

the hoopla. He discusses the importance of communication with your partner and part of that effective communication is first understanding your body and its needs. I am so damn uncomfortable during the entire lecture that by the time class is

blushing under control

comment he’s sure to make from the lecture. Only he doesn’t. His eyes grow serious and he leans in toward me, his unique scent of cologne and fabric softener greeting

wouldn’t I be?” I want to appear, cool, effortlessly sexy, and easy going. Too bad I’m a bundle of nerves, gripping the table in front of me for support, ready to melt into a puddle on the floor with the way

lower. “Because I’m willing to lend my services…to extend your

hoping he’d forgotten that comment I’d made at the coffee shop, but clearly he hasn’t. I clamp my thighs together and remind myself to breathe. There are no

and absently traces

ragged breath, still

back. “Just

manage a nod.

“There’s something I don’t understand,” he says, running a hand through his messy hair. “You said you had a high school boyfriend, and you guys were

can’t have him asking questions about Brent.

you’ve never…” He raises his eyebrows. “So I take it