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.

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,

but remain standing in front of them. “What? Will you two

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

intervention as concern, but for 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

love you.

they’re mentally deciding to pick up the

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

see Jase. Professor Gibbs’ lecture is about self-love, i.e., masturbation – a topic I’m decidedly uncomfortable with. Sure, I’ve tried it, but I don’t get 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 over, I escape out the doors, Jase’s deep chuckle making the hairs on the back of my neck rise as he follows me.

get my blushing under control by the time he returns, delivering a cup of

eyes playfully dancing on mine. I brace myself for the embarrassing comment he’s sure to make from the lecture. Only he doesn’t. His eyes grow serious and he leans in toward me, his

gripping the table in front of me for support, ready

lend my services…to extend your assignments into a gray area

clearly he hasn’t. I clamp my thighs together and remind myself to breathe. There are no words for

You okay?” He takes my hand and absently traces his thumb across my

ragged breath, still

smile is back. “Just think about it, babe.”

manage a nod.

eyes still watching mine over the brim of the cup. “There’s something I don’t understand,” he says, running a hand through his messy hair.

him asking questions about Brent. “Uh

his eyebrows. “So I take it you guys