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.

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, because he too is scowling at

standing in front of them. “What? Will you two just spit it out?”

could be playing some kind of game with you. And you’re

likes me? How many other girls has he brought home for

up his hands in surrender. “Alright. We love you. We support you. As long as you’ve thought

smiles weakly and I can tell they’re mentally deciding to pick up the pieces

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

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

regular booth while Jase orders the coffee. I get my blushing under control by the time

down across from me, his 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 unique scent of cologne and fabric softener greeting me. “You sure you’re okay

bad I’m a bundle of nerves, gripping the

services…to extend your assignments into a gray area

to breathe. There are no words for the tingles Jase can send through my body with only his deep, sexy voice. That certainly never happened with my high school

hand and absently traces his thumb across my palm. “Breathe for

in a ragged breath, still unable

back. “Just

a

the cup. “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 pretty

him asking questions

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