Bad Rep

by A. Meredith Walters

  I woke up the next morning with a big smile on my face. I'm sure the fact that Jordan's arm was wrapped around my waist and his face pressed against the back of my neck had a lot to do with it. Also the three orgasms he had given me the night before weren't bad either. I didn't want to move. Not wanting to destroy this perfect moment where everything in my life finally made sense.

  Wow. I let a guy sleep in my bed. And I liked it. No, I loved it. I didn't care that he was all up in my personal space. In fact, it made me feel warm and secure and safe. I knew that even in my sleep I couldn't be away from him.

  My mind replayed last night and I could hardly believe any of it. Jordan showing up at the apartment. Telling me he had broken up with Olivia. That he had been trying to see me for three fucking weeks! And then his mouth and his hands and oh, god, his tongue. We hadn't had sex, but dear god everything else had been the closest thing to heaven I could imagine.

  Then he had told me I was his girl.

  I was Jordan Levitt's girl!

  I clamped down on my lips so I wouldn't squeal like a pre-pubescent girl at a boy band concert. I squeezed my eyes shut and prayed this wasn't a dream. Slowly I opened my eyes again. Yep, Jordan was still there. I could feel his even breath against my skin.

  But after a few minutes I had to move. My left arm was going numb from lying on it. I slowly wiggled out from underneath Jordan's arm. “Oh no you don't,” he murmured, squeezing me tightly and hefting me up against his side again. I squealed as he pushed my hair to the side and started kissing the side of my neck.

  “Stop it. I really have to go to the bathroom.” I pushed against his arm but he only laughed.

  “Then I guess it would be really mean to do this.” He started tickling me and I swear I was seconds away from losing all dignity and wetting myself.

  “Seriously. Stop!” I screeched. Jordan was laughing hard by this point, but finally released me. I smacked his chest. “You are a malicious jerk!” I said not unkindly. Jordan continued to laugh as I scrambled out of the bed and practically flew to the bathroom.

  While I was in there, I quickly brushed my teeth and pulled my hair into a ponytail before heading back to my room. Riley's door was still closed, so I wasn't sure she had come home last night. Jordan was sitting up in my bed checking his phone when I came back in. He looked downright edible first thing in the morning. Girls had to worry about crazy bedhead and raccoon eyes if we forgot to wash off all of our makeup the night before. Guys could just wake up and look ready to go. It wasn't fair.

  I stood awkwardly just inside the door. I know he had said I was his girl and all, but I was still unsure as to what to do with that. Do I crawl back into bed with him? Do I just go ahead and get dressed? Do I offer to make him breakfast? Oh god, I hope he doesn't want breakfast...I had the amazing ability to burn even water.

  Jordan was frowning at something on his phone. That wasn't a good look. I edged around my dresser and finally sat down on the bed, folding my legs beneath me. He looked up as the mattress sank underneath my weight. “Hey,” he said softly with an adorable smile.

  “Hey,” I said back. He put his phone on the bedside table and reached out to grab me by the wrist.

  Jordan pulled me and I found myself sprawled across his chest. He wrapped his arms around my back, my front pressed against him. He placed a kiss on the top of my head. “Everything okay?” I asked, kissing the bare skin of his chest.

  “Yeah. Just a text from one of my brothers. Nothing important,” he replied. I didn't really believe him but decided not to push it. Jordan squeezed me tight. “I could get used to this,” he whispered as I buried into his side.

  “Oh yeah?” I asked, tilting my head back so I could look at him. He clicked his tongue ring along his teeth and grinned down at me.

  “I love the feel of your tight little ass against my cock first thing in the morning. Makes me think of spreading those gorgeous legs of yours and...” I smacked his arm, cutting him off as I flushed a bright red.

  Jordan chuckled and nudged my chin up with fingers. He kissed me slow and deep. “What time is your first class?” he asked me when we finally came up for air. I looked at the clock on my dresser.

  “I have World Religions in an hour and a half. What about you?” I asked.

  “I have Business Finance at the same time. Do you want to get dressed and head over to campus? Maybe get some breakfast?” His lips went to my ear and he sucked the lobe into his mouth, making me moan. Then I realized what he was saying. He wanted to go into public. Together.

  I pulled away from him. “Um. I'm not sure...” I began. Jordan pulled my face back around so I would look at him.

  “Maysie. If we're going to be together, that means we have to be seen together. Who cares what anyone thinks,” he said with such assuredness that it was hard to deny him anything.

  “Okay. Yeah. Let's go get something to eat.” I said, trying to put some enthusiasm into my words, even though I really felt like jumping out the window and making a run for it. I got out of bed and went to my dresser, pulling out a pair of jean shorts and a t-shirt.

  I could feel Jordan's eyes watching me as I got dressed. It was such an intimate feeling, having him in my space like that. But I had to admit, I liked it. A lot. Jordan got up and put his clothes on and I had a difficult time keeping my eyes off of that magnificent body. He really was beautiful. Cut and toned in all the right places without being overly muscular. I hated super muscly guys...but Jordan was downright perfect.

  I was putting a pair of hooped earrings on when I felt Jordan's hand on my lower back. I watched him in the mirror as he dipped his head and placed a soft kiss to where my shoulder joined with my neck. I tried not to shiver, but I failed miserably. He grinned at my reflection. “Ready, baby?” I nodded, my voice having left me.

  I grabbed my book bag and purse and followed him out of the apartment. “Do you mind if we swing by my house so I can change my clothes? I've run out of clean stuff at Garrett's and really need to pick up a few things,” he said, leading me to his truck.

  “Why aren't you staying at your house?” I asked.

  Jordan's lips thinned. “Just needed some space,” he answered. I guess I could understand that.

  “That's fine, we can swing by,” I told him, though it was anything but fine. I didn't particularly want to head to the house he shared with his Pi Sig brothers. But I had agreed to give this thing with him a shot. So I suppose I had to face everyone at some point.

  I had just hoped it wouldn't be so soon.

  I got into the passenger side of Jordan's truck as he slid into the driver's seat. “Not ridin' the hog?” I asked. I loved his motorcycle and had many a fantasy of being wrapped around him on the back of his bike.

  Jordan chuckled. “Not today. But you can be my biker babe whenever you want. I'd like to see you in some sexy black leather,” he said, cupping the side of my neck, his fingers squeezing lightly. I couldn't stop my grin. When he turned on the truck, the radio blasted Motorhead. That will wake you up in the morning.

  “This music will melt your brain!” I yelled over Lenny's screaming vocals.

  Jordan held his hand around his ear. “Huh, can't hear you, brain melting here.” I chuckled as I watched Jordan sing Ace of Spades along with the music. He had a really nice voice. Rich and smoky. It made me think of sex and his fingers and the way his eyes looked right before he put his mouth between my legs. Oh crap, I was going to have an orgasm just listening to him sing.

  The volume of the music left little room for conversation on the way to Jordan's house. Which was fine with me, because I was trying to calm down my raging hormones. And stop the very real freak out about going into Pi Sig territory as his girlfriend for the first time. Jordan reached over and squeezed my upper thigh, his fingers pressing into my skin. He didn't move his hand; instead he kept it there for the entire ride.

  Pulling up to his house, I wondered if I could get away with just staying in the truck. “You coming?” J
ordan asked, getting out of the vehicle. I sighed and climbed out. He took my hand as we entered the front door. Several of his brothers were in the living room and every single one of them looked up as we came in. The looks they gave us ranged from surprise, confusion, to outright leering.

  “Hey, man. Where've you been hiding?” One of the guys asked as we headed toward the stairs. Jordan slung his arm around my shoulders.

  “Ah, you know. Here and there,” he answered vaguely. The guy, I think his name was Derek, looked between Jordan and me. His lip curled a bit when he took in the possessive way Jordan held me. I tensed and tried to move away, but I was held firm.

  “You know Maysie Ardin, right?” Jordan asked, a little confrontationally. Derek's eyes flicked to me but then looked away.

  “Yeah, sure. Maysie,” he said. But I could hear the chill in his voice. It made me feel like absolute shit. Jordan didn't miss the way his “brother” greeted me. His jaw hardened and he pushed passed the other guy and led us to the stairs.

  “Asshole,” Jordan muttered under his breath as he dropped his arm from around my shoulder and took a hold of my hand. I squeezed his fingers but didn't respond. What could I say? This was not a good beginning to our first venture into public as a couple. I had a feeling this was going to be a long day.

  Jordan and I went into his room and I sat down on the bed while he found some clothes to change into. “Like what you see?” he asked huskily as he took off his shirt, catching the way my eyes clung to his every movement. He was so damn mouthwatering, and hell if he didn't know it. For the first time I was able to see the tattoo on his back that spread up toward his neck. It was a black Celtic sun in the middle of his shoulder blades. The flames leaping up to wrap around his neck and arms. It was amazing. And hot. And I wanted to trace it with my tongue.

  “Not bad,” I said noncommittally, though I had to swallow around the lump that had formed in my throat just by looking at his naked torso. Jordan arched his eyebrow at me, not fooled in the slightest. Then with careful slowness, he pulled on a gray Generation Rejects t-shirt. I felt like I was watching a strip show in reverse. He was so freaking sexy, even when putting his clothes on. I was debating whether we should just skip our classes and spend the rest of the day in bed, getting better acquainted when the door burst open.

  “Jordan! Where the hell have you been, man?” Gio came into the room and punched Jordan good- naturedly on the shoulder.

  “I've been at Garrett's. We've been putting in a lot of practice time so I needed to be over there.” Jordan answered dismissively. I watched the two of them and I realized Jordan didn't like Gio at all. Not that I blamed him. Gio was a jerk. And he just earned the title all over again when he realized I was sitting on Jordan's bed.

  “Well, that's not Olivia,” he said with a sneer. Jordan's shoulder's tightened.

  “Shut up, Gio. That shit's uncalled for,” Jordan said in a dangerously soft voice. Gio put his hands up in mock surrender.

  “I was just making an observation, man. Just a little surprised to see the swap in bed partners. After all, it was Olivia's fine ass up in here just a few weeks ago. Though pussy's pussy, right?” Gio grinned nastily in my direction. The acid bubbled in my stomach though I was proud of the hateful glare I threw in his direction. Gio purposefully licked his lips, his eyes raking over my body as though he saw straight through my clothing. This guy had date rapist written all over him. What a creep.

  Jordan got in the other guy's face. “That's enough. Get the fuck out,” Jordan growled, his face a scary shade of red. Gio looked at Jordan with a twinge of disgust.

  “Whatever. It's your dick. You can dip it wherever you want. Though I'd be sure to wrap it with that one.” I barely had time to register the insult before Jordan's arm reared back and swung around to connect with Gio's jaw.

  Gio went to the floor. He held his hand up over his face. “What the fuck man?” he screamed, trying to get to his feet. Jordan hauled him up and threw him out into the hallway. He stood over Gio, his hands clenched by his side, ready to do more damage if necessary.

  “Don't you ever fucking talk to my girl like that again! DO YOU HEAR ME?!” Jordan roared.

  A few of their brothers had appeared. One was trying to pull Jordan back while two others got Gio to his feet. Gio's jaw had blossomed in to a bright red and I knew he'd have a serious bruise in a few hours. Gio spat at Jordan's feet.

  “Bros before hoes man. Or have you forgotten? No chick is worth it,” he yelled, throwing me a look that made me want to crawl into a hole and hide.

  Jordan tried to lunge for him again, but their other roommate, Fred, pulled him back into his bedroom. Fred slammed the door and shoved Jordan back. “Don't bring your shit into this house, Jordan! I don't know what is up between you and Gio, but it ends now!” Fred was a big guy and manhandled Jordan with ease. I knew Fred played on the school's lacrosse team. He had always seemed like a sweet person but now he just looked pissed.

  Jordan turned and slammed his fist into the wall, plaster falling in big chunks to the floor. The whole time, I sat there on his bed, too freaked out to move or make a sound. It was like Jordan had forgotten I was there. Fred looked in my direction and gave me a tiny smile. “Sorry about that, Maysie. You okay?” he asked. I was shocked by the concern in his voice. I nodded.

  “Yeah,” I was able to squeak out.

  Fred turned back to Jordan. “Calm down. I'll talk to Gio. But this shit cannot happen again. We have to all live together. I think we need to have a house meeting tonight,” he said. Jordan didn't say anything and Fred didn't wait for a reply. He left the room after giving me another comforting smile. Once Fred was gone, Jordan seemed to try and get himself under control. I didn't know what to say, but I got to my feet and tentatively walked toward him.

  I put my hand on his arm. “It's okay,” I said softly. Jordan grabbed my hand and pulled me to him in a tight hold.

  “No, Maysie. It is NOT okay! Is this the shit you've been dealing with?” he asked in a pained voice. I didn't say anything. I didn't want him to get even more fired up than he already was. Jordan must have taken my silence for acquittance because he tightened his hold on me. “I'll fucking kill them all! They cannot talk about you like that!” he said angrily.

  I pulled away from him. “Stop it, Jordan. I don't need you to fight my battles for me,” I assured him. Jordan shook his head and looked so upset that it wrenched at my heart.

  “This is my fault! I created this stupid mess. If I had just broken up with Olivia in the first place...” I put my fingers over his mouth to quiet him. His eyes held mine and I hated to see him like this.

  “Yeah, the situation sucks. I won't lie and say it doesn't. But I'm a big girl and I made the choices that I did knowing the consequences. It is not entirely your fault. It takes two to tango, Jordan. We got into this together and we'll handle it together. Right?” I asked. Jordan nodded, kissing the fingers that still covered his lips.

  “Then, we'll be alright,” I said confidently. Jordan pulled my hand from his mouth and roughly kissed my lips. His hands came up to tangle in my hair as he ravaged my mouth. He always kissed this way. Like he was trying to eat me alive. Pulling away, he dropped his forehead to rest against mine.

  “I mean it when I say I won't tolerate the kind of bullshit people are saying about you!” he said emphatically. I held his face with my hands, touched that he wanted to defend me like that. But also feeling sad that he had to in the first place.

  I placed my lips to his and he softened immediately. His arms came up to hold me and we stood like that for a while, not saying anything else. I looked up at the clock on his wall.

  “Well, I'd say breakfast is out of the question,” I said, indicating the time. We had thirty minutes before our classes started. Jordan grabbed his messenger bag and slung it over his shoulder and then he took my hand in his.

  “I can't have my girl going to class hungry. Let's at least stop and get a bagel.” His earlier anger had
dissipated and he smiled down at me in a tender way so at odds with his bad boy appearance. With his facial piercings, buzzed head and tattoos he looked like the quintessential bad ass. But I was beginning to see the soft heart underneath it all. And it was safe to say I had already fallen more than a bit in love with him.

  A few of the guys said goodbye as we left but Jordan ignored them. After we got back into his truck, I felt the need to address the icy vibe between him and his fraternity brothers. “I hate to see you so mad your friends,” I said, watching him as he concentrated on the road. He glanced at me and frowned.

  “If they were my friends, they wouldn't look at you the way they just did. So fuck 'em.” He said it with a conviction that I wished I felt.

  But I didn't want to be the reason there was a rift between him and his Pi Sig brothers. “I'm sure it's just weird seeing you with someone who isn't Olivia.” I had to force her name out of my mouth. I hated bringing her up at all. Jordan snorted.