It’s crowded tonight and we had to wait half an hour for a table. Once we get seated and have ordered, I decide, here goes nothing. I take a deep calming breath.
“Jake, I don’t know how to say this, so I am just going to come out with it. I think we should take a break,” I sigh out softly.
“”What?” Jake asks, like he didn’t hear me.
“I think we should take a break,” is the best way I can say it.
“Why? I thought things were good between us, I’m crazy about you, Kara. I thought you felt the same way,” he says pleadingly.
“I do enjoy being with you Jake. You’ve been so gentle, kind and caring. I’m sorry, but I just want to be on my own for awhile and focus on school,” I can’t bring myself to say that I want to see other people. Then he’ll want to know who and I don’t want to go there.
“That’s bullshit. Who is it?” he demands, his whole demeanor has changed on me.
“No one in particular. Don’t jump to conclusions.”
“I know I’m right, there must be someone else you want to go out with,” he accuses. He can probably see it in my face, I’m a terrible liar.
“Jake, it’s not like that. There is no one else,” I try to say convincingly.
“Then why are you breaking up with me?” he asks as he softens towards me again. What do I say now? I have never had to break up with someone. This is the first real relationship I’ve ever been in and I am learning as I go along.
“Jake, please try and understand. I just want to be on my own for awhile and spread my wings.”
“And your legs,” Jake says cuttingly.
“The nerve of you,” I say back, hurt by his coarse words. I look away and glance around the restaurant. Jake is not making this easy for me. I had a feeling he wouldn’t let this end quietly, he’s bad boy Jake after all, but now he is just being a jerk. I’m tempted to call a cab. “You take that back or else I’m leaving.”
“Alright, I’m sorry Kara. You just took me by total surprise. I wasn’t expecting you to break up with me. Things are going so good between us,” he says to me in his sweet Jake voice.
“Let’s just try a break for awhile, ok? But I still want to be friends and hang out together sometimes, deal?” I mean it, I do still want to be friends. Jake will always have a special place in my heart, he was my first. Jake doesn’t answer me for the longest time. It seems to be taking him awhile to process what I’m saying. I suppose I blind-sided him, I’m not good at this.
FOURTEEN
~DEENA~
It’s Monday night and all of us are actually home tonight, this is a rare occasion.
“Hey guys, let’s all go to the Trojan Barrel on Wednesday night, it will be fun,” I suggest, we need to all go out together and have a good time. It’s been too long.
“Sounds good, I’m in,” Clarissa is game.
“Me too,” Lexi chimes in.
“I am officially single again, so I’m definitely in,” Kara says.
“What about you and Jake?” Clarissa asks.
“I wanted to take a break,” Kara states surprising us all.
“Good for you girl, be single and ready to mingle is my motto,” I cheer Kara on.
“You surprise me Kara. I thought you were into him. Or should I say he was into you,” Clarissa laughs wickedly.
“He’s a sweetheart, but I was feeling restless. I want to spread my wings and be single and ready to mingle as Deena puts it,” Kara giggles.
*****
Wednesday night rolls around and it’s crowded here at the Trojan Barrel. We weave our way to the bar to get drinks and get this party started. Lexi spots Troy and Jason first, they’re flanked by the usual sorority girls looking to hook up with them.
“I don’t think they see us yet,” Lexi says, glancing their way. She’s obviously upset.
“Did you know he was going to be here tonight?” Clarissa asks.
“No, oh shit now they’re heading our way,” Lexi says, looking away. Troy comes and wraps his arms around Lexi’s waist from behind and Jason puts his arm around Clarissa and she immediately tenses.
“Hi ladies,” Jason greets us all, always the charmer. We all exchange hellos, but it’s a little awkward. I can tell Clarissa wants to let her hair down but Jason is cramping her style with his possessive arm around her and I know for a fact that she tried to break it off with him. Why is beyond me, she had a great thing going with him. This secret lover of hers must be some kind of stud. I’m so darn curious to meet him.
“Hey Deena,” Clay Atkins says, walking up to me. You remember him, the stud calendar guy. He has a body that won’t quit and he is just plain gorgeous to look at.
“Hi Clay, how are you doing?” I say flirtatiously. I could definitely go for thirds.
“This is my frat brother Kyle,” Clay says, introducing his friend who I notice is checking out Kara.
“This is my roommate Kara,” I say, introducing her to Clay and Kyle who is obviously interested. I know whom I’m going home with tonight. Wonder if Kara would have the guts to do a hook up. Jason is practically guarding Clarissa, he won’t let anyone near her, poor girl. We lock eyes and I give her a look of sympathy, I will try and rescue her.
“Clay, can you excuse me for a minute, don’t go too far,” I whisper in his ear suggestively and he gets the hint, giving me a nod and a wicked little smile as he pinches my behind.
“Hey Clarissa, come with me to the ladies room,” I say, walking up to her and Jason.
“You girls always have to go in pairs don’t you? What’s up with that?” Jason teases, releasing Clarissa from his clutches.
“Thank you,” Clarissa sighs out as we ditch into the bathroom.
“Dang girl, Jason’s still trying to be possessive,” I say to Clarissa once we seek refuge in the ladies room.
“Tell me about it. He’s cramping my style, I wanted to have a good time with you guys and he’s glued to me,” she sighs out in exasperation.
“He’s not making this easy for you is he?”
“No, he didn’t take the ‘I need a break’ very well. I suppose being Jason Bancroft no girl has ever wanted a break, usually the other way around. He claims he never had a girlfriend before me though. I see your hunky calendar guy is here tonight.”
“You know who I’m going home with tonight,” I say slyly.
“You’re lucky Ken isn’t here tonight and that he’s so cool about things,” Clarissa says, sounding a bit envious.
“Yes I know, I get to have my cake and eat it too,” I tease.
“How am I going to get Jason to leave me alone?” Clarissa cries out.
“That’s a tough one,” is all I can say.
We head out of the ladies room and it’s even more crowded now. I scan the bar for Clay and see he’s standing at a table with Lauren, my sorority sister that fooled around with Jason at our last exchange. I make my way over there and Clay see’s me first and offers me a smile. Lauren follows his eyes and sees us approaching. Clarissa is still with me, following me unknowingly to the girl who Jason may have cheated on her with. Deciding not to go over there, I stop in my tracks and Clarissa bumps into me.
“What’s wrong?” Clarissa asks.
“Oh, let’s head over to the bar and get some drinks. I’m thirsty,” I reply.
Jason comes sidling up to Clarissa and wraps his arm around her again like he owns her. I feel sorry for her and give her a look.
“Hey babe, let’s get out of here,” I hear Jason slur out to Clarissa. He’s had a few too many by now. I stay close in case she needs back up.
“No, I’m going to stay awhile longer and party with my roommates. We never get to hang out together,” she says sweetly. Smart girl, don’t rebuff him too harshly or he may get mad.
“Alright, I will hang out longer then,” he says with a pout.
“Come on, let’s get our drinks,” I say taking Clarissa’s hand and pulling her through the crowd towards the bar.
&nb
sp; “Someone just pinched my ass,” Clarissa says into my ear, and we laugh, not looking back. I manage to get the bartender’s attention and order us two Cosmos.
“Hey Deena,” Clay says, coming up to me, staring at me like he’s anxious to get busy.
“Hey Clay,” I flirt back.
“You almost ready to get out of here?” he asks, not wasting anytime.
“Let me hang out with my roommates a little longer and then we can get busy,” I say close to his ear, raising my eyebrows for good measure. He gives me a nod and a sinfully sexy grin and pats my behind. I get our drinks, hand one to Clarissa and make our way back to Lexi and Kara.
Kara is talking and flirting with Kyle. Lexi and Troy are wrapped up in each other as usual. Clay is by my side and Clarissa is enjoying her Cosmo and trying to elude Jason. Clarissa has it made and she doesn’t even realize how good she has it. She has Jason Bancroft wrapped around her finger and she wants someone else. Would love to see who this secret lover is.
“Clarissa, when can I meet this secret lover of yours? The guy who has you eluding THE Jason Bancroft.” I ask.
“Shhhh, don’t ask me about it here,” Clarissa says, looking around. She gets so strange about this secret lover guy, honestly.
“Alright, alright. You get so touchy about him, I’m just curious,” I say in defense.
“I want to head out before Jason approaches me again,” Clarissa tells me.
“I’m going home with Clay,” I whisper to her. She just smiles and rolls her eyes at me. Clarissa says something to Kara and they leave together before Jason spots them. Lexi leaves hand in hand with her darling Troy, who is obviously whipped. I leave hand in hand with Clay, thankful that Ken isn’t here tonight.
FIFTEEN
~CLARISSA~
Sunday afternoons and nights have become my standing date with Grant. Something I look forward to all week long.
Grant and I are cuddling in bed tonight.
“You’re not seeing Jason anymore are you?” he ventures to ask.
“No, of course not,” I reply a little hurt that he thinks I would continue to see them both at the same time. What kind of a girl does he think I am?
“Just asking.”
“Why do you even need to ask Grant, isn’t it obvious that I’m with you?” I say, lifting my head off his chest and penetrating him with my eyes so he can see the sincerity behind my words. You would think I have told him with my body already. How could he think I would be intimate with him if I was still with Jason?
“I see the way he still touches you in class, like he still owns you.”
“I know, he was like that the other night when I ran into him at the Trojan Barrel.” Grant doesn’t say a word, but I see his jaw clench.
“He still wants you doesn’t he?” Grant finally grunts out through clenched teeth.
“I suppose, but I told him we were over. I can’t be with him anymore. All I could think about was you. Everyday I was swooning over you in class, Professor,” I say with a seductive smile. His beautiful pool blue eyes meet mine, I get lost in those eyes of his.
I’m falling hard for him, as scared as I am to admit it. It’s true.
“Everyday you looked so damn enticing, I couldn’t stop imagining having you in my bed again,” he admits.
“Hmm, you didn’t find a temporary replacement?” I tease, although I seriously wonder if he did.
“Why are you asking?” Grant questions.
“I saw that other coed coming up to you every other day asking for your ‘help’ and I thought maybe…” I trail off to gauge his reaction.
“No Clarissa, I wasn’t tempted by Taylor Ashcroft if that’s what you’re insinuating. She pales in comparison to you sweetheart,” he says endearingly, kissing me on the nose. His words warm my heart.
I’m not sure how serious this is between us, but I will take whatever he gives me. I think he might feel the same way, but neither of us has expressed how strongly we feel about each other. We tread lightly right now, testing the waters so to speak. I know I love all of the delicious things he does to my body.
SIXTEEN
~JASON~
I blew it, plain and simple.
Lauren was all over me and I just couldn’t resist. Hey, I did manage to keep it in my pants, but boy she made it hard, literally. We rolled around back in my room and she made it clear she wanted to do way more.
Clarissa was wise to it, sort of, thanks to Deena. I suppose if I found out she kissed another guy I would be livid. She ended us, for now anyway. I still have hope that maybe she will come around in due time. She has been giving me the cold shoulder and my charms no longer work on her.
If I’m single again, I might as well try and make the most of it.
I see Deena sitting alone at lunch today.
“Hey Deena,” I say in greeting as I sit down with her.
“Oh hey, Jason,” she gives me a welcoming smile.
“What’s up with Clarissa?”
“Not much,” she replies.
“She is immune to my charms again.”
“Jason, maybe it’s because she ended it with you.”
“Yeah, yeah I know. For now anyways, is she seeing anyone? Any guys coming around?”
“Well, you didn’t hear it from me, but she’s seeing secret lover boy again.”
“No way.”
“Yes, I think they have been going away on the weekends.”
It burns me up inside, but I try to keep my cool.
“The guy in Beverly Hills?”
“Yes.”
“Who is this guy?”
“I have no idea, she’s pretty tight lipped about him.”
“I’m so dying to know.”
“I bet you are.”
“Find out for me.”
“No, I’m not doing your dirty work. You’re on your own,” Deena flat out refuses.
I spot Clarissa heading our way and she doesn’t look happy to see me sitting here. Tough luck for her, it’s a free country.
“Hi,” she tries to be friendly in spite of the look on her face.
“Hi Clarissa.”
She sits down and I want to ask her, confront her, but I keep my mouth shut. It’s tense and awkward now and it kills me. I want what we had before I had a few too many beers and a lapse in judgment.
“I’m off to class guys. See you later,” Deena says and leaves us alone.
“Clarissa, I’m sorry I blew it. I miss you, I miss what we had together.”
She stares at me for the longest time before she speaks.
“Jason, I can’t trust you anymore. You can’t blame the alcohol or the girls, you have to show restraint if you want to have a girlfriend. I’m just saying that’s usually how it works. Now, if you just want to be dating someone, then maybe you could do as you please. You know, like Deena manages to do. As long as both people agree and are cool with that kind of arrangement, then no harm, no foul,” Clarissa explains, catching me by surprise.
“Would you go along with something like that?” I ask curiously.
“I doubt it. My heart gets involved, I believe I’m an all in or all out kind of girl myself, as tempting as the proposition would be. I know someone would get hurt and that would probably be me,” she admits.
“Will you give me another chance? We’re so good together babe. Or are you seeing someone else already?” I venture to ask.
Her whole demeanor changes and her expression is guarded. I can tell she is thinking of her answer carefully.
“I can’t bring myself to give you another chance Jason.” So she evades the second question and I let it go. Deena already answered it for me. “I need to get going. See you around.”
She stands up and squeezes my shoulder as she gives me a parting smile and I feel the chill.
SEVENTEEN
~DEENA~
Clarissa and I are eating lunch in the courtyard today and I spot Clay fast approaching.
“Hey Deena, Clarissa,” he says
, taking a seat next to me. “Do you want to go to my spring formal with me?” he comes right out and asks, full of confidence.
“Sure, sounds like fun,” I agree excitedly.
“You’re the fun one, that’s why I’m asking you. I know we’ll have a great time,” he says, giving me a knowing look that makes me blush as Clarissa takes all of this in.
“Where’s is at?” I ask.
“Our President, Charlie Wagner belongs to the LA Country Club, so that’s where we’re having it. It’s three weeks from this Saturday. Do you remember my frat brother Kyle, you met him at the Trojan Barrel?” Clay asks.
“Yes, I remember Kyle,” I reply.
“He needs a date. Do you think Kara would be interested in going with him?”
“I can ask her.”
“Does she have a boyfriend?”
“Not anymore, they broke up a couple of weeks ago.”
“Ok, Kyle wasn’t sure if he got a boyfriend vibe from her or not.”
“No, I think she would be interested in going with him, I will ask her tonight.”
“Perfect, cool. See you around.” He stands and heads off.
“Damn, he is so unbelievably gorgeous,” Clarissa says from across the table as she watches him walk away.
“I know, model good looks. He’s great in the sack too!” I giggle. I always kiss and tell.
“Really, do tell. I want details,” Clarissa teases, raising her eyebrows as a big grin spreads across her face. We both burst out in a fit of laughter.
“I think Kara will be excited to go to the formal with Kyle, don’t you?”
“It will be good for her. To be honest I’m surprised she ended it with Jake, weren’t you?” Clarissa asks.
“Good for her, she got some experience with him and now she wants to change it up.”
“I think he’s bummed, she broke his heart,” Clarissa observes.
“I know, he does seem a little down and asks about her when I see him in their apartment when I go and see Ken.”
Romance: Close Encounters Boxed Set Books 1 thru 6 ( New Adult and College Series Books 1 thru 6) Page 20