by Kat Mizera
Luckily, I hadn’t been lying about being hungry and by the time we got to her dorm room, I was genuinely thinking about the pizza. We settled at the small table she had in the corner, and she handed me a soda and a paper towel, and then sat across from me.
“I’m definitely not set up for company,” she said, chuckling.
I looked around. “Maybe not, but your room is nicer than the one Paxton and I had our freshman year.”
“Well, as an R.A., I get some perks. Not many, but a private room, private bathroom, and maybe five square feet more than everyone else.”
“Better than nothing, right?”
“Especially since it’s free.”
“That’s definitely a bonus. Paxton and I work together all summer, two jobs, so we can afford our apartment and some spending money during the school year. We’re on athletic scholarships, but they don’t cover everything and our dad can’t afford to help.”
“What two jobs?” she asked.
“Lifeguard on weekdays, and at the local rink at night and on weekends.”
“And you took an online class too, right?”
I nodded.
“That’s a lot, especially in the summer. I’ve never had a job beyond tutoring and teaching, but I take classes all summer too, so I never get a break either. Sometimes I just want to run away and backpack through Europe or go be a roadie for a rock band or something.”
“All hundred pounds of you, huh? Lugging equipment around?”
“A hundred and ten,” she corrected me primly. “And I’m stronger than I look.”
“I have no doubt.” I grinned at her and she grinned back.
We ate our pizza and talked about hockey some more, since she’d made a list of questions for me, which was pretty cool. I explained about offsides and spearing, gave her a few examples of boarding, and even demonstrated high-sticking using a wooden spoon as a hockey stick, and the whole ordeal had us collapsing on her bed laughing.
“So now that you’ve high-sticked me,” she said, “does that mean you have to serve a penalty?”
“Sure.” I grinned at her. “What’s my punishment?”
“Hockey lessons.”
I arched a brow. “For you?”
She nodded. “How about we trade tutoring for hockey lessons? I don’t get enough exercise anyway, and I think it’ll be fun.”
“That’s not exactly punishment.”
“I know, but I don’t actually want to punish you.” She was looking at me expectantly. “I like you.”
We were on her bed, close together, and she wanted me to kiss her. I knew women and there was no mistaking that look. My first taste of her last night had told me it was going to take a lot of restraint to go slow, so I’d been trying to avoid this, but now I didn’t have a choice. This might kill me but I couldn’t help myself. I needed another taste, even if it didn’t go any further, and my lips had just touched hers when a pounding on the door made us both jump.
“Ellie! Open up!” The loud female voice sounded frantic.
“Harley?” Ellie quickly got up and went to the door, yanking it open. “Hey, what’s wrong?”
“Fight on the second floor—it’s bad this time. I called campus police but they’re handling a disturbance somewhere else on campus, and sometimes you’re the only one who can talk any sense into these guys.”
“Carter and Tuck?” Ellie asked, sliding her feet into her Chucks. This was a different Ellie, all business now, grabbing her phone as she turned to me. “I have to handle something—this is what I meant by Saturday night shenanigans.”
“Hey, I’m coming too.” I jumped up and jammed my feet into my sneakers, following her and the girl she’d called Harley.
We took the stairs down two floors and heard the shouts even before we got into the hallways.
“Shit.” Ellie took off running so I did too and when we got to the lounge area—there was a gathering area with chairs and tables on each floor for students to hang out in—a massive fight had broken out. Two guys I recognized from the wrestling team were throwing punches like their lives were at stake and I didn’t even have time to wrap my head around what was going on before Ellie walked right into the melee. I called to her, terrified she’d get caught between punches, but it was too loud and all I could do was follow.
To my surprise, she climbed up on one of the only tables that remained upright and let out a loud, shrill whistle.
“Knock it off!” I would never have imagined someone as petite as Ellie could have a voice that loud, but she did.
Tuck and Carter momentarily stopped, turning their heads in her direction.
“I warned you about what would happen if campus police was called again, dammit,” she said, putting her hands on her hips.
“But he—” Tuck began.
“Don’t fucking lie!” Carter yelled, interrupting.
They started swinging again and Ellie whistled once more, this time even louder. “Campus police is on the way and you’re both going to jail this time if you don’t stop it, right fucking now.”
They both turned to glare at her, chests heaving, blood dripping from Tuck’s nose and a cut above Carter’s right eye.
“I mean it,” she said, tapping her foot impatiently. “Work out whatever it is this time, and then go get cleaned up. You’re also going to come back here and clean up this mess.”
“Aw, come on, El!” someone yelled out. “I’ve got ten bucks on Tuck!”
“Gambling is illegal on campus,” she said. “Now get out of here—all of you.”
There was grumbling and muttered curses, but people actually began to disperse, and Tuck and Carter went in opposite directions.
“The Thug Whisperer strikes again,” Harley said, chuckling.
Ellie hopped down off the table and righted a few chairs that had been tipped over. She was certainly full of surprises.
“At least once a week,” she muttered, shaking her head.
“They’re both in love with Shauna Little,” Harley said. “And she hooks up with both of them. Whenever the other finds out, they fight.”
“They just want to fight,” Ellie said. “They use Shauna as an excuse but it’s like they can’t stand going more than a week without throwing a few punches. As if they don’t have any other outlet to burn off nervous energy or something. Except it always winds up happening here in the dorm and then I get in trouble because they say I can’t handle it.”
“Seems to me you handled it just fine,” I said.
“Sometimes. Other times it’s like pulling teeth to get them to settle down.” She looked around. “I’m going to get a lecture about the two broken chairs, and if I do, those guys are going to be doing my laundry for the rest of the semester!”
“Oh, look, campus police are coming,” Harley said, looking out the window. “A day late and a dollar short.”
“I’m going back to my room,” Ellie said. “They know where to find me if they need me.”
We went back up to her room and she collapsed on her bed, flat on her back. “Aren’t you glad you hung out with me tonight?”
“Actually, I am.” Her legs were hanging over the edge of the bed and I plopped down beside her. “You’re pretty badass.”
She smiled. “I had to figure it out if I was going to become an R.A., so I probably cheated a little. Early in the semester, I did some free tutoring for my problem children, like Tuck and Carter, and got myself in their good graces. Even though they were grumpy tonight, they’re both pretty protective of me, so they know that no matter how mad they are at each other, they don’t want to upset me.”
“That’s pretty cool,” I replied. “We all do what we have to do to get by. I think you’re doing a great job. There was no doubt back there that you commanded respect.”
“My mom said I’d never be able to handle it,” she admitted softly. “So I do absolutely everything in my power to prove her wrong.”
“Like me and my dad.” I reached over and too
k her hand. Her much-smaller fingers curled around mine and we held them there between us. For the first time in probably ever, I was alone with an attractive young woman, on a bed, and the last thing on my mind was sex. I just wanted to talk to her. Listen to her. Laugh with her. Comfort her and let her comfort me.
It made no sense, but here I was, being a perfect gentleman.
“Do you ever wonder what it would be like to have parents who weren’t overbearing and pushy?” she asked after a moment. “Like normal, supportive parents who think it’s okay to screw up once in a while? Who just want you to be happy instead of trying to live vicariously through you?”
I sighed. “All the time.”
Our eyes met and something intangible passed between us. An unspoken understanding of the kind of pressure most people our age—or maybe any age—had no idea about. While her mother was pressing her into a career she didn’t want, my father was pushing me into one I wanted, but sooner than I wanted to do it.
“I’m so glad I met you, Patrick. You get me without even trying.”
“Ditto.” We turned on our sides and faced each other.
“I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, but it’s nice to know I’m not the only one with this kind of pressure. It’s always been a little lonely, you know?”
“Well, it’s not exactly the same for me because I have my twin, but yeah, I get it. That feeling of isolation, where you have to play both sides of the coin, to follow your heart while keeping other people happy.”
“It’s so hard sometimes. And there’s no one I can talk to about it.”
“Not anymore. Now you can talk to me.”
“You’re sweet.” She searched my face. “Patrick?”
“Hmm?”
“Would you kiss me again?”
8
Patrick
Oh, hell. Here went nothing. I was terrified that once we started, we’d never stop, but how could I resist such sweet innocence? And I had no doubt she was innocent. I’d have bet my left nut she was a virgin, which was a whole different type of terrifying, but right now, I wasn’t thinking about anything except how soft her lips were. How it sounded when she sighed into my mouth. How trim and sexy her body was as it pressed against mine.
I could have kissed her all night. She was a little timid at first, but then she relaxed and let me guide her. Her mouth was soft and pliable, her lips tasting faintly of something fruity. When a lock of silky hair draped over my forearm, it was possibly the sexiest thing I’d felt in a long time. I wanted to dig my fingers in it, roll on top of her and devour her. But fuck, I didn’t want to scare her off either.
I slowly and reluctantly pulled away, staring down into her pretty face. She was breathless and flushed, which probably described me as well, but I loved seeing it on her. The more I looked at her, the prettier she was, and the more I wanted to touch her.
“You’re beautiful,” I said softly, running my knuckles along her cheek.
“Thank you.” She bit her lip, as if she didn’t quite believe me and was going to protest but then thought better of it.
“What?” I asked. “You wanted to say something and then changed your mind.”
She smiled faintly. “I just, well, I’m not… I mean, I’ve never done anything like this before.”
“Like what? Making out in your dorm room?”
“Or, you know, making out anywhere.” She blew out a breath. “It’s kind of embarrassing.”
“How come?”
“I hate not knowing how to do something!”
There was such frustrated determination on her face, I laughed. I couldn’t help it. She was such a damn overachiever. I understood it, but in this context, it was pretty adorable. “I’m going to call foul on that and say you definitely know how to kiss.”
“Liar.” She made a face. “I was probably horrible at it when we first started.”
“You were tentative. That’s not the same as horrible.”
“I’m way out of my element,” she whispered. “And I know your reputation. I don’t know if I’m…what you’re used to.”
“What am I used to?”
“You know.” She looked away.
“I’m not looking for a casual hookup. I can get that at the rink after any game. I wouldn’t risk screwing up with someone who’s not just my tutor but also a friend of my brother’s.”
“But why me? You just said it—you can have your pick at the rink.”
“Because there’s something between us.” I paused. “Isn’t there?”
“I think so, but like I told you, this is my first time dating as an adult so I don’t have anything to compare it to. Yet another reason I hate when I don’t know how to do something.”
“This is our second date and you’re doing fine.” I leaned over and pressed a kiss on the tip of her nose. “And anything you want to know, just ask.”
“It feels so dorky!” she blurted out. “And you can’t possibly understand how tired I am of being dorky.”
“You think you’re dorky?” I narrowed my eyes a little. “What are you talking about? You’re a little shy, and I’ll go so far as to call you inexperienced, but dorky? Why? Because you’re smart? Ellie, a real man, at least a man like me, likes a woman with a brain. I guess I can’t speak for all men, but for me? Your smarts are a huge turn-on. As are your big blue eyes. And your ass…” I sighed and blew out a breath, shaking my head a little. “I can’t wait until the day you’re ready to let me bite it.”
Her mouth opened slightly and her eyes were glassy, but she had her usual shy smile playing on her lips. “You want to bite my butt?”
“Not hard,” I whispered, leaning in. “Unless you ask me to.” I kissed her again, taking her mouth gently but firmly, hopefully showing her how much I liked her.
We kissed for a while, but I kept my hands to myself, beyond resting one on her hip, and focused on making her forget all that nonsense about her being a dork. What made her think that? I didn’t think she was dorky at all and couldn’t imagine anyone thinking that about her. She was beautiful and had a smokin’ hot body, so even guys who were turned off by how smart she was would still be interested in getting her into bed. Wouldn’t they? Because I definitely was.
When we finally came up for air, I made a conscious decision to slow things down. I kept telling myself that, but then the minute she touched me, I’d forget my resolve, so I had to be stronger than this.
“You are so not dorky,” I whispered.
“I so am.” She was smiling when she said it this time, though.
“Wanna watch a movie?” I asked, trying to concentrate on anything other than my raging erection. “We can cuddle and stay warm.”
“Sounds like fun.” She got out her laptop and logged into Netflix. I let her choose the movie, thinking she’d pick a rom-com or something, but she chose an action-disaster flick I’d never seen. It was something about skyscrapers and tornadoes, and though it was pretty good, I was far more distracted by her. The side of her lithe body pressed against my side. Her long legs even though they were covered by jeans. Her sweet laugh. Even the small mounds made by her breasts. They weren’t very big, but I had a feeling they would be perky and round and fit right in my hands.
I really needed to stop thinking about her body.
About sex.
About teaching her all the bedroom things.
Jesus, what kind of prick was I that I wanted to be the one to do that?
Stop it! I mentally chided myself. She wasn’t ready and, frankly, I’d known her all of thirty-six hours. What the hell was wrong with me?
We fell asleep side by side on the bed, fully dressed, and the next time I opened my eyes, she was on her side with her head on my chest. Glancing toward the window, it was dark and gray outside, a heavy snow falling. Well, a good day to study since there wouldn’t be much else to do.
“Hey.” I gently nudged Ellie. “Wake up, sleepyhead.”
“Hmm?” She blinked awake and then smiled. “
Morning.”
“Morning.” I sat up. “I’m starving. Can we go get breakfast before we start studying?”
“Are we studying today?” she asked, quirking a brow.
“Hey, I’m all about having a good time,” I laughed. “You want to skip studying, I’m in. We can make out all day.”
She blushed. “You know we have to study. Let me freshen up and then we can go to breakfast.”
We headed out ten minutes later and I took her hand as we walked. It was freezing today, probably close to zero degrees, but our gloved hands slid together easily. I had no desire to study, but I had every desire to spend more time with her, so I’d do whatever it took. If that helped me in the academic department, that was a cool bonus.
We’d just gotten to the dining hall entrance when a familiar voice called out, “Hey, you two.” My twin was looking at me quizzically, his eyes briefly traveling down to where my hand was linked with Ellie’s, and then back to my face.
“Hey.” Ellie gave him a casual grin. “This must be Naomi.”
“You two haven’t met?” Paxton shook his head as he slid his arm around his girlfriend. “Babe, this is Ellie. Ellie, Naomi.”
The ladies exchanged greetings.
“You guys want to eat with us?” Naomi asked.
“Sure.” Ellie seemed happy about it and though I kind of wanted her all to myself, I went along amiably.
We separated once we were inside. I went to make an omelet and Ellie went toward the waffles. Paxton followed me, so I tried to keep my face neutral as I waited for the inevitable grilling. He was protective of his friends in general, and I had a feeling he would be even more so when it came to Ellie.
“Please tell me you didn’t do what I think you did,” he hissed under his breath.
“I can’t read your mind,” I replied easily, “so it’s hard to say.”
“Don’t do that!” He gave me a look. “She’s a nice girl. She’s a friend of mine. Why would you do this?”