Schooled in Love

by Emma Nichols

  “And how do you know all this?” I frowned.

  Tasi held up the screen of her phone. “We’re your friends. We needed proof.”

  I snatched the phone from her hand and scrolled through the entire group message.

  * * *

  Jordan: She’s home and safe. Her mother undressed her, but I had to help lift her. Okay?

  Sabine: I don’t believe you. Proof. Now. Or I call the cops.

  * * *

  I clapped a hand over my mouth to hide my laugh. When I pulled it away, I murmured, “Wow. You really hate him.”

  “Please. That’s not even the best part. Keep reading.” Sabine shook her head.

  I turned my attention back to the phone. Jordan had sent a picture of me curled up under the covers on my bed.

  * * *

  Sabine: Not good enough. She could be anywhere. That could be your trunk for all I know.

  * * *

  Jordan sent a picture of him holding me in his arms. I looked perfectly calm and peaceful. And I’d missed it. Dammit.

  Jordan: Is this what you’re worried about? Or is it this?

  The next image was his hand hovering over my blanketed breast.

  Jordan: I’m not touching her. I’d never hurt her or take advantage of her.

  Sabine: And I’ll be the first one to call bullshit, but I do believe you’re not touching her. She’s home safe. Now you go to your home. Immediately. Again, proof. Or I’ll call her parents.

  Jordan: You’re fucking impossible, Sabine. You know this right?

  Tasi: You should try sharing an apartment with her.

  Sabine: Tasi, remember where you’re sleeping tonight.

  Tasi: Double bed near the window.

  Sabine: Nice try, bish.

  Must be their banter allowed enough time to pass for Jordan to make it home, as evidenced by the next picture he sent. He was sitting on his window ledge and in the background, thanks to the lamp on my nightstand, you could barely make out my house with me sleeping soundly in my bed.

  Jordan: I still think I should’ve stayed. What if she wakes up sick?

  Sabine: Go to bed, Jordan. You’ll see her tomorrow.

  * * *

  “See, I saved you,” Sabine announced.

  “From happiness,” I muttered.

  “Well, if you feel that strongly about it, here comes your big bad chance at happiness now.” She gestured toward the sidewalk. Jordan was walking purposefully toward us. He had on a pair of aviators, flip-flops, and the same swim trunks as yesterday. This time, however, he had a towel slung around his neck and for some reason, the guy wasn’t wearing a shirt.

  I whimpered.

  “What’s that sound mean?” Sabine asked.

  “Oh, it’s just the sound I make when my ovaries explode.” I sighed.

  Jordan

  * * *

  With her gorgeous red hair, Sasha was easy to pick out of any crowd. I’d been steadily walking toward her after peeling off my shirt and leaving it in the car. I knew how I looked without it, and I hoped maybe if she saw me this way, she might give me a chance to explain myself. I shook my head. I didn’t want to explain. I wanted to start over. And prom tonight was the perfect place for that. I didn’t care about her past as much as I cared about our potential future. Despite what Mia had told me years ago, Sasha was still the best woman I knew.

  I’d nearly made it to her when Mia swooped in and cut me off. “What do you want, Mia?” I grumbled as I stared past her to Sasha and her group of friends. They were watching the entire exchange. Hell, they were so close, they could probably hear it too.

  “It’s not what I want, it’s what you want,” she purred.

  I crossed my arms over my chest and glared at her. “And just what do you think I want?”

  “Me. Tonight. On your arm. We were the royal couple, remember?” She batted her lashes at me.

  “Right. I remember. That was then. This is now.” I shook my head. “You don’t get it, do you?”

  Mia pouted. “What don’t I get?”

  I sighed as I watched Sasha and her friends wander out onto the sand. “This isn’t high school anymore. The stupid bullying shit you pulled, it’s both old and immature. Grow the fuck up, Mia. We’re through.”

  “We’re through when I say we’re through,” she hissed before she turned on her heels and stormed off to meet up with the rest of her mean girl friends who were hovering nearby.

  I made my way to the edge of the tree line and scanned the area for Sasha. She’d taken off her dress and had joined a game of beach volleyball. She was wearing a hot pink two piece that was barely holding her chest in when she jumped to hit the ball. The guy across from her was about losing his mind. And if he didn’t stop staring at her, he was going to lose more than that. Apparently, I growled low in my throat.

  “Still have the hots for Sasha, I see.” Beside me, Grady laughed.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about, dude.” I glared at him, a look that made most people wilt and run, but he merely shrugged.

  “Have it your way, but she clearly still likes you too.” He grinned and waved at some chick on the beach.

  I licked my lips. How desperate was I for hope? Apparently, desperate enough to hang on Grady’s every word. “What makes you think so?”

  “Pay attention. She keeps glancing over to see if you’re watching her.” He jerked his head toward the match taking place a few feet away.

  I stared for several minutes in silence before I mumbled, “Nothing. Not once.”

  “Dear God. You’re blind. No wonder you’re third string.” He rolled his eyes.

  “I’m going to assume you’re joking. Now what am I missing?” I snapped.

  “Watch. There. See how she keeps wiping her shoulders?”

  “Yeah?” I huffed.

  He clapped me on the back. “Where’s all the sand coming from? She hasn’t fallen. There’s no sand on her. She’s using it as an excuse to peek this way at you.”

  I tucked a fist under my chin as I surveyed her more critically. “And I suppose that tugging on her bikini bottom is for me, too, huh?”

  “Definitely. She’s not even paying attention to the guys fawning all over her. It’s you. It’s always been you. I don’t know what has taken you so long to catch on.” He sighed. “Stop taking so many hits to the head and learn how to hit on a girl. You’ll be just fine. My date is waiting on me.” Then he wandered away smiling.

  His advice was solid. I glanced around trying to figure out my next move. On the table was a floral centerpiece. Without hesitation, I strode over to it and pulled out a pale yellow rose. The school colors were green and gold and those planning the reunion had committed completely.

  “Hey,” Amanda snapped as I started walking away.

  “It’s for Sasha,” I murmured by way of explanation.

  “Dammit, Jordan.” She glared at me. “Go, but if Sabine catches you, I had nothing to do with this.”

  “You got it.” I rushed toward the volleyball match. As I neared, I saw Sasha on the ground surrounded by several of our male classmates. Pushing them out of the way, I squatted beside her. “What happened, Sassy?” My brow furrowed in concern.

  “Nothing major. I was distracted, tripped over my own feet, and wiped out in the sand.” She shrugged.

  “Let me help you up,” I offered. Then without waiting for her response, I scooped her up into my arms. “Now do you want to wash the sand out of your butt or grab a drink?”

  Her head tilted even as her hands wrapped around my neck. “Sand.”

  “Okay, then after do you want to grab a drink or lunch with me?” I studied her.

  “Can I not do both?” she asked playfully.

  I shrugged. “We can do both.” She smiled as I started to carry her toward the lake. “Okay, one final question.” I set her on her feet, inches from where the waves lapped against the shore.

  “Yes?” Her brows peaked.

  I laughed. “I hav
en’t even asked you yet, but cool.”

  “Wait. Did I just agree to something?” Her eyes widened in concern.

  “Why yes, Sassy. You’re going to prom with me.” I passed her the yellow rose and shot her a look, daring her change her response.

  “Oh, well, I guess since we live next door to each other, it makes sense.” Sasha nodded numbly.

  “Not because it’s practical. Not because we don’t have other options. Not as friends.” I shook my head and forced her chin up to look me in the eyes. “I want this to be our first date. This means a lot to me.”

  Sasha stared into my eyes for a few painfully silent moments. “I guess if it means that much to you, I’ll go.” The corners of her mouth turned up ever so slightly.

  “We’re going to have so much fun,” I murmured as I leaned down to press my lips against hers and despite what Mia had said back in high school, I didn’t even flinch.

  5

  Sasha

  I’d wanted to go to senior prom with Jordan. When he and Mia broke up, I thought I stood a chance. I’d bought a gown, shoes, and jewelry. I’d picked a hairstyle. Mostly, I was just waiting on the invitation. I’d turned down half a dozen of my own. Then, they reconciled and I ended up going to prom with my girls. Sabine couldn’t stand the thought of some high school boy pawing her and none of the college guys she’d met at her waitressing job wanted to go to a high school prom. Amanda was too focused for any distraction a guy might provide. And Tasi was so shy, she practically ran when a guy came near, which made it impossible for anyone to even ask.

  Little more than ten years later, I was finally getting everything I’d dreamed of so long ago. And I fully expected it to go up like the Hindenburg. Really. I’d given up on relationships. Once I did, everything else seemed to fall into place. As much as I feared the ramifications of so much happiness, I couldn’t relinquish the idea that Jordan might be my forever, if whatever kept coming between us could stop coming between us.

  At four in the afternoon, after a lovely lunch at Café Willow Bay, the same place we’d be having brunch tomorrow, we returned to our respective homes. He’d kissed me on the cheek, and even though we were only going to be apart a couple of hours, I was almost afraid to let him out of my sight. Historically speaking, that was when everything went downhill. So, I dressed and prepared to come down the stairs when Jordan rang the doorbell. This was my only shot at a dramatic entrance.

  Minutes before six in the evening, there was a knock on the door. My brows rose. I heard my father answer the door. “Jordan, come on in. I believe Sasha will be down in a minute.”

  I paced as long as I could stand it, trying to find the balance between being too eager and too ambivalent. Taking a deep breath, I opened my door and made my way down the stairs. For this prom, I’d decided to go with a more dramatic look, selecting a teal dress with a fitted sheath under a sheer long layer. There was a slit up both sides, and sparkles. I’d rolled my hair earlier and it was now long and wavy. In the hope there would be plenty of kisses, I’d even gone with clear lip gloss instead of something with more color. Jordan grinned as I stared into his eyes while strolling down the stairs.

  “Sasha, you’re absolutely stunning,” he murmured against my cheek.

  “Thank you. You clean up pretty nicely yourself,” I murmured as I draped my arms over both shoulders.

  “Pictures!” My mother stood nearby, holding a camera.

  “Mom, you can use your phone,” I reminded her gently.

  “Some things are better old fashioned,” she replied. “Pictures and romance especially.” She nodded knowingly.

  Jordan directed my attention to the end table. “I thought you might think a corsage was foolish, but I had to bring you flowers.” There was a vase filled with at least a dozen long-stemmed champagne roses. “And you’re way too special for anything as common as red roses.”

  Inhaling deeply, I gazed up into his arms. “You’re really good at this.”

  “What? Romance?” He shook his head. “Actually, I suck.”

  “Well, then you’re good at romancing me.” I sighed happily as he pressed his lips to my forehead.

  We tolerated pictures. His parents had snuck in the back door and joined in. As we left, they all waved us off together. “We won’t wait up!” My father called.

  “Have fun!” His mother called.

  Jordan opened my car door and waited until I was settled in before closing it. Then he wandered around the car and slid into the driver’s seat. “How’d we do?” he asked. “I feel like our parents are really invested in this.” He started the car and we began driving toward the hotel.

  I laughed. “Yes, I’d say it was sufficiently awkward. Shall we go grab dinner?”

  “Definitely. I thought we’d eat in the hotel restaurant. Think everyone will be trying to get rooms for later?” he asked, ending his question with a wink.

  I ran my hand down the inside of his arm. “Is that what you did last time?”

  He shook his head. “Nah, Mia needed to be surrounded by her court. We had an after party at The Straights that lasted until dawn. Then everyone went home.” Jordan held my hand and brought it to his lips. “I want what’s between us to be nothing like high school. We’re all grown up, and I want something real, lasting, and meaningful. Know what I mean?” He glanced at me, waiting for my reaction.

  I nodded emphatically. “Yes, I’m so past high school.”

  “Good. Let’s go have some fun.” He pulled up in front of the valet and froze. “Shit. Is that really what’s-his-face?”

  “Could be? I have no idea whom you’re referring to.” I frowned as we stared out the window at the guy who pulled up in the limo. “Do you suppose he still thinks this is like the original prom?”

  “He’s not even from our school. He graduated from St. Martin’s Academy. You know, our rival school. Last I heard, he was off to Harvard or one of those other Ivy League schools.” Jordan sighed.

  “Listen, ignore him. I’m sure he’s here for a wedding or something. No big deal.” I shrugged as I reached for the door handle.

  Jordan’s hand shot out to stop me. “Don’t do it, Sassy. No woman I’m dating ever opens her own door.”

  I studied him a moment. “Is this a ‘weaker sex’ thing?”

  He made a face. “No, this is a respect thing. This is what’s left of chivalry. Let me be a man.”

  “Okay. Come be a good man.” I grinned.

  We ate dinner at the restaurant and every once in a while, we’d see more of the St. Martin’s Academy grads. “So strange,” Jordan commented absently.

  “Well, shall we go up to the ballroom and get our dance on?” I leaned on conspiratorially. “I hear there are even half-priced drinks until nine.” I waggled my brows.

  He laughed. “Can I buy you a drink?”

  I held out my hand so he could help me stand. “I’d love it.”

  Once we reached the ballroom, we realized there was some confusion. Amanda was fuming. “They double booked the ballroom and now have had to divide it to accommodate both schools. Now we’re sharing our reunion with those arrogant bastards.” She jerked her thumb over her shoulder.

  “It’ll be fine. We’ll still have fun. Where’s your husband? I’d love to meet him and we can all grab a drink together.” I looped my arm through hers and tried to steer her away from all the commotion. Jordan had his hand on my lower back and kept smiling down at me. We’d barely made it into the room when some guy came up and clapped him on the back.

  “Jordan Mitchell, how the hell are you? Still in the NBA?” The guy sneered.

  “Walt…right? I only vaguely remember you. Yeah. The NFL is treating me just fine. Why don’t you go annoy someone from your own school, or did they ostracize you already?” Jordan puffed out his chest slightly.

  Then the guy turned his attention to me. “Nice. She your date?”

  “She’s with me, yes.”

  I could see Jordan visibly tensing. “Come on
. Let’s go. This guy is nobody.” I tugged on his sleeve and hoped he’d accompany me into the ballroom.

  “Just a second, Sasha. Promise. Go on without me,” he urged.

  I frowned and slowly started to wander away with Amanda. Sabine and Tasi were waiting for us just inside the door.

  “Dude, I get it. I’d forget all the rumors and totally wrap it to tap that.” Walt chuckled.

  My face flamed as I whipped around and stalked over to him. “What did you say?” My hands were fisted at my sides.

  “I said,” he leaned over until we were nearly nose to nose, “I’d wrap it to fuck some diseased little whore like you.”

  Amanda gasped. Laughter broke out all around us. And I let my temper get the better of me. Without thinking, I hauled off and punched him square in the face. He stumbled backwards. “Take it back or I’ll hit you again!”

  I was all talk because my wrist was throbbing so much I was afraid to look at it. Hot tears of rage dripped from my eyes. I looked at Jordan and shook my head. He already had the guy by the lapels. “Walk away, because I don’t mind going to jail if it means I got to beat the crap out of you first,” he snarled.

  My feelings were hurt. At least Jordan was sticking up for me, but he didn’t seem shocked. He seemed…embarrassed and angry. I didn’t understand. “Fresh air,” I whispered as I began to rush away leaving everyone and everything behind me.

  Jordan

  * * *

  Sasha was furious...and confused. And when our eyes met, I absolutely ached for her. I had to choose between beating the crap out of Walt, which would bring me so much pleasure, or being with Sasha, which was suddenly everything I never knew I always wanted. “Count your blessings, fucker. You’re not worth my time.”

  Then I rushed after my dream girl. “Sasha,” I called out as I jogged down the hall. I found her standing at the doors, ready to walk out onto the back patio.