Campus Crush

by Ashelyn Drake

  His hands move up my back to my hair, and he pulls my head back gently exposing my neck. His lips trail down my jaw and to the nape of my neck. I bite my lip to stifle a moan, but it manages to slip out anyway. Andy slowly eases off, opening his eyes to see my reaction. I debate pulling his lips back to mine, but for the moment I drape my arms around his shoulders and just stare into his baby blue eyes.

  “Wow.”

  He can say that again. “Yeah.”

  “I can honestly say that’s the first time I didn’t have to make the first move.”

  “And it’s the first time I ever made the first move.”

  He smiles. “Then I’m honored.” He leans forward and places a single kiss on my neck. His hips rise under me, and I know exactly where he’s hoping this is going to lead. My body is screaming for his touch, but I don’t want to be that girl. The one who goes off to college and sleeps with the first guy she meets. As much as I want Andy, I can’t do this right now.

  I slide off his lap and look at the clock on the wall. “It’s almost dinnertime. I guess I should go check out my room and find Julia.”

  He nods, but I can tell he’s disappointed. I am too, but my brain is determined to win this battle with my heart.

  “Will I see you at dinner?” I hope he knows I don’t want things to end this way. I want to get to know him better.

  “I actually have plans with my dad. I should be back before the social is over, though. So, maybe I’ll see you there.”

  Maybe. I hate that word right now. “Okay.” I stand up and head to the door, realizing I have no clue where I’m going. “Oh, where’s Sherman Hall?”

  “They stuck you guys in Sherman? That’s just cruel. It’s the oldest dorm on campus.”

  I force a laugh. “I guess they go all out for the incoming freshmen.”

  “Head back to the quad and turn left past the Newman building—you know, where the athletic lecture was.” He stands up. “I could walk you there if you want.”

  “You don’t have to do that.” Of course I want him to, and I’m relieved that he’s not acting weird after I ended our make-out session so abruptly.

  “I don’t mind, but it’s up to you.” He shoves his hands in his pockets.

  “Don’t you have to get ready to meet your dad? I don’t want to make you late.”

  “Your dorm is actually on the way to his office. I have to go right by it.”

  I smile. “Then I guess that decides it.”

  He smiles back and motions for me to lead the way. I head toward the stairs, assuming that’s what he’d do.

  “Do you and your dad have dinner together a lot?” I ask, wanting to get to know him better. The chemistry between us is so obvious, but I want more than that. I want a relationship.

  “Every Saturday.”

  “What about your mom?”

  His face falls, and I know I’ve put my foot in my mouth. “My parents divorced last year.” His voice is small, letting me know this is still tough for him to talk about.

  “Oh. I’m sorry to hear that.”

  He shrugs. “Still getting used to it, I guess.”

  I drop the subject, giving him a moment to regroup.

  “What are your parents like?” he asks.

  “My dad’s a carpenter, and my mom is an editor at a small press.”

  “So, your dad can build you anything and your mom can proofread all your papers.” His smile is back.

  “Funny but I didn’t even think about that.”

  We reach an old building that looks nothing like the others. “Wow, you were right. This place is ancient.”

  “I wouldn’t lie to you.” His voice is soft, sincere, and he reaches for my arm, lightly trailing his fingers down it.

  “Enjoy your dinner with your dad.”

  “I’ll try to convince him to lighten up on his long-winded speeches.”

  “Good idea, but I think we’re finished with them anyway. All we have tomorrow is the entrance exams for math and English.”

  “Oh, you can bet he’ll speak again before you leave.” He smiles, drawing my eyes to his mouth.

  “Then thank you in advance for trying to convince him to be brief.”

  We stand there for a minute in awkward silence. Do I kiss him goodbye? “Oh, I don’t have a key card to get in.” I motion to the door.

  “Here. My card works on all the dorms. R.A. privilege.”

  I cock my head. “Well, aren’t you all powerful?”

  He swipes his card and opens the door, leaning his head on it. “Maybe I’ll see you later.”

  “Maybe.” I give a small wave and turn around, but he grabs my waist and pulls me to him. My chest is pressed against his, rising up and down with the pounding of my heart. He stares into my eyes for a moment before pressing his lips softly against mine. I look at him as I pull away. “I’ll definitely see you later.” He smiles, and I walk inside. It takes all my might not to turn around and see if Andy’s still standing there, watching me. But I walk to the front desk and tell them my name.

  “Room three fourteen. Your roommate already checked in and has your key,” the girl says.

  “Thanks.”

  I take the stairs, working out what to tell Julia. I don’t even know how to put into words what I’m feeling for Andy. No one has ever gotten to me like this before. The connection between us is intense. I just hope it goes beyond wanting to tear each other’s clothes off.

  I knock on the door, and it flies open. Julia takes one look at me and screeches. “He kissed you!”

  It’s like a talent she has. She can always tell when someone gets kissed. “Not exactly.”

  “Oh, come on. You chickened out, didn’t you?” She doesn’t even try to mask her disappointment.

  “No. We kissed, but I’m the one who initiated it.”

  “Wait.” She holds her hands up and narrows her eyes. “You’re telling me that you made the first move?”

  I nod.

  “No way!”

  I nod again.

  “Seriously?”

  “What do you want me to do, sign a sworn statement in blood to prove it?”

  She cringes. “That’s a little much, don’t you think?”

  “Can I get in the room now?” I push her aside and step into the room. It’s nothing like Andy’s. The drop ceiling is crumbling apart. The top of the window is taped where a huge crack spiders across it. And the floor is a dull, putrid green. “Good Lord!”

  “I know. Apparently, they’re knocking this place down over the summer, but they decided it was good enough for orientation.”

  At least they’re knocking it down—if it doesn’t fall down first. “You ready to go to dinner?”

  “No!” She pulls me over to the bed closest to the door and sits me down. “Spill. Everything.”

  “We talked. We made out. He walked me to the dorm. We kissed goodbye.”

  “I didn’t ask for the short version. I want details!” She shakes me by my shoulders.

  “He’s an amazing kisser.” Amazing doesn’t even begin to describe it, but Julia is already panting over Andy. I don’t want to tempt her into breaking her rule of not going after guys I like.

  “Eee! I knew it. I could just tell. His lips are so full and—ugh, I’m so jealous of you right now. Tell me more. Were you two pawing at each other the whole time?”

  “Not the whole time.” I can’t keep from smiling.

  “Is he going to dinner with us?”

  “No, he has plans with his dad. It’s just you and me.” I sling my arm across her shoulder and try to hide my disappointment at not being able to see Andy until later.

  “I see. Since he’s not going to be around—”

  “Whatever! You’re the one who keeps running away whenever he’s around. I love you for it, but I never asked you to leave.”

  “I know. I’m only teasing.” She stands up. “Come on. I need to find a guy for me. The incoming freshman are seriously lacking in hotness. Maybe An
dy knows another cute R.A. for me.”

  “I’m sure you’ll meet some at the social tonight.”

  “Are you and Andy going together?”

  I shake my head. “He’s not sure if he’ll be back in time for the social, and now that I think about it, I’m not sure I want to go if he’s not going to be there.”

  “Hello? What happened to helping your best friend find a guy of her own?”

  “You said all the freshman guys weren’t good enough.”

  “Ugh!” She pushes me out the door.

  Dinner is uneventful. I keep expecting Andy to pop up. I even skip the main course and head straight for the yogurt and sprinkles. He doesn’t show. I know he won’t. I know he’s with his dad, but my heart sinks in my chest anyway.

  “See anyone who looks like my type?” Julia slurps the last of her Mountain Dew.

  “What?” I stare at her, noticing my yogurt is dripping down my hand.

  “Serves you right for not paying attention to me.”

  “I’ll be right back.” I get up, throw my cone in the garbage, and head to the bathroom.

  “He’s been avoiding me all day,” some girl with long dark hair says as I walk into the bathroom. She’s at the mirror, putting on eyeliner, although she’s already wearing plenty.

  “I’m sure he’s not avoiding you,” says the petite blonde girl with her. “He’s been working. That’s all.”

  I wash my hands at the very last sink, so they don’t think I’m trying to listen in on their conversation, although they aren’t being the least bit quiet.

  “Well, he won’t be able to ignore me tonight at the social. Not when he sees the dress I’m wearing.”

  “You’re wearing a dress?”

  “Yup. While everyone else is slumming it in jeans, I’ll look amazing. Andy won’t be able to take his eyes off me.”

  “Andy?” I blurt out, not at all meaning to.

  They both turn toward me.

  “Sorry, it’s just I heard the name and I met someone today named Andy.”

  The brunette eyes me. “It’s you.”

  “Excuse me?” She can’t possibly know me.

  She steps closer, looking down at me. “Andy is way out of your league. He’s only being nice to you because he has to. It’s part of his job as an R.A., so just stay away from him.”

  Great. This girl has a thing for Andy. I guess I should’ve expected as much. I’m sure most of the girls on campus have noticed how gorgeous he is. “Look, I don’t want to get into this with you—”

  “There’s nothing to get into because he’s not into you. Got it?”

  “Then why did he kiss her?” I turn to see Julia in the doorway.

  The brunette glances back and forth between Julia and me, probably trying to figure out if what Julia said is true. Just looking at her, I can tell she brought the drama of high school to college with her. And that means she’s probably not above fighting me for Andy. I love Julia for trying to back me up here, but I so don’t want to get a black eye at freshman orientation.

  Chapter Seven

  “I don’t think you want to mess up all that make up you used to cover up your hideous face, so I suggest you get out of here,” Julia says.

  “Was I talking to you, bitch?” the girl whirls around on her.

  “All I know is you better not be messing with my friend.” Julia steps toward her, not at all afraid. I wish I could say the same, but I’ve never been in a fight and I don’t want to start now.

  “How do you know Andy?” I ask. It’s not that I want to engage with her any more, but I can’t help being interested in how someone like her would know Andy.

  She looks at me again. “We’re both R.As, not that it’s any of your business.”

  “Look.” Julia steps around her and stands by my side, making me feel more at ease. “It’s not Noelle’s fault if Andy isn’t into you.”

  Her face falls, but she quickly recovers. “Don’t think you’re the first freshman he’s flirted with. Not even close.” She turns and walks out with the blonde on her heels.

  “Forget her.” Julia puts her hand on my shoulder. “She’s just pissed he likes you and not her.”

  “How do you know? What if I’m not the only freshman he’s hit on?”

  She looks me in the eye. “Tell me, is that really what you believe? Because I’ve seen the way he looks at you, and I don’t think any of that is fake. Did it feel fake when he kissed you?”

  “Not at all.” I could tell Andy was just as into me as I was him.

  “Then forget that girl.”

  Julia’s right. Apparently the girls in college are a lot like the girls in high school. I’m so over the stupid games. Why can’t people just be real and straightforward? Like Andy.

  We walk back to our dorm. I’m a little surprised it hasn’t blown over with the breeze. Julia starts getting ready immediately, but I lie down on the bed and stare at the crumbling ceiling.

  “You need to get ready,” Julia says.

  “I don’t think I’m going.”

  She stops fixing her hair and turns to me. “You’re kidding, right?”

  “No.” I fold my hands on my stomach.

  “Is this about that girl in the bathroom?”

  “No. I don’t believe her. I just don’t feel like going. Andy said he wasn’t sure he’d be back in time for it anyway. Maybe I’ll wait until it’s almost over and then see if he’s there.”

  “And what if Andy is there waiting for you? If you stay in this room all night sulking and find out that he was at the dance and you could’ve been cozying up to him all evening, you’ll kick yourself. Hell, I’ll kick you.” She turns back to the mirror. “Besides, if you don’t show, that chick will be all over him.”

  I hate it when she’s right. “Fine, but if the dance is a bust, we’re out of there.” I’m only agreeing to go because I want to see Andy. I see no point in staying if he isn’t there.

  “Good. Now get dressed. I’m not letting you go wearing that.”

  I roll my eyes, but I let Julia go through my clothes and pick out something she thinks is suitable. A pair of skinny jeans, heels, and a black top. It will do. In twenty minutes, we’re dressed and out the door.

  We head to Andy’s dorm. Two R.As are standing at the door to let people in. Just my luck, one is the girl from the bathroom.

  “Crap. Look who it is.”

  Julia shrugs. “So?” Sometimes I think she believes there’s no one she can’t take on. I envy her a little for that.

  We walk up to her, and she scowls. “Really?”

  “What’s the problem?” the male R.A. asks.

  “This is the girl that’s been hanging all over Andy.” She says it as if it’s completely absurd that someone like me would have a shot with Andy. Ironically, I’m thinking the same thing about her.

  “Melinda, you’re seriously messed up. Andy doesn’t let anyone hang all over him.” He smirks. “You should know that. He’s turned you away enough.”

  I can’t help smiling. I like this guy already. He obviously knows Andy, and he put Melinda in her place.

  The guy opens the door and smiles at us. “Tell Andy that Mitch says nice choice.”

  I blush, but I nod and say, “Thanks.”

  We walk inside, and all I can think is that Andy must be here. Mitch wouldn’t have given me a message for him if he isn’t. I squeeze Julia’s arm.

  “I know. I know.” She nods. “Let’s go find him.”

  I feel like I could burst out of my own skin. We head past the elevators and to the event room, which we hear long before we see. It’s dark, except for the colored strobe lights. Julia and I laugh because the dance is more high school than high school dances. If it weren’t for Andy, I would turn around and run back to our dorm right now.

  “Do you see him?” Julia yells over the music.

  “No!” Just as I talk, the music ends. All eyes turn to us—well, to me, the girl who screamed. I raise my hand in an apo
logetic wave. The DJ announces a limbo contest and puts the music back on. Thankfully, only a few eyes linger on me.

  Julia laughs. “You are too good at humiliating yourself.”

  “Thanks for pointing that out.”

  “I don’t know. I think she just likes to make her presence known.” I smile at the sound of Andy’s voice and turn around to face him.

  “Hey, you’re here.” Way to state the obvious, Noelle.

  “So I am.” He motions to the back corner away from the speakers.

  Julia points toward the frozen drink bar near the stage. “I think I’ll go get one of those.”

  “They’re non-alcoholic,” Andy says.

  “Of course they are.” Julia’s words drip sarcasm, but she still feels the need to roll her eyes before she walks away.

  Andy takes my hand and pulls me toward the back of the room. “I wasn’t sure if you’d show up.”

  “I couldn’t let Julia come by herself.” I turn to see her talking to the cute guy serving the drinks. Good for her. “Oh!” I meet Andy’s gaze. “I almost forgot. I’m supposed to tell you that Mitch said ‘nice choice.’”

  He smiles. “He did, huh?”

  “Yup. Also, I think there’s a Melinda looking for you. I had the pleasure of meeting her earlier.”

  “Ooh, sorry to hear that. She’s…” He pauses, trying to think of the right word.

  “Obnoxious?”

  “Sure. Let’s go with that.” He reaches for my arm, lightly tracing circles down it. God, how can such a small touch drive me so crazy? “Did she give you a hard time because of me?”

  “Nothing Julia couldn’t handle. She’s like my personal bodyguard.”

  “Good to know.” He looks over my shoulder. “She seems to have found a date for the evening. You girls have a thing for R.As?”

  I close the distance between us. “Is he a friend of yours?”

  He nods. “That’s Mike. He’s a nice guy. She could do a lot worse.”

  “Good, because I won’t hesitate to act as her bodyguard if I have to.”

  “I don’t think you will.”

  No, probably not. Julia is more than capable of handling herself.