“Are all the socials this incredibly lame?”
He laughs. “Yes. It’s like they want to make them as much like high school dances as possible so you’ll feel comfortable.”
“And people like me, who can’t wait to get away from high school, are more uncomfortable than ever.”
“You don’t have to stay. It’s not mandatory or anything.”
“I know, but…” How do I casually say I want to be with him, even if it means loud music and colored strobe lights?
“You could come hang out with me.”
I can’t help wondering if he wants to pick up where we left off. I wouldn’t mind a repeat of our afternoon together. “What did you have in mind?”
“Do you trust me?”
There’s a loaded question. I don’t even really know him. But his eyes—the way he looks at me. “I think so.”
“You’re honest. I like that.” His fingers reach forward, brushing mine and setting my body on fire.
Julia looks in our direction and smiles, giving me her approval. I give her a small wave before following Andy out of the room.
He leads me toward the stairs, and my pulse quickens. We’re heading to his room. Even though he’s a nice guy, I can’t help thinking I know what’s on his mind. Because it’s on my mind, too.
Chapter Eight
I hesitate in the hall after he opens his door and steps aside for me to go into his room. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah, I just…I don’t know.” Damn my brain for making me question every move I make. Why can’t I just let myself do what feels right?
“So you don’t trust me.”
“I don’t really know you.” It’s the honest answer.
“You were alone in my room with me earlier.”
That was different. The sun was still up. “I know. I just have to ask. Why’d you bring me here?”
He steps toward me. “Because you were having a miserable time at that sorry excuse for a social downstairs.”
“True.” I smile because even though we just met, he can read me really well.
“So, will you come in?” His eyes are pleading with me, asking me to trust him.
I can’t say no. “Sure.”
He closes the door behind us but hesitates before clicking it shut. “Would you rather I leave this open?”
I’m back to being the lame freshman. Maybe I never stopped. “It’s fine,” I say, pushing the door closed so he knows I mean it.
“I have a ton of movies on Blu-ray if you’re interested.” He opens his closet and pulls out a drawer full of movies. He has everything from comedy to action adventure to horror.
“Nice selection.” I don’t see any date movies. No mushy romances guys only watched to get girls into bed. I guess Mitch was right about him. “Ooh, you have the third Transformers movie.”
“You like them?”
“Are you kidding me? The only problem is I can’t decide who I like more, Optimus or Bumblebee.”
He stares at me, his eyes lighting up.
“What?”
“I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone like you.”
“Like me? Come on.”
He takes the movie from the drawer and brings it to the TV. “I’m serious. You’re not like most freshman girls.”
“Undecided major, fell for the hot R.A., thinks the social is ridiculously stupid? Okay, maybe not the last one. Most of the people downstairs looked like they were having a good time.”
“What did you say?” He turns around and stares at me.
I thought we’d gotten past the whole “I’m into you” stage, but maybe saying it out loud was too much. “Um, I think the social is stupid?”
“Before that.”
“My major is undecided?”
He cocks his head and moves toward me. “After that.” His fingers brush against mine.
“Oh, I think I said something about smearing yogurt all over—”
His lips press against mine, making me shut up. Thankfully! He’s holding my hands now, his thumbs rubbing against my palms. He pulls away but doesn’t let go. “Sorry. I couldn’t resist.”
“My babbling can have that effect, I guess.”
He laughs. “Oh, so you’ve gotten this reaction before?”
“Not exactly. I’m making note of it, though.”
“How about that movie?” He squeezes my hands before walking over to his bed and lying down. He moves over so there’s plenty of room for me.
My chest tightens. Am I in over my head? I’ve been with all of one guy before, and I’m not exactly the one-night stand type.
“So you’ve seen the first two, right?” He presses play, and the movie starts.
“Yeah.” I inch closer, easing myself onto the bed, but staying as upright as possible. “Somehow I never got around to seeing this one.”
“Megan Fox isn’t in it.”
“Were you upset by that?”
He shrugs.
“Don’t lie.” I’ve never met a guy who didn’t have a thing for Megan Fox.
“I’m not. She was really hot in the first two, but she got too thin for me. I like some curves, like she had in the first movie.” His eyes trail the length of my body, checking out my curves.
We stop talking as the movie comes on. I’m not really paying attention because I keep stealing glances at him and I’m trying to think of something to say to ease the tension since we moved to the bed. Andy doesn’t try anything during the movie. He’s a perfect gentleman. When the credits appear on the screen, I turn to face him, afraid I’ve scared him off.
“What did you think?” he asks me.
“Not as good as the first two but still pretty awesome.”
“Was it the movie or the company?”
“I saw the first two with Julia and she asked about a thousand questions through each, so I’d have to say the company was much better this time.” I pause, gathering my courage, and shift so I’m on my side. “Maybe a little too quiet, though.”
“I didn’t want to talk over the movie and make you miss anything. Plus, you looked a little uncomfortable.”
“Sorry, I’m so used to being guarded around guys.” Andy’s making me break all of my rules, but somehow it feels right.
He reaches for my hand, gently weaving his fingers through mine. “You know I’m into you, so it’s your move.”
“If I remember correctly, I made the first move.” I keep my voice playful to mask my nerves.
He laughs softly. “I guess you did.”
“I’m not looking to hook up and then never see you again.” The words come tumbling out before I can stop them. My hand clenches his, afraid he’s going to pull away and send me back to my dorm.
“Neither am I.” He lets go of me and sits up. “Do you know why I’m not with Melinda?”
“I can think of a few reasons.” She wears way too much make-up. She’s a bitch. She dresses like a slut. “But I’d rather hear yours.”
“She sleeps around.”
So the outfit fits her character. “I’d act surprised, but I’m trying to be honest with you.”
“Call me old fashioned but I’d rather have a girlfriend than a hook-up.”
I’m tempted to smother his mouth with mine for that. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”
He nods. “It’s tough though—with swim practice most nights, you know? Most girls want to hang out with their boyfriends, go places, do things, not sit at the pool and watch him swim laps.”
“I like that you’re a swimmer.” I especially like what it does for his body. My eyes betray my thoughts by lowering to his sculpted chest.
He laughs. “It’s mostly genetics. My dad is pretty toned under his suits, too.”
I cringe. “Oh, please don’t give me mental images of your dad!”
He laughs harder, and I join in. We both stop, our eyes locking on each other. His lips are so close I can’t take it. I lean forward, kissing his bottom lip. His hand weaves throug
h my hair and pulls me closer. Our chests are pressed up against each other, and I can’t tell if it’s my pounding heart I’m feeling or his. Somehow I think it’s both, beating in tune.
His hand moves from my hair, down my shoulders, and traces circles on my lower back. I reach around his waist, pulling him closer even though there’s barely any air between us as it is. Kissing him is intoxicating. Maybe it’s because he’s a little older and has more experience, or maybe it’s just him. All I know is I could kiss Andy all night long.
Our make-out session lasts for two hours. My lips are probably swollen, but I don’t care. The second his lips move from mine, all I can think is I want them back. Andy looks into my eyes, and I can see he’s wrestling with something. I know what he’s thinking. I’m not stupid.
“It’s getting late. Do you want me to walk you back to your dorm?”
Okay, maybe I don’t know what he’s thinking. “Um…” I twist around to see the clock, which isn’t easy since my legs are tangled up in his. One in the morning. The social must be long over by now. I hope Julia didn’t go back to Mike’s room, but then again, I came here. I have to wonder if she’ll be making the walk of shame back to our dorm in the morning. Not really how I want her to start her college career. “Yeah, I guess I should get going.”
His fingers reach for mine. “You’re welcome to stay if you want. I’m not kicking you out or anything.”
“I’m getting kind of tired, and we have those entrance exams right after breakfast. I need to get some sleep.” My brain is taking over again, and I hate myself for it.
He nods. I can see he’s disappointed, but he’s not going to push me. “Then I’ll walk you back to your dorm.”
“I can manage it. I remember the way.” I walk to the door, but my hand lingers on the knob.
Andy gets up and follows me. “No way am I letting you walk across campus alone in the dark. That’s like rule number one. There’s a reason freshman travel everywhere in packs.”
“Now you have me thinking this isn’t a very safe school.”
“I hate to break it to you, but that’s a good rule to follow no matter where you go. You don’t know who you can and can’t trust.”
“I trust you.” There’s no doubt in my mind. I trust him completely. I know I could spend the night and he’d do nothing more than hold me if that’s what I wanted. The problem is that isn’t what I want. I want to be with Andy, but not as a one-night stand. I want more than that.
“Then stay. I promise I won’t—”
I press my finger to his lips. “I know you won’t.” I lock the door and kiss him again. To hell with sleep.
Chapter Nine
We back up to the bed again, where Andy sits down. He pulls out of the kiss and looks up at me. “Are you sure about this?”
I don’t want to talk about it. All I want is to be with him. To feel him. Instead of answering, I lower myself over him, forcing him to lean back. I’ve never taken the lead like this before. I’ve always held back, but something about being here with Andy is making me feel so free. Maybe it’s because I know he’s one of the good guys—one of the rare guys who says what he means and actually wants a relationship.
He lifts my weight off him for a moment and repositions us on the bed. His eyes meet mine, and the desire I see in them is overwhelming. Yet he’s holding back. That just makes me want him more. I crush my lips on his, and my hands wander down the length of his torso, feeling the muscles I’ve been admiring all day. Finally, he gives in to his desire, and his hands explore my body. Every touch is like heaven. I can’t get enough of him. I’ve never felt so alive or so wanted, and I don’t want this night to end.
“Noelle,” he says, turning me onto my side.
What’s wrong? Is he really going to stop this now? “What?” I kiss his neck, and he clutches my waist, pulling my hips toward him.
“I need to get a condom.”
I pull back and look into his eyes. He’s breathing heavily, just like I am. I smile because the fact that he doesn’t have a condom anywhere near his bed just proves that he wasn’t expecting this to happen. I kiss him again, biting his lower lip before pulling away.
I watch him get up and walk to his dresser. This is usually the point where I freak out and debate running from the room, but nothing could tear me from Andy’s bed right now. Nothing. As he turns back to me, he starts to remove his shirt, but I shake my head at him. He lowers it again and joins me on the bed. But this time, he’s on top of me. I reach for the bottom of his shirt and slowly raise it, taking in the sight of his perfectly sculpted chest and abs. Damn, sprinkles do a body good! He smiles, seeing that I’m pleased. I kiss his chest before working my way up his neck and finally to his mouth.
He pulls back slightly as his fingers brush against my stomach. He doesn’t rush. He slowly raises my shirt, lowering his head and kissing my stomach in the process. I clench my toes as he lifts the shirt off me and unclasps my bra. I can actually see my heart pounding inside my chest. Andy stares at me for a moment, and instead of feeling self-conscious about being half naked, I smile. I can tell he thinks I’m beautiful. More than that, I can tell he’s not just looking for a hook-up.
I reach for his shorts and slide them off. The sight of his body drives me insane, but I hold back, allowing him to finish undressing me and take me in the same way. Neither of us lasts long before we’re tangled up in each other’s limbs. His hands explore my body, bringing me more pleasure than I could’ve imagined, and I hope I’m doing the same for him. When we can’t take it any longer, Andy slips inside me. Our bodies move together in perfect unison, like we’ve done this before. We’re so in tune with each other it’s incredible. When we finally pull apart, my heart is racing, but at the same time I’m completely content. Andy wraps his arm around me and kisses me softly. I’m so peaceful I drift off to sleep in his arms.
When I wake up, Andy’s already out of bed. I sigh and look at the empty space next to me. I don’t regret my decision to stay. Being with Andy was nothing short of amazing, and the same goes for sleeping in his arms. It was the perfect night.
I sit up, knowing I have to get ready for breakfast and my exams. As soon as I finish getting dressed, my cell phone vibrates in my pocket. Julia. So, good night, huh? ;)
My mouth curves into a smile as I remember the feel of Andy’s body against mine. You have no idea! Be back at the dorm soon.
With details I hope!
I pocket my phone as Andy walks in wearing nothing but a towel. Damn, his body is toned. I could stare at him all day. “Hi,” I manage to squeak out.
“Good morning. Did I wake you?”
“No. Just woke up a few minutes ago.”
“I don’t mean to rush you out, but you might want to head back to your dorm. Breakfast starts in twenty minutes.” He walks to the closet and grabs jeans and another Timberland polo. “Give me two minutes, and I’ll walk you.”
“No, it’s okay. It’s daytime. I’ll be fine on my own.”
“You sure?” He throws his clothes on the bed and walks over to me.
“Yeah.” I stand up and pat down my hair. I have no idea what it looks like. “I should go.” I want to kiss him, but I haven’t brushed my teeth yet. I sidestep him with a smile and head for the door.
“See you at breakfast,” he says as I shut the door behind me.
I run to my dorm. No walk of shame here. I didn’t do anything shame-worthy. For the first time in a long time, I followed my heart, and Julia was right; romance is good for the soul. Julia is ready to go and waiting for me when I walk in.
“No time!” I grab my towel and run for the bathroom. I take the world’s fastest shower and partially dry my hair. Throwing on shorts and a tank top, I check my reflection quickly and pull Julia toward the door.
“I better get details on the way.”
“We watched a movie, made out, and...” She eyes me, waiting for me to confirm her suspicions. “I’m so not telling you about the rest.�
��
She shrieks. “But it happened! I knew it! College agrees with you.”
Well, Andy agrees with me at least. “So, what about you and Mike?”
“Yummy, right?” Her eyes widen. “Not the greatest kisser, though. Still, he was fun to hang out with for a few hours.”
“So you slept in our room?”
“Unlike you.” She elbows me as we walk into the cafeteria.
I look all around for Andy, spotting him at a table with the other R.As, including Mike, who waves to Julia, and Melinda, who appears to have moved on judging by how she’s groping the arm of the guy sitting next to her. At least I don’t have to worry about her anymore.
“Sucks that they have to sit together at meals,” Julia says.
Then it hits me. I don’t know if I’ll get to spend time with Andy again before we leave. After breakfast, we have exams, one after the other, and then they send us home. I have to say goodbye. I can’t leave without at least giving him my number. It’ll be months before the semester starts and I’ll get to see him again.
“Julia, I—”
“Need to find a way to see him before we go. I know.”
That’s why I love her. She understands me. “But how? I don’t think he’ll be at the exams, and he doesn’t even have my cell number.”
“Relax. Write your number on a napkin and tell him to text you after the exams. They should be over by eleven. You can meet up before we drive home.”
I nod. That will work. As long as he doesn’t have swim practice. “What if he—”
“Just go give the guy your number.” She hands me a napkin and her lipstick and pushes me toward Andy’s table. “I’ll get you some cereal.”
I write my number down, hating that all I have to write with is lipstick. It seems so—well, like something Melinda would do. But what choice do I have? I take a breath and walk over to Andy. “Hey.”
“Hey.” He still has the same look in his eyes as he did yesterday—the same desire.
I relax a little. “I wanted to give you this. I don’t know if you’ll be around later.”
He pockets my number while getting up from the table and walks me over to the egg station. He leans close, and his lips brush against my cheek as he says, “You can’t leave until I make an omelet for you.”
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