“Stop it. He’s a freshman. You know I don’t date younger guys.” So why can’t I take my eyes off Ben?
He steps off the stage with the microphone in his hand and walks over to me, placing one hand on my waist.
I have no idea what he’s doing, but for some reason, I’m not making a move to stop him. “What are you—?”
Mike grabs my cup and places my hand on Ben’s shoulder. Ben continues to sing and starts swaying side to side. I don’t know what to do. I feel ambushed, but everyone is watching, so I smile and dance with Ben. It’s only one dance after all.
The song ends and everyone cheers, but Ben doesn’t let go of my waist. His eyes search mine—for what, I don’t know. “I’ve been watching you all night. You’ve been all over this room making sure everyone else is having a good time. I thought you could us a little fun yourself.”
The crowd cheers again and a group in the back—Ben’s friends—chant, “Kiss him! Kiss him!”
Oh God! Ben said all that into the microphone for everyone to hear. I try to step back, but Ben still has me by my waist.
“I took a request,” Ben said with a smile. “Now the question is, will you?”
Chapter Two
The chanting gets louder as others join in. Mike gives me a nudge in Ben’s direction, which practically sends my lips crashing into his. Ben must think I’m giving in because he leans the rest of the way and, before I know it, we’re kissing. It’s like I lose myself in the moment. The second his lips touch mine I forget where we are. I forget everyone is watching us and that Ben is only a freshman.
My lips part, and Ben pulls me closer, his tongue slipping into my mouth. He might be younger than me, but he definitely knows how to kiss. Good Lord! I can’t get enough of him. My mind is telling me that everyone is watching me, that this isn’t right, but Ben’s kiss is making me too lightheaded to listen.
He pulls away first, and I stare at him, dumbfounded. My hands are on his waist, and I don’t even remember putting them there.
“Now that was one hell of a kiss.” Ben keeps his voice low so no one else hears. He steps away from me and brings the microphone back up to the stage as if this was all completely normal. Nothing out of the ordinary.
I turn around, suddenly wanting to run from the room. I don’t know what to make of what just happened. I’m pretty sure I was serenaded by a freshman and then shoved into his lips by my best friend. I look at Mike, who must see the embarrassment on my face because he yells for Andy to cover the drink station. Mike drapes his arm around my shoulders and walks me out of the event room.
The evening air has a crispness to it that instantly wakes me up from my confused state. “Why did you do that?” I ask, whipping around on Mike the second the door closes behind us.
He raises his hands. “What? I was only trying to help out a friend. I hope you’d do the same for me if a smoking hot girl sang to me like that.”
“He wasn’t singing to me.” I feel my cheeks getting warm.
“Oh, he was,” he comments with a sly grin.
I shake my head. “That kind of stuff only happens in the movies.” But even as I say it, I know it’s not true. Some guys really are that romantic. Only I’ve never known any freshman guys to be like that. They usually either get swept up in a fraternity and partying or they’re big on hitting the books. But maybe Ben’s not the typical freshman guy.
“So are you saying you’re not going to give the poor guy a chance?”
There’s no telling that Ben wants a chance with me. His friends could have dared him to pull a stunt like that. “It was a song and a kiss.” I glare at Mike. “And the kiss was your fault.”
“Hey, I may have bumped your lips into his, but you put your tongue down the guy’s throat all on your own.”
I smack his shoulder, but I can’t be mad because the kiss was incredible. I laugh, and Mike laughs with me. We’ve never been able to get angry with each other. “I guess we should go back inside,” I say. “Who knows what trouble everyone is getting into with only Andy watching them?”
“If Andy’s watching anyone other than Noelle, that is. You know how those two get. It’s like there’s no one else in the room.”
“Good point.” I grab his arm, and we hurry back inside.
A group of girls are on stage, singing a Taylor Swift song. I glance at the clock, noticing there are about forty-five minutes until the social ends. A few people point and whisper as I walk by. Just great. I can imagine what they’re saying about me—or more specifically, the way I kissed Ben.
A blond-haired guy walks up to me and tries to hand me a drink. “Think I can get a kiss, too, or do you only do that when a guy sings for you?”
“Not funny, man,” Mike says. “Keep on walking before I show you the door.”
I hold my hand out for another drink. “Pour me a drink and make it a large, please.”
“Relax. I give it ten minutes before some girl gets on stage and flashes everyone.” Mike smiles. “I’m hoping it will be that girl over there with the butterfly tattoo on her shoulder.”
“You’re sick, you know that right?”
“Made you smile, didn’t I?” He arches a brow and hands me a drink. That’s why he’s my best friend. He always knows how to cheer me up.
“Can I get one of those?”
I recognize Ben’s deep voice without needing to turn around. I freeze and nearly drop my cup, but Mike reaches out and steadies my hand. He covers the act by pretending to look at my bracelet. “Is that new?” he asks.
“Yeah, I just got it yesterday.” I mouth a “thank you” and sip my drink.
“So,” Ben says, reaching around me to get his drink. He pauses, and I realize he’s waiting for me to acknowledge him.
I turn around, slowly, careful not to spill my drink, which Mike filled to the rim. “So,” I say, trying to match Ben’s casual tone.
“Sorry if I embarrassed you earlier. I didn’t mean to. I’ve just always wanted to sing to a girl like that, and when I saw you…” He smiles. “I knew you were the one.”
The one? What kind of cheesy line is that? “Why? I was here talking to my friend. I wasn’t even really paying attention to the music.” I take a sip and avert my eyes to cover up my lie.
“Hmm.” He jerks his head back. “That’s weird because I could have sworn our eyes met when I was on stage.”
“Must be the lighting in here.” I take another sip.
Ben looks up at the lights, humoring me. “I guess it could have been.” He meets my gaze again, and as much as I want to look away, I can’t. “But then why did you kiss me?”
“Um, I think that might have been my fault,” Mike says. “I sort of pushed her into you.”
“Right.” Ben nods. “Do you always make out with everyone and everything you fall into? I’m just curious. Because you know that could get you in trouble if you happen to fall into the wrong guy. Luckily, your lips found mine.” He smiles and raises one eyebrow in challenge.
“I was…in shock. Someone spiked the drinks and I had just taken a sip.”
“Oh, so you’re a lightweight. The alcohol went straight to your head.” He motions to the drink in my hand. “Better be careful with that then.”
“Anyway, enjoy the rest of your evening.” I turn toward Mike, hoping Ben will take the hint.
“Are you trying to get me to leave?”
“Not at all. Feel free to hang out with your friends until the social is over.” I emphasize “with your friends”.
“I could sing another song.” Ben waits for my reaction, but I turn and start talking to Mike as if Ben’s already gone.
Mike jumps right into the conversation like I knew he would. We’re talking about everything and nothing at the same time. I just want Ben to walk away and this night to end. Andy walks over to us and leans against the table in front of the drink machines. “Well, if you keep that up, my dad won’t be asking me to be like you anymore,” Andy whispers.
&nbs
p; I smack his shoulder. “Shut up, lover boy. Speaking of, where’s your wife?”
“Jealous much?” Andy smiles. “Noelle’s in the bathroom.”
I guess maybe I am jealous. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in a relationship like Andy and Noelle have. Since high school. Coming to Timberland destroyed that. Mark chose a college on the other side of the country, which meant the end of our two-year relationship.
Ben doesn’t try to talk to me for the rest of the night, but he keeps glancing in my direction. I pretend I don’t notice and talk to Mike, but I can’t help wondering if blowing Ben off wasn’t the best idea I’ve ever had.
***
I might be the only one who actually enjoys Econ at this school, but something about the way Professor Miller explains things just makes sense to me. The hour and a half flies by, and I gather my books, putting them in my bag. Right on cue, I yawn. Three o’clock is my tired time. I usually hit the coffee cart after Econ, and today will be no different, or I’ll never make it through my marketing class this evening.
I follow the crowd out of the Newman building and into the sunshine. For late September, it’s gorgeously warm. I walk down the steps and breathe deeply. The air even smells good. I turn down the path and see Ben leaning against a tree, holding two cups of coffee.
He smiles as soon as he sees me. “Thought you might want some coffee.”
Does he know about my coffee cart trips or is this just a weird coincidence? “You’re persistent.” I try to keep the smile off my face as I walk by him.
He follows me. “Come on. Level with me. What’s it going to take to get you to go out with me?”
I stop and turn to him. He has this boyish charm that I find way too sexy to ignore.
He holds the coffee out to me. “It’s hazelnut, your favorite.”
“How did you know hazelnut is my favorite?” I’m not sure if I should be flattered or a little freaked out by how much he seems to know about me.
“I do my homework.” He smiles and steps closer. “Give me a chance. That’s all I’m asking for.”
Damn it. My insides melt just looking at him. He obviously approached Mike and asked him a bunch of questions about me. I’ll have to talk to Mike later and remind him he’s not my personal matchmaker. Ben’s giving me puppy dog eyes. No one’s ever been able to make me cave with that look, but I find myself saying, “My next class isn’t until five thirty.”
“That’s plenty of time for coffee.” One side of his mouth curves up, and I have to force my eyes away from his lips. Before I know it, I’m licking my bottom lip, thinking about our kiss last night.
I reach for the paper cup and motion to the benches under a group of trees lining the walkway. His eyes light up, knowing he’s won. “It’s just coffee, newbie, so don’t get too excited.” I take a sip to cover up my smile as I sit down on the bench.
“Sure, it’s coffee now, but tomorrow…”
I chuckle a lot more flirtatiously than I planned. “Oh, you think there’s going to be a tomorrow for you.”
He sits down and laughs. “Yes, I do. And by the way, what’s with calling me ‘newbie’?”
“You’re new to Timberland.”
He cocks his head. “Is that a bad thing?”
“No. I just don’t date younger guys.”
“Really?” He sips his coffee. “And why is that?”
I shrug. “I guess it’s because my mom married someone who was a few years older than her and my sister did the same.”
He continues to drink his coffee, but his attention is fully on me. He’s listening to every word I’m saying. Not staring at my boobs, even though my top is more low-cut than what I usually wear. “What? And you can’t be different? You have to follow in their footsteps?”
There would be nothing wrong with me following in either of their footsteps. Mom’s been married to my dad for almost twenty-five years, and she couldn’t be happier. Melissa’s only been with Tom for three years, but I can already tell they’ll make it for the long haul. “I’m not saying it has to be that way. It’s just what I’m used to.”
“So you’ve never given a younger guy a chance?”
“No.” It’s not that I have anything against younger guys. I’ve just never looked at them as being potential boyfriends.
Ben smiles, which is the exact opposite of what I was expecting. “Then I accept the challenge.”
“What challenge?” Did I miss something?
“Don’t worry. I’m not going to let you miss out on this.”
By the way his eyes are staring into mine, I know “this” means “us”. Ben’s not giving up, and I can’t help wondering why. He doesn’t even know me. Sure that kiss we shared was amazing, but that can’t be the only reason why he’s pushing for this to happen.
“You seem awfully confident. Either that or you’re completely full of yourself.”
“I guess you’ll find out when I pick you up for dinner tonight.” He stands up, throws his coffee cup in the trashcan next to the bench, and starts to walk away.
“Wait, what?” I get up, discarding my coffee, and rush after him.
“Look at that. I already got you to chase after me.” He’s smiling again.
I grab his arm. “Okay, stop. Seriously, what—?” Before I can finish, Ben grabs me and pulls me into his arms. His lips crush mine, and once again, I part my lips for him. His tongue explores my mouth, making me tremble in his arms. His hands are in my hair, pulling me closer. My arms are sandwiched between us, but I press my palms flat against his chest, feeling his muscles beneath his shirt. I can’t remember why I’m not readily agreeing to go out with him. I can’t imagine giving up the way he makes me feel with a single kiss. We don’t pull apart until I’m completely out of breath.
He holds onto my arms and stares into my eyes. “That’s why you have to go to dinner with me tonight. Tell me you’ve felt that way before, because I know I haven’t. Not from a kiss. Imagine what it would be like to…” His eyes lower as he takes in my entire body.
My legs can barely support my weight because I’m still lightheaded from the kiss. He’s right. I’ve never felt this way before. Suddenly, I don’t care that Ben is younger than me. I don’t care that we just met or what people will think of me going out with him. “What time are you picking me up?”
He smiles and lets go of my arms. “I’ll come by around seven.”
“Wait. How? Timberland has a strict ‘freshman can’t have cars on campus’ policy.” I cock my head, wondering how he managed to get around this rule.
“There’s a lot you don’t know about me, but you will.” He reaches for my hand and squeezes it before walking away.
As I watch him leave, I bring my hand to my lips, which are still tingling from the kiss.
Chapter Three
I change my outfit three times before settling on a black and white sundress. I have no idea where we’re going, but the dress will work for casual or fancy. My hands shake as I put on my makeup, and I realize I haven’t been this nervous to go on a date in a long time. For once, I wish my best friend was a girl. Mike’s awesome, but his dating advice consists of “Don’t count on the guy to remember the condoms.”
Someone knocks on my door, which makes me jump and drop my eye shadow. I glance at my alarm clock. It’s not seven yet. Is Ben early? “Um, just a second.” I finish my makeup quickly, just in case, pat down my dress, fluff my hair, and open the door.
“Hey, Mindy,” Julia says.
I sigh, relieved it’s only her. “Hi, Julia. Everything okay?”
“Actually, I’m locked out of my room. I forgot my keys, and I thought Noelle would be in the room, but she must have a seven-to-ten class tonight.”
“No problem.” I grab my master key from my nightstand and walk Julia back to her room.
“You look nice. Do you have a date?”
“Yeah.” My stomach flutters at the thought of Ben.
She grabs my arm as I unlock her do
or. “Wait.” Her eyes widen, and I know Noelle must have told her about the social. “Is it with him? The guy who serenaded you?”
“Is that weird?” I really need a girl’s perspective on this.
Julia pulls me into her room and shuts the door behind us, which means she’s about to talk about her relationship with Darren. “Look, you gave me advice not too long ago, so now I’m returning the favor.” She looks at me with an expression that is so uncharacteristic of Julia. When she started school, she was kind of wild, but now she looks really thoughtful. No, she looks like she’s in love. “You can’t plan who you’re going to fall for. Even if it’s not the person you thought you’d end up with in a million years, you have to just go with your gut.”
“You mean your heart.”
She nods. “This is all still kind of new to me, but what I have with Darren…it’s too good to give up. Even if it means staying away from him on campus. I’m risking expulsion, and he’s risking his job. But it’s worth it.”
She’s right. Relationships are about connections, not age. “Thanks, Julia.”
Her mouth curves into a devilish smile. “Plus, I heard that kiss was pretty damn hot.”
I laugh. Now there’s the Julia I’ve come to know and love over the past month. “I’ll be gone for a while, so no locking yourself out again, okay?”
“I’m staying at Darren’s tonight, so no worries. I was just coming back here to pick up a few things.”
“Okay, well have fun.”
She wags her brow. “Oh, I plan on it.”
As I leave Julia’s room and walk back down the hall, I make a vow to be a little more like Julia. I’m not going to hold back. I’m going to give Ben a real chance. I smile and look up as I approach my door. Ben’s leaning his back against it with his hands in the pockets of his jeans.
“You look amazing,” he says, standing up and taking me in from head to toe.
He’s wearing jeans and a black T-shirt, but on him it’s sexy as hell. “Same to you.”
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