Jase’s thumb caresses my cheek before he lets his hand fall away. “You’ll let me know if there’s someone’s ass I should kick, though, right?”
I would giggle at this, if not for the intensity radiating from Jase. “No. I made my own choices.”
He’s silent while he studies me – his blue eyes looking for answers. Answers I can’t possibly give him.
“You were young, too trusting, fell for the wrong guy…”
I clear my throat. “Something like that.”
He reaches for my hand and gives it a squeeze. “Hey, it’s okay.”
I manage a nod, arranging my mouth in a smile. If he knew the truth, he wouldn’t be sitting here, being so kind to me. My heart is thudding against my ribcage. “This tutoring thing…When do we start?”
He glances at his naked wrist. “Now would be nice.”
I roll my eyes to avoid chuckling at him. “Fine. What’s my first assignment?”
Chapter 7
Jase
Avery is unlike any girl I’ve hung around before. She keeps me in a constant state of curiosity and mild arousal. It’s an interesting combination – both my brain and my dick are engaged, which is something new for me. I can easily see this becoming addicting. I want to challenge her to kiss me, but I know she won’t. I can’t push her that fast. We’ll have to work up to that. But I know if she let me touch her, I could own her. Christ, that’s a tempting thought. I never felt a possessive spark with Stacia, but something about Avery makes me want to possess her in a way I never have before.
“I’ll go easy on you your first time.” I pause, keeping my eyes on hers, to let my deeper meaning set in. She blushes, right on cue. “Come to my party this weekend.”
“That’s it?”
I nod, still holding her eyes.
She bites her lip, thinking about it. “You know I’m not really into the party scene.”
“I know. But it’s kind of an annual party and the guys will freak if I’m not there. Having you there will actually help me. And we’ll hang out, talk, like last time. Getting outside your comfort zone might be good for you.”
She considers it, still chewing on her bottom lip. “How would me being there help you?”
I fight off a smile. Clearly she has no clue about the theme of Delta Sig’s next party. “Oh, it will, don’t worry.”
“I suppose I could. I’m sure Madison and Noah wouldn’t mind coming too.”
“Of course. Bring your friends.” With my next meeting with her already secured, I feel at ease. Avery has me smiling more than I have since my mom’s suicide attempt. Thank f**k for that. I was like a walking zombie for a while there. “Should we discuss our journaling assignment from class?”
“Sure.” She shrugs and pulls out her syllabus.
My ploy to get her to open up her journal – the one where she wrote a freaking novel about me – is foiled. It remains safely tucked inside her bag.
She slides the sheet of paper toward me and points. “We have to write entries on our own body image, what attracts us in the opposite sex, and an entry on sexual preferences and orgasms.” Her eyes dart up to mine and she drags her teeth across her bottom lip.
Fuuuck, that’s sexy.
Avery stuffs the paper back into her bag, muttering to herself, “A section on orgasms -- that’ll be a short chapter…”
Holy shit. “What?” I can’t help but react. Has no one touched this beautiful girl? Sign me up. Right f**king now.
Her head snaps up. “I’m just going to shut up now.”
“That’s probably wise.” Otherwise I can’t be held responsible for bringing her to orgasm myself. Under the table. Immediately.
Avery collapses, burying her face in her hands.
I can’t resist reaching over to rub her back between her shoulder blades. “Hey, it’s okay. If you need tutoring in the bedroom too, babe, just ask.”
Avery lets out a groan, and I can’t be sure, but I think a string of curse words too. Once her tirade is out of her system, she takes a deep breath and sits up straight. Her expression is still pinched, like she can’t believe she told me that.
I push her coffee toward her again, trying to downplay it, and Avery accepts the cup, taking a sip.
“Hey, it’s nothing to be ashamed of, but no wonder you’re so cranky. I would be too without regular orgasms,” I say.
Avery spits her coffee across the table, choking and sputtering. I scoot my chair closer and pat her back, nursing her back to health until she can clear her stubborn airway.
She grips the table and sucks in a ragged breath, her eyes watering with the effort.
“I’m sorry, Whistle.” I continue rubbing her back. “I shouldn’t have said that. I meant every word, but I’m sorry you got choked up.”
“I didn’t get choked up. I choked. Big difference. And don’t call me Whistle.” Avery stands, grabbing for her backpack. “We’re done here.”
My hand on her wrist stops her. Maybe I went too far. But I think she secretly likes me pushing her. I lift the bag and place the straps carefully on her shoulders. “Remember, Saturday. You already agreed.”
“I’ll be there.”
Chapter 8
Avery
I stand before the full-length mirror in my dorm, Madison and Noah grinning like idiots at my reflection. “I can’t believe I’m doing this. I’m going to get arrested wearing this in public.”