Model Student

by C. J. Washington

  “What?”

  “Her name is Bow.” They both stare at me like I’d lost my mind. “Look, Jacob said some shit that she didn’t deserve. Plus, I gotta work with her this entire semester and I don’t need her scared to come here.” I pulled that crap excuse out of thin air. It was partially true though.

  I pushed through them, not wanting to continue the conversation and started to my room. I knew they’d follow me and they did. I grabbed three beers from my fridge and threw one to each of them.

  “You sweet on her, Ash?” Colby asked. He was always perceptive.

  I hesitate. I’m not yet but I know I could be. “Never seen you defend a girl’s honour before, Bro. Jacob’s always an ass ’cause he can’t get laid by a girl who isn’t stumbling drunk.” Tate added and snickered.

  “Yeah well, she’s different. Cool. I don’t know alright, she’s not like the bitches we get round here. She’s not superficial and she doesn’t take my shit. It’s a nice change, that’s all. I’ve only known her a couple of days, let’s not make this more than it is.”

  Tate seemed to accept that. Colby, not so much. He was looking at me like he knew the truth. He probably did, especially after how I reacted in the kitchen earlier as well. I wasn’t lying. I don’t do that, but it doesn’t mean I have to spill everything I’m thinking to these two. We finished our beers and after a few rounds on my Xbox, they left. I climbed in bed and replayed my time with Bow in my mind. Every smile, frown and smirk hardened my cock until I was tenting the damn sheets.

  Chapter seven

  Bow

  I woke this morning feeling more tired than I did before I went to bed. I couldn’t get Asher’s reaction to me being taunted out of my head. I never thought I’d be one of those women who found men fighting for them hot, but all I’d wanted to do when he hit that guy was jump on him. When he put his hand on my back, I felt it through all my layers. My panties were soaked when I got home. Only Radley was still awake when I got back so I joined him for some milk and we talked about the house more.

  He helped me write a list of everything I needed to choose. It covered everything from carpets to faucets. I know Janie and Pepper would love helping me with this. I planned for Saturday to be our online shopping day. Most of what we would like could be found online, anything that we couldn’t I know I have the contacts to get. Also, the swimming pool designer was coming on Saturday and I have lots of ideas for it. Including a Tardis shower cubicle.

  Janie and Pepper have been really involved with everything except the pool. I know why after several ‘I don’t mind, I won’t be getting in it anyway’ comments. I want to help them with their body image but I’m probably the worst one to do it. As women we automatically compare ourselves to everyone else. I do it myself. They let me help them with clothes, make-up and hair and then always send me to fetch something when it comes to getting changed. They won’t do it in front of me but will in front of each other. I understand it, it just makes me sad.

  I’ve never been self-conscious. My Mom never would have let me be if I was. You can’t be a model and be timid about your body. I could lie and say I’m just a hanger for the designer’s clothes but I know it’s the combination of body and clothes that sell. I decide the best thing to do is work slowly and show them how beautiful they truly are. Modelling has a lot of smoke and mirrors, especially photo shoots. Maybe if I show them the nitty gritty of the business it won’t seem so glamourous. Just then my Agent calls confirming my shoot in New York for next weekend. It’s only for the day. It gives me an idea; I could get the girls to go with me and make a weekend of it. That’d be great.

  The next couple of days were manic. I’ve been talking to the contractor several times a day and ordering the materials and fixtures, put that with classes and picking everything out for the house, I didn’t feel like I had a minute to relax. I’d wanted to text Asher at some point. I kept thinking of excuses to text him but they all sounded pathetic or stupid so I didn’t get around to it. I was secretly hoping he’d text me…he didn’t.

  I’d see him in class today and I was wondering whether everything would still be as easy between us as it had been the other night or whether it had just been a fluke. I don’t want to lose that effortlessness and something else has been nagging at me too. I can’t help worrying about what happened when he went back inside after punching that guy.

  I know he could handle himself but I hated the thought of him getting hurt because of me. There were a lot of shocked faces in that game room when he walked me out. I’m sure even a tool like that Jacob has friends that will have his back and I didn’t want them setting on Asher the second his back was turned.

  I walk into marketing and see Asher sat in our normal seats. There is one big difference today though. That corner is usually empty and now it’s scattered with small groups of girls all giggling and attempting to flirt with him. He doesn’t look amused or interested making me want to smirk at their efforts. I don’t move for a minute wondering if I should sit with him or somewhere else. Sitting with him is basically rubbing our friendship in their faces and is a sure fire way to make enemies out of them. I decide to not let these girls get to me, pull up my big girl panties and sit with him.

  He’d obviously saved my usual seat as it is empty apart from his bag. I’m not going to let a few airheads run me off. I recognise a few from the sorority I was rejected from. All the more reason to be brave, I’m not giving those girls an inch of headspace. As I walk down the aisle towards him, he spots me and waves me over. That’s a vast improvement on the chin lift. I nod and carefully squeeze through the girls, who are not making it easy. Clearly they want me to trip or they’d move. I can feel hateful stares sweeping over me. Well, suck it ladies, I’m sitting here.

  “How you doing, Bow?” His smile makes the journey worth it.

  “I’m good, you?”

  “Yeah, been run ragged with practise the last two days. Coach put us on doubles ready for the game tonight. You coming?”

  “Hell yeah! Me and my friend, Michael, have got season tickets. I’m so excited. I’ve never been to a real sporting event before and sat in the stands. It’s going to be awesome to be in the thick of it. I’m going to the shop after this to get a shirt and a banner.” I’ve been to a few basketball, baseball and football games in the past but had always been in a special box seats and I’m desperate to get in the middle of the mayhem.

  He laughs and smiles at what I said. “I’m number 17 so keep an eye out for me.”

  “I’ll get it on my shirt then I won’t forget. I’ll be your personal cheering section.”

  “That’s great, Bow.” He looks like that really means something to him. It is a good look on him. Well, now I’ve got to do it. I’m glad he doesn’t think I’m a creepy stalker. I doubt I would have had the balls to do it if I hadn’t half joked about it with him first. I face the front and notice that every girl is openly sneering at me now. This can’t be good.

  The class started and I ignored everyone around me, apart from Asher. Every shift he made and every time his knee bumped mine I held my breath. He was really getting to me. My body felt wired to his every shift in position and had a reaction to his every move. When the class finished I finally relaxed.

  The girls around us started to leave but not before thoroughly looking me over in disgust. I hated being under scrutiny when I’m in my disguise and obviously the girls had nothing better to do than to gossip about me. I heard a few remarks during class and noticed Asher tense. He’d heard them too and I prayed he didn’t secretly agree when they were pointing out my every flaw. It is what it is. I’m used to being critiqued, that’s modelling. If you haven’t got an emotional backbone you’d never survive in that world. Asher stuck next to me as we left.

  Walking outside the building I spot Michael. He’s pretty hard to miss as he towers over the average student. I wave, catching his attention. He reaches us in about three strides. Asher is rigid next to me so I look up at him and
send what I hope is a reassuring smile. I suppose Michael would look really intimidating to anyone who doesn’t know him.

  “Hey, Tiny. This is my friend, Asher. He’s my partner in marketing.” Asher grasps Michael’s outstretched hand.

  “Pleasure, man. I’m a big fan.” I see Asher visibly relax.

  “Appreciate it. How do you two know each other?”

  “Michael and his friends were kind enough to take me in when I was rejected by the sororities. Now I couldn’t be happier that they did.”

  He appears taken aback and a bit angry. “You live together? Where?”

  “Outskirts of the Oaks.” Michael adds, not giving the actual address. “Bow, we better get going if you want to go to the shop, then join and use the gym before the game tonight.”

  “Of course.” I squeeze Asher’s arm, loving the firm heat under my hand. “Good luck tonight. We’ll be cheering for you.”

  “Okay, thanks. Hey, if after the game you wanna stop by the house for the after party your welcome to. It’d be good to see you there.” Asher is only looking at me and seems to notice at the last second. “Both of you and whoever else you wanna bring.”

  “We’ll keep that in mind. Thanks Asher. I’ll text you to let you know either way.” I wave goodbye and can’t help glancing back to see him still standing there watching us leave. Now I desperately wish I was in heels and a skirt.

  “That guy is seriously into you.”

  “No he’s not. I don’t think he sees me that way.” I wish he did.

  “In this, sugar, he’s not blind… you are.”

  Asher

  Watching Bow walk away from me doesn’t invoke a good feeling. I wanted to walk her to her car but didn’t have an excuse when that guy showed up. I let my mind soak in what I’d just learned about her. It’s not that Bow’s closed off at all, we just haven’t got around to learning about each other yet. Hell, we’ve known each other less than a week, it just feels longer.

  There’s something inside me grating at me to find out everything about her. What makes her tick, angry, happy and scared. I want to know the lot. I’m not at all surprised she was rejected by the sororities. She’s way too smart and classy for them anyhow. I could never imagine her drunk out of her mind, dancing like a whore at one of their parties, shamelessly grinding on whatever frat brother she planned on hooking.

  I’d had to hold my tongue in class when I heard what some of the bitches around us were whispering about. Calling her names, ridiculing her clothes and insinuating I was only being nice to her to get a good grade. It’s just low. I know Bow was meant to overhear and I hated that she did. Girls use words to hurt and they can leave bigger marks than any fist fight ever could. I hate it.

  She held herself well though and didn’t let it get to her. She didn’t slump down in her seat or try to distance herself from me, she just took it, making them look pathetic. I was damn proud. Most girls would shatter under that kind of assault, the girls who are mentally stuck in high school can get vicious.

  Also, I learned that she lives in a co-ed house somewhere. Again I’d made an assumption about her living in student housing that turned out to be incorrect but in my defence most co-ed houses I knew of were occupied by post graduates not under grads. I really have to throw any thoughts I previously had about Bow out of the window, she ends up contradicting each one. Although, the thought of guys unworthy of her seeing her fresh out of the shower wrapped in only a towel makes my insides heat with hate. I hope none of those fuckers try to take advantage, I’d bury them if they do.

  I’d let her know she can tell me if she’s having any problems, that she can turn to me and I’ll sort them out for her. The want to protect her was growing to be all consuming. I need to find out exactly where she lives to do a random drop by. No better time to find out how things really are than dropping by unannounced. I definitely got a good vibe from that Michael guy. He was a huge fucker. To be honest, with him in the house she had all the protection she could need. Fuck, I could really use him as a blocker on the football team.

  One thing I was sure of now though is that Bow has a good body. I was starting to suspect as much anyway from the small glimpse of shape I could make out under her clothes. If she uses a gym then she’ll be tight in all the right places, just like I imagined when I was jacking off last night. That’s right, she was now taking over my fantasies as well as most of my thoughts.

  ***

  The game went well, we won but not by a wide margin. It was a close call. When we first ran out of the players tunnel onto the field I couldn’t stop my eyes from scanning the heaving red crowd for Bow, wondering if she was actually there. When she said she was buying a banner earlier I should of told her to buy a massive neon sign instead. Maybe then I’d have a chance of spotting her in the stands. I made a mental note to ask her for her seat number, then at least I’d know if I was looking in the right general direction.

  I didn’t realise how distracted I was until a sharp tap on my helmet from Tate pulled my focus back just in time for the game to start. Now, the whole team is gathered at the frat house, the girls are plentiful, ready and willing, but there’s only one I want to see. I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket. I almost don’t want to look in case it’s from Bow saying she’s not coming. After berating myself for being a pussy, I pull out my phone and read;

  Hi Asher! Great game, you played really well. Go Cougars! I was cheering but I doubt you heard me. Lol. Anyway, me and Michael are going to come to the party for a bit but can’t stay long. Be there in about 5 mins x

  She’s coming. A weight lifts from my shoulders and chest knowing I’ll be seeing her soon. I move more towards the front of the house so I can see her as she gets here.

  “Hey there, stranger.” It’s not the voice I want to hear. This one is shrill, whiney and totally unwelcome.

  I don’t even turn as I say, “Not interested, Sylvie, now or ever.” I feel her long nails drag down my arms in her pathetic attempt to be seductive. As if fake nails against my skin is a turn on. It makes me want to snap the talons off. What about being rejected makes these girls more persistent? Fuck, I don’t need this right now. I want her away from me.

  I spin quickly to face her, then firmly but carefully grab Sylvie’s wrists and pin them to the wall beside her. “Listen to me closely….” I’m about to set her straight when she abruptly lunges forward and seals her lips over mine. In shock, I don’t react straight away, astonished that she’d do this. If the roles were reversed she’d be screaming sexual harassment but as a guy you’re just meant to take it. That pisses me off. After a second my sense returns and I tear my mouth away and push her away from me. “Don’t ever fucking do that again.” I’m just gearing up to properly berate her when a deep voice clears behind me. Michael is looming over me looking equally pissed and relieved. He’s seen what just went down.

  “You may want to know that Bow just went into the kitchen for drinks.” I vaguely hear Sylvie huff behind me and stomp away.

  I let my head hang down for a moment. “She saw didn’t she?”

  “Hard not to when you’re by the front door. If you know what you want and I think you do, pull your head out of your ass and find her. We’re really only staying for half an hour. Times ticking.” I dart around him but his heavy hand holds my shoulder stopping me from going any further. “Just sayin’, you won’t find better than Bow. I want you to keep this in mind though, this is the one and only warning you’ll get; if you fuck with her, I fuck with you and I ain’t scared of prison, got it?”

  I can only nod. I’m struck mute. Shit, he meant every word of that. I wouldn’t survive an encounter with Michael if it came to that and I don’t plan for it to. I walk swiftly into the kitchen, dodging and ignoring everyone trying to get my attention on the way. I find Bow surrounded by a few of the bitches from marketing. I push through the crowd just in time to hear her called a pathetic skank.

  I pay no mind to them as I grab Bow, throw her light w
eight over my shoulder and power up the stairs to my room. I’m not going to stand by and let her take anymore abuse today. I slam the door behind me and only now feel her little fists punching my back. I carefully lower her to her feet. She needs to know where I stand. I’ve never been a coward and I’m not going to be one now. It’s time to start as I mean to go on.

  “What the hell was that, Asher?” She looks seriously pissed yet oh so beautiful. The wrong size football shirt she’s bought swamps her frame and nearly reaches her knees. It’s emblazoned with my number and name. I’ve never felt happier to see it on someone else. I can’t help imagining her wearing it with nothing on underneath.

  “Sorry. I had to get you out of there. They can be relentless and I don’t wanna waste whatever time we have now arguing about this.” Her mouth twitches, she’s about to interrupt so I place my finger over her lips to stop her. They are so soft, I want to glide my finger across them and savour the texture. Somehow I keep a lid on my urges. “I know what you saw and it’s not what it looked like. I know that’s cliché but in this case it’s also true. Sylvie threw herself on me when I was attempting to stop her from touching me. I don’t want her. I don’t want them.”

  She looks at me for a long moment with assessing eyes. “I believe you.” She whispers with a small smile and I can feel my heart finally slowing to its normal rhythm. I take her hands in mine and let that same current of electricity I feel every time we touch calm the rest of my body that’s wound tight.

  “I was wondering, if you’re not busy, whether you wanna hang out sometime this weekend?” I know I sound lame but I need to know if she wants to see where this can go too. Straight and simple. No games. Casual won’t be enough with her.

  “You mean like a date?” She’s so unsure of herself.

  “I mean exactly like a date. Will you go on a date with me, Bow?” God, now I’m the whiny desperate girl.