Running to You

by M. A. Lee

  “I know the perfect, empty classroom where we can go to have some fun,” she added, her eyes drinking me in.

  ****

  Thirty minutes later, I was more than satisfied as Mallory and I left the empty classroom in the basement of the building. There was nothing hotter than a girl who wanted to have a little afternoon delight.

  I was so in love with Mallory and there was nothing stopping me now from making her mine forever.

  Chapter 10

  Mallory

  A week later, I had discovered that my shower sex with Jax was just the beginning of our relationship. I had surprised him during class and we had deflowered a classroom. We had somehow come together as one. A team. A couple. It was unspoken, but we were crazy about one another. Finding that sex was also a great workout, we had found several fun and exciting ways to get our additional daily workouts in and in some pretty creative places. Who knew you could have sex while pumping iron on a workbench? I didn’t until we tried it. Let me tell you, it was a great ab exercise.

  Now, walking to class with Jax, I couldn’t seem to hide the smile that was still stuck on my face. Lifting up my hand, Jax kissed my knuckles.

  “What are you so happy about?” he asked, with a sly smile. He knew exactly what I was smiling about. His eyes were roaming my body and I knew if I didn’t look away, I would find a way to get my mouth all over him; especially in some very naughty places.

  “I’m just happy,” I sighed, as I squeezed his hand.

  “Me too,” Jax smiled back. “I never thought I would be the type of guy who would be happy with one girl, but turns out I am. I guess you changed me,” he said, as he squeezed my hand back.

  I laughed out loud at the thought, but I knew he was right. When I had first met Jax, he was a cocky man-hoe who had a slutty fan base following him everywhere he went. Now, he was all mine and I couldn’t believe how much had changed since I had arrived at Falls Creek.

  Shouting my name, I turned to see Laney. Her voice had brought me out of my own thoughts. “Hey Mallory,” Laney called, as she ran up to us.

  “Hi,” Jax and I both said in unison.

  “We need to get together tonight or tomorrow to study for a midterm,” Laney began, as she struggled to catch her breath. While Laney had a killer body, she wasn’t one to exercise and it was painfully clear she was out of shape. “I heard Professor Landry is giving a really difficult test. Jax, you need to score at least an eighty percent to pass your Biology class.”

  Glancing at Jax, I had no idea he had been in trouble of possibly failing a class. We talked about the classes we shared and working out and upcoming competitions, but he never mentioned he was struggling with a class.

  “Jax, why didn’t you tell me you needed help in Biology?” I asked.

  Shrugging his shoulders, Jax seemed to dismiss the concern. “It’s not a big deal. That is why I have a tutor.”

  “No, it is a big deal. You and a few other of the guys on the track team could be suspended from competing in the state competitions if you don’t pass with a 3.5 GPA this semester. We need to have an emergency tutoring session tonight and tomorrow,” Laney finished, her face growing serious.

  “We will be there,” I said, as I stared at Jax.

  Happy with my answer, Laney left and Jax and I continued walking to class. “You need to take this seriously,” I offered as we walked into our class.

  “Don’t worry, babe. I will figure something out,” Jax said, as he slid into his seat.

  “No, you need to worry. You need to take school more seriously. This is your ticket to a career and a future.”

  I didn’t want to nag him but I needed him to see how serious this really was.

  “Look,” Jax began as he whispered. “I know a guy that can help me out,” he stated, making sure to look around and confirm no one else was listening to our conversation.

  “What do you mean, you know a guy?” I asked, trying to keep my voice down. I didn’t like the way they said those words.

  “A couple of the guys on the team said they could get some answers for the final. I guess they know someone who is a teacher’s assistant in the Biology department.”

  “What?” I almost screamed, as I felt my blood begin to boil. “That is cheating,” I seethed through clenched teeth.

  Throwing his hands up in defense, Jax scooted away from me. “Okay, I won’t do it. It was just an option.”

  Before I could yell and scream at Jax for even thinking of doing something so immoral and just plain stupid, our professor walked in and everyone around us hushed.

  I knew I would have to talk with Jax later, but later never came. With our coaches pushing for more practices and our study time increasing before midterms, I never got my chance to talk with Jax again about the subject. In my heart, I prayed that he would listen to me and know that if he did cheat, his life and our relationship would be over.

  ****

  In the following weeks, I barely saw Jax. The limited time we did have together we spent holding each other and smiling and laughing. The last thing I wanted to do was bring up a topic that upset the both of us. That is why, when I was stretching and preparing for our next competition, I spotted something that upset me more than I could have imagined.

  “What is going on?” I asked, as I noticed Jax sitting on the bench during practice. “Why aren’t you running?” Fear began to take over as I realized what this might mean. Was he hurt? I prayed that he wasn’t, Jax needed to keep his body in perfect condition to secure his scholarship until he graduated. Plus, this track meet would qualify us for our rank in the upcoming state meets. This was a huge day for all of us.

  Shaking his head, Jax bit his bottom lip before turning his head away from me. “Can we talk about this later?” he snapped at me, without even making eye contact.

  Before I could even respond, Jax’s coach stomped over and began yelling at him. “I told you not to talk,” he screamed. “First, my players want to pay some dumbass student for answers to a midterm test, then they won’t even abide by my punishment?” his harsh tone showed just how angry he was.

  “What is he talking about?” I asked, as my stomach began to churn. This couldn’t be right. Jax would never cheat on a test. He wouldn’t jeopardize the team or his future like that. He wanted to be a trainer one day, this would ruin that for sure. This would ruin his life…and mine.

  “Oh, he didn’t tell you?” Coach laughed, as he stared daggers at Jax. “The team thought it would be a good idea to buy the midterm answers instead of getting off their asses and studying. Their stupidity is going to cost our team the state championship title, I just know it. Now you need to get back to your own practice,” he said as he motioned for me to leave.

  With tears in my eyes, I looked at Jax one last time before walking away. Turning, I said just loud enough for him to hear me, “We are over.”

  ****

  “Are you sure you are fine?” Laney asked, as she rubbed my back.

  I was sitting on my bed as my friends crowded around me in support. Molly, Rain, Lydia, and Laney had all rushed over to make sure I was ok. They all had perfect boyfriends and relationships, so for me to be both new to Falls Creek and the first to lose a boyfriend, I just felt like a failure. And I never failed.

  “I will be fine,” I said, as I wiped away my tears. “It killed me to end my relationship with Jax, but I had to. I can’t be associated with someone who condones and participates in cheating.”

  “You said he tried to explain, maybe you should just hear him out,” Lydia said, as she looked at the other faces in the room.

  “No, I don’t need him to explain. I warned him not to do it. He is lucky he didn’t get kicked out of school,” I said through clenched teeth. Sniffing, I tried to fight back more tears that were threatening to run down my face.

  Perking up, Molly took hold of my hand and smiled her sweet and loving smile. “I might have something that could cheer you up,” Molly offered. “I was asked t
o participate in a date auction to raise money for the local Children’s Hospital. We get to wear cute and sexy clothes, walk down a runway with everyone looking at us and people will pay money to take you on a date. Now, all of our boyfriends have already collected enough money to buy a date with us and threatened all guys on campus not to bid on us, but this would be a perfect opportunity for you to regain your confidence,” Molly said as excitement grew all around her.

  The rest of my friends all nodded their heads, agreeing to their part in the event. “I don’t know,” I began.

  “What? So you will just sit in your dorm and cry?” Rain asked, as she rolled her eyes. Give it to Rain to try and cheer me up. Not.

  “No, I don’t plan to just sit in here depressed, but I’m not sure I’m ready for that,” I offered.

  “Why not?” Lydia asked. “We will dress you in some hot and slutty outfit that will make guys drool over you all night. You will get some hot guy to bid on you, take you on a date to help you forget about Jax. Plus, you will be helping out a great cause. I don’t understand how you can say no.”

  Thinking over their words, I decided they were right. I could sit here and be a victim, or I could put on a sexy outfit and regain my confidence back in men.

  “Alright, count me in,” I smiled.

  “Hell yes!” Molly yelled.

  My friends all jumped up and threw their arms around me, engulfing me in a big hug. Enveloped in their love and support, I knew I would be just fine and this terrible moment in time would soon pass.

  Chapter 11

  Jax

  What the hell was I thinking?

  I don’t know what had happened, but things between Mallory and myself had gone from incredible to complete hell.

  She was refusing to talk to me and even at practice, she never even glanced in my direction. The stupid auction was coming up and the thought of her walking in front of all of those guys had anger burning through me like fire.

  First the cheating scandal, coach being pissed off at me, and now this, when would it all end?

  I was spiraling out of control and the only thing that could save me was Mallory, but I am pretty sure that she has given up on me.

  “Hey man, everything alright?” I heard someone ask.

  I was in the weight room for the third time that day. I was pushing myself past my limit, but I didn’t care. I had so much anger inside of me that if I didn’t do something to get rid of it, I might snap or blow up.

  I put down the free weights I had been lifting and turned to see Elliott watching me. I saw him around campus, but we weren’t friends.

  “Yeah, I’m fine,” I snapped.

  I winced, realizing I was being a complete tool to this guy.

  “Look, I know we aren’t close or anything, but lately, you seem off. I heard about the cheating scandal,” he said.

  Now, I was getting pissed. “What do you know about it?” I asked, anger spilling out of me. “I didn’t do anything. I would never risk my spot here or my relationship with Mallory…” I stopped, realizing I wasn’t sure if I even had a relationship anymore.

  Elliott took a step closer to me and I realized he was braver than I thought. “I think I can help you,” he said.

  “Oh yeah?” I asked.

  “Yeah. Now, sit down and listen,” he ordered.

  At first, I clenched my fists to my sides, trying not to punch him. But then, I realized he may be my only hope of winning Mallory back. I was desperate and would do anything to get her back.

  “Fine, but this better be good,” I stated.

  I sat down and listened and suddenly, things were starting to look better. I just hoped Elliott was right about what he was planning.

  Chapter 12

  Mallory

  Strutting down the runway, I tried to hide my growing excitement and nervousness as all eyes were placed on me. I was so excited to be part of this auction. I loved the idea of helping to raise money and awareness for the university's Children’s Hospital. When my team had been given this opportunity, we raced to sign up. So did the guy's team, they too loved this idea.

  Now, as I sashay down the runway, while the MC is calling my name and my attributes, I notice Jax standing off to the side of the room, his arms crossed against his massive chest as he glared at me from the distance. Ever since our argument, we hadn’t spoken. I couldn’t believe that he would even think about cheating on a test. Something that stupid would get him kicked off the track team and expelled from school. It broke my heart to think that he was so willing to throw everything he had worked so hard on away just for one stupid test.

  “Mallory is a sophomore at Falls Creek University and the star runner on the schools’ track team,” the MC began blaring as I heard people already calling out dollar amounts to win their date with me. Still, Jax stood motionless and silent as he shook his head no, silently pleading with me to stop. He hadn’t wanted me to participate, but once I discovered that he had lied to me and was about to cheat on a test, I decided I didn’t really care what he thought anyway.

  “Guys, just look at those lean, long legs. This beauty can be yours for just the right amount,” he called out again.

  I noticed several guys standing and pushing and shoving their way to the stage as they flaunted money at the MC. Laughing, the man kept rallying them up, asking for more.

  “Come on boys, I know you can dig deeper into those pockets to find more money. This beautiful girl isn’t going on a date with any of you unless it’s the right amount,” he laughed again.

  “Two-hundred dollars,” Jax yelled, out from the back of the room. He began slowly making his way up toward the stage and everyone around him seemed to part for his arrival.

  “I have two-hundred from the gentleman in the back,” the MC announced as he noted Jax.

  Glaring at me again, he kept his eyes on me as I lowered mine at him. A few more guys upped their bids, but each time, Jax would go higher. I hated that he was doing this. More importantly, I hated that I had to see him looking sexy as hell. My body ached for his touch, but my heart was telling me to ignore him. It was an internal battle that was about to kill me.

  With a slam of his gavel, the MC finally yelled, “Sold,” as Jax reached four-hundred dollars.

  Shocked and angered, I jumped off the stage as the MC began to congratulate Jax on his win. Grabbing him by the arm, I pulled him through the crowd and out the doors of the gymnasium. When we were finally outside, I looked around before I began yelling at him.

  “What the hell are you doing?” I bellowed, as I stood with my hands on my hips in front of him.

  “Me? You are the one being ridiculous,” Jax yelled back. “You refuse to talk to me. You won’t look at me, and now you are flaunting yourself in front of the whole school.”

  Stomping my foot, I couldn’t believe how insane he was acting. “I am participating in an auction to help raise money for the Children’s Hospital. You are in the wrong Jax and you know it.”

  He paused as he thought over my words. He knew I was right. Even through his stubbornness and his cocky attitude, Jax was a smart guy and he couldn’t argue with what I was saying anymore. Running a hand over his face, Jax’s face began to calm and relax. “Shit, Mallory. What are we doing? I don’t want to fight with you. I just want to have an opportunity to explain myself,” he began, his voice soft.

  Sighing, I kept my stance but I allowed him to finally have a chance to explain. “Okay. Go ahead and tell me what you need to say,” I ordered.

  Stepping closer, Jax moved into the moonlight and his face was illuminated by the soft glow of the moon. In this light, he appeared to be such a kind person, not the arrogant jerk I somehow fell in love with. “Mallory, when Hank came to the team with the Biology midterm answer key, we all turned him away at first. I swear. He became persistent, telling us this would make our lives much easier. He was only asking one hundred dollars for the answers. I will admit, the idea of not having to study and have more time to prac
tice and prepare for the state championship was alluring, but I knew it was wrong. I told Hank I was going to rat him out, but it was too late. A few guys on the team had already paid him and had the answers.”

  “How did the school find out?” I asked, now curious and intrigued by his story.

  “That asshole Hank went to the dean and told him he saw one of the guys on the team steal it from Laney during one of their tutoring sessions. Elliott was able to confirm that some of the players were there that day, since he too tutors half of our team. Even though we all tried to tell the Dean that it wasn’t all of us, it didn’t matter. The answer key was found in our dorms and so that meant we all had access to the answers. A few of the guys finally admitted to what they had done, but the coach still suspended me from running for three matches. The other guys who took the exam, they are now kicked off the team. I could have taken those answers too, but I didn’t. I knew if I did, I would lose you.”

  His eyes were glistening with unshed tears as he watched me comprehend what he was saying. For once, I had allowed my anger to subside and I listened to what he had to say. I had been wrong to believe that he was guilty of cheating. He had finally aced his midterm on his own and I was proud of him for that. However, I was still a little pissed that he had even considered cheating, but I could forgive him for that one moment of weakness.

  “I’m glad I finally know the truth,” I said, as I stepped into his embrace.

  Jax wrapped his strong arms around me and held me tightly. I could feel him sigh into my hair as he allowed his shoulders to relax. “Baby, I’m so glad we figured this out. I can’t lose you- I love you,” he exclaimed as he held me tight.

  “I love you too,” I replied, knowing I had and always would. I threw my legs around his waist and his hardness pressed against my stomach. I wanted to leave. To rush back to one of our dorms and spend all night making up for the time we had lost.