Love 101: Box Set (Love 101 #1-4)

by J. Nichole

  He looks at me, waiting for more, but I leave him hanging without details. "Your turn. What are you doing here? This is your last spring break in college. You should be partying hard."

  He shrugs his shoulders, bringing my attention to his muscle-bound arms that are bulging out of his too-tight t-shirt. "Well, I'm only here for the first half. I had an interview, but I'm headed to Vegas tomorrow night."

  Josh finally closes the gap between us, and glaring down at me he says, "What caused your sudden change of plans?" My body betrays me and his proximity makes my heart flutter. His cologne invades my senses and my face turns flush.

  I’m sure he’ll find out soon enough. “Chris broke up with me right before we were going to leave and I just couldn’t do it.”

  Josh’s eyes buck open and he stares at me for what seems like forever. “I would say I’m sorry to hear that but honestly I’m not.” His lips pull into an endearing grin.

  My mouth drops open. “Well damn. At least you’re honest.”

  “Timing hasn’t always been on our side. Maybe this is the universe attempting to correct its wrongs.”

  The universe could have given me fair warning. The sneak attacks I’ve faced in my relationships are overwhelming. First Travis being arrested on my graduation night, and now Chris loving me but not wanting to be with me. The universe owes me. After all, the third time is supposed to be the charm… if only I could convince myself of that.

  Grabbing my bag of Twix, Josh nods toward the end of the aisle. “OJ right?”

  After paying for my candy fix and orange juice, Josh lingers near my car. “OJ and Twix is probably the worst breakfast combination.”

  Laughing for the first time in a couple of days, I abruptly stop and look at Josh. "The way I feel I could probably make it work." He eyes me and his smile fades. "Josh, don't worry about me. My mom is making me breakfast. The Twix will probably be for lunch."

  Relief covers his face and he grabs my hand through the window. “How about I take you out for something even better than Twix?”

  My head cocks to the side and I contemplate my options. “Better than Twix?” He nods his head. “Sounds like a plan.” Although I’m not interested in starting anything with Josh, moping around the house, thinking about Chris, isn’t making me feel any better.

  He runs his hand through my hair. "I'll see you around noon."

  My mom’s face lights up as I approach her sitting on the couch. “Glad you decided to do something with that head.” She squints her eyes. “If my eyes aren’t fooling me it looks like you even put on a little makeup.”

  I turn my head to avoid rolling my eyes at my mother. Smiling I say, “I’m going out for lunch.”

  She pats the seat beside her. “You look much better than you did this morning. What happened at that grocery store? I know chocolate works wonders, but my goodness.”

  Laughing uncontrollably I grab my chest. "That felt good." My mom has always been on team Josh, but I don't want to excite her over anything. "I saw Josh at the grocery store." I put my hand up before she can speak. "He invited me to lunch, but that's it mom. Just lunch."

  She pats my leg. “I’m just saying that you look like a different person than the one who barely wanted to shower this morning. I won’t get in your business I just want you to be happy.” She nudges my arm. “Just be careful not to send him mixed signals.”

  Josh hasn’t stopped smiling since he picked me up. As I reach for a roll I contemplate telling Josh I’m not over Chris, but that smile warms my heart. The universe will have to figure this one out. “Are you ready to be out of school?”

  He hunches his shoulders. “To be honest, not really. Who in their right mind is ready to be a true adult?” We both laugh and I can relate completely.

  “You could always prolong your time in school and get a master’s degree.” Chris crosses my mind, and as if Josh can feel my mood change, he changes the subject.

  Looking out the window he points out a family of dolphins playing near the dock. "We should get a closer look. Hopefully, they'll be there when we finish our food."

  “I’ve always loved watching the dolphins.” I appreciate Josh for distracting me from my somber mood. “What type of foolery do you have planned for Vegas?”

  His face lights up and he begins to describe his Vegas plans, then jokes about me not being old enough to drink or gamble. “Vegas should be fun, but if I knew you were going to be home I would have stayed here for spring break.”

  I avoid eye contact and plead the universe to be kind to me. “I’m supposed to be in Miami being wild and free.” Realizing neither of us has mentioned Tanya, I ask Josh if he’s heard from her.

  “I called to check on her after I left you at the grocery store.” He frowns at me. “You know the two of you are supposed to protect each other, but I understand you not going down. I can’t say the same for her.”

  Tanya probably hates me for leaving her with my roommates. Pouting I say, “I’ll have a lot of making up to do.”

  He nods in agreement. Josh pays the bill and grabs my hand as we stroll down the dock in search of the dolphins.

  Josh grabs my feet and unclasps my sandals, and then takes off his shoes and socks. “Can’t sit on the dock without getting our toes wet.” I dip my feet in the water then splash him and he starts to tickle me in return. We are eye to eye and his lips hover over mine. I lean in but Josh backs away. “Sorry, Laila. I don’t want to make things awkward for you.”

  “Mission accomplished.” This couldn’t be more awkward. I haven’t even been single for an entire week and I’m already pushing up on Josh. “Maybe we should leave.”

  Josh shakes his head and turns to face me. "We've… well, I have been waiting for this moment for over a year. As much as I want to kiss you, I don't want it to be at the tail end of your breakup."

  “You’re right. It’s probably not wise for me to rush into anything new right now.”

  Josh looks at me with a devious smirk and says, “But in about a month, I know exactly what you can give me as a graduation gift.”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Monica paces in front of the library as we wait for the final count of votes to be announced. Nicole points to the group of guys making their way through the crowd. Before I realize whom she’s pointing to she runs up to them.

  It’s been a few weeks since I’ve seen or heard from Chris, but when I see his face as Nicole points her fingers at him, I feel flush. Just when I thought I was getting over Chris, one look at him has me forgetting about my late night calls with Josh.

  Monica jumps up and down, screaming. She runs up and hugs me. “Thank you for all of your help. I can’t believe we did it!”

  Jennifer and I encircle Monica, jumping and screaming. Nicole walks up and joins us. When we finally stop celebrating I ask her what she said to Chris. She rolls her eyes, “I told you he had to hear it from me.” She looks away and says, “But he reminded me that he loves you.”

  “So he says.” I scan the crowd, looking for Chris, but I can’t find him. “I find it hard to believe that he loves me but didn’t even speak.”

  Nicole grabs my arm. “I think I may have snapped a little hard on him.” She looks defeated. “He may have left early.”

  I’m thankful for Nicole speaking up on my behalf, but I’m disappointed that Chris didn’t have the courage to face me. “Whatever, only a few more weeks until summer.” Nicole nods in agreement. “I can probably get through without seeing him again.”

  “Right. Out of sight out of mind.” Jennifer wraps her arm around my shoulders. “You’ll be back home with Josh soon enough.” Jennifer grins knowingly.

  I gasp. “What are you talking about?”

  “Did you forget Tanya was in Miami with us while you were hugged up with her brother in Fort Walton Beach?” She cocks her head and narrows her eyebrows.

  Nicole frowns. “Guess there goes my chance with him.”

  Laughing, I motion towards Monica. �
�Will one of you give her a ride home? I need to get home to study.”

  On my walk back to the car my phone vibrates.

  Josh: I wish we lived closer to each other.

  Laila: Oh yea? Why is that?

  Josh: Busy? Can I call?

  I press the call button on the message and Josh answers before the second ring. “I’m not interrupting you am I?”

  "I believe I called you." My heartbeat quickens and I almost forget about my non-run-in with Chris. "What were you saying about living closer?"

  He laughs. “I was just thinking how great it would have been had you chosen the better HBCU.”

  “Just when I was thinking you had something sweet to say, you throw out this nonsense.” We both laugh and I wish I could drop by his house. Wish he were close enough to wrap me in his arms and make me completely forget about Chris.

  “But seriously, I had a rough day and I know exactly what would make it better.”

  Before realizing, I moan in response.

  “Already I’m feeling better and you are a few states away.” He breathes heavy for a minute. “Think you could do that again?”

  I look over my shoulder, and then whisper, “I’m new to this long distance seduction.”

  “Unfortunately, we have time to learn.”

  Digging in my bag for my keys, I run into someone. I look up into Jason’s face. He yells, “Yo! Laila.”

  I’m glad he didn’t bump into me a few seconds earlier or he would have overheard my horrible attempt at phone sex. I tell Josh I’ll call him back and I reach out to Jason for a hug. “How are you?”

  “Counting down days till summer.” He turns and leads me to my car. “How are you?”

  “Summer is calling my name.” I avoid eye contact as he glares at me. “This has been one helluva year.”

  “So…” He leans on my car as I unlock the door. “I heard about you and Chris.”

  “You did?” I throw my hand in the air. “Of course you did.”

  He bobbles his head. “Ever since ol’ girl went off in front of the frat house we’ve been kinda all in y’alls business.”

  I groan. “Great. Just what I wanted to hear.”

  Jason places his hand on my arm. “Don’t worry about it. It’s not that serious. But have you heard anything else about that chick?”

  “No, actually I haven’t.”

  "Well, you should probably get going. Whoever you were seducing on the phone is probably waiting with his dick hard for you to call back."

  My eyes buck and my mouth hangs open. Jason laughs and hugs me before walking away. Over his shoulder he yells, “Holla at you later, Laila.”

  Jason is probably right. Josh is probably waiting with his dick hard. I practice my sexy phone voice in my head a few times, but to me I sound like an undersexed pre-puberty teenage boy.

  What the hell? What do I have to lose? At the least it will be an entertaining ride home. I call Josh back and it doesn’t take long for him to answer. “Glad you called back. Everything okay?”

  “Yeah, I just ran into a classmate. Like literally ran into him.” Josh laughs and then returns to his seduction.

  In a deep voice he murmurs, “Before you rushed off the phone you were about to tease me with that sexy moan again.”

  Trying to focus on the road becomes difficult as my clit begins to throb, thinking about Josh making me moan. I trail a hand down my thigh between my legs and I release a soft moan.

  “Damn, Laila. I have a list of things I want to do with you, but mostly making you moan like that would be my priority.”

  “Did I mention I’m driving, and talk like that will have me up a tree?”

  “We can’t have that. This is what I want you to do. Focus on driving, and put me on speaker.” He waits until I confirm I’m listening. “Now make sure you have both hands on the wheel.” He pauses for a minute then he whispers, “Now imagine me laying you on the bed and spreading your legs wide open.” Involuntarily, another moan escapes. “I’m kissing you from your toes up each leg and caressing your breasts as I approach your mound. I lick between those thighs and you taste amazing.”

  “I’m finding it very hard to keep both hands on the wheel right now. My nipples are going to burst out of my bra and I’m pretty sure my panties are soaked.”

  “If you come up for my graduation I’ll be sure to live up to everything I’ve described.”

  “Sounds like an offer I can’t resist.” Finding time away from our families will be tricky but I hope he can work magic. When I finally pull up to my apartment I hang up with Josh but tell him to wait patiently by the phone.

  Throwing off my shirt when I get into my room I take a picture of my chest with cleavage on display making sure to crop out my head. Never can be too careful when sending sexy photos.

  Josh responds to my text with a shirtless picture showing his ripped chest, six-pack, and that special v-shaped groin area. I came home early to study but now I’m worked up. I lock my door and climb between the sheets. Imagining his promises I stroke myself into a quivering orgasm. Studying can wait until morning.

  I awaken to the girls shouting in the living room. When I emerge from my room they bombard me with their thoughts. Monica looks at me with a huge grin and says, "We are planning another party."

  As if our last party wasn't exciting enough. Hopefully, this time around Courtney will not be able to crash and attempt to ruin my night. Jennifer squeals, "We have to celebrate the newest junior class president!" I don't think I've ever seen Jennifer this excited. She didn't even show this much enthusiasm when she made the dance troupe.

  Nicole chimes in, “And we are almost done with our sophomore year that’s reason to celebrate.”

  My excitement is minimal as I consider the next couple of weeks. Chris will be leaving Tallahassee and I may or may not ever see him again. To avoid the oncoming assault of questions, I play coy. “Sounds like a plan. I’m down for a party, but maybe we should just hit up a club. Who wants to clean up after folks right before we leave for the summer?”

  They all agree and decide they will help with finding a worthy year-end party to attend. I grab a couple of snacks from the kitchen to aid in my last minute studying. Monica clears her throat, gaining our attention. “Of course, since my platform is geared towards internships I made sure I had a steady stream of them lined up for this summer.”

  I give Monica a side-eye as she continues, "The connects were mainly in preparation for next summer but a few didn't fill all their spots for this summer."

  Jennifer sits taller on the couch and says, “I wouldn’t mind having an internship this summer. Beats going back to Texas.” She cocks her eyebrow. “Is it paid too?”

  “Most of them are paid, and I’ll pass you the information. If you are interested you’ll have to act soon.”

  Monica sends the internship information and I flag the email to read after my study session.

  Our pre-game party preparations include a few of Nicole’s infamous shots. Over the past year, her ability to find someone ready and willing to buy us alcohol has been impressive.

  “Here’s to Monica!” Nicole holds her shot glass in the air and we all throw our shots back, slamming the glasses on the counter.

  Monica rubs her chest and says, “Okay, I think I’m good for a while. We should get going before the line gets too long.”

  We decided on a non-Greek, non-dance troupe year-end party. My first party as a single woman, I didn’t want to be reminded of Chris and we didn’t want to share Jennifer with her dance troupe.

  Arriving at the club, we see the line isn’t long and we make it into the club after a short wait outside. Jennifer pauses as we make our way through the crowd. Turning to us she says, “Laila, we are here to have fun. No matter what, just remember we are here to have fun.”

  Looking through my painted lashes, I arch my brow and wait for Jennifer to explain her cryptic message. Jennifer looks to Nicole, and after staring her down for a minute Nicol
e looks from me to the dance floor and sighs. “We should have another shot. Let me find someone.”

  Monica puts her hand in the air, stopping Nicole. “Nothing for me. I should stay under the radar. Can’t have the future junior class president drunk in the club.” Monica straightens her dress, smoothing it out over her curves. “Should keep my public persona pristine.”

  We all laugh at her sudden sober attitude. Nicole smirks. “You’re right.” She shimmies to the bar and calls out over her shoulder. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun.” She stops to scan the crowd of guys waiting for their orders.

  As she waits for her guinea pig to buy us drinks I try to look past Jennifer to the dance floor. Jennifer obstructs my view, moving in front of me each time I try to look past her. Whatever, exams are over, I have an internship this summer. I’m celebrating tonight.

  Nicole returns with a couple of drinks in her hand and passes one to Jennifer and I grab the other. Jennifer takes a sip then looks to Monica. “Cheers to you.” She looks to us and says, “And to us, another year down. Two more to go.”

  After we finish our drinks we head to the dance floor with Jennifer leading the way. The crowd seems to part as we make our way through. Jennifer finally moves out of my way and I see who caused her pause. Courtney is in the middle of the dance floor grinding against her next victim.

  Rolling my eyes, I shake my head and find a spot on the floor away from her. A few guys surround us and I find myself paired up with a dance partner. I maneuver him in between Courtney and me and try to avoid any eye contact with her.

  My dance partner leans in and asks for my name. He towers over my small frame, and as he speaks, I stare at his wild hair. He reaches up and laughs as he twists a few strands of hair together. “You alright?”

  I force a smile and say, “Yeah. My name is Laila, yours?”

  “My friends call me Tre.” Tre isn’t the sexiest man in the room, but I entertain him anyway. It’s not like I have to marry the man. We dance through a few songs with him leaning in, whispering in my ear every few minutes, and I forget about Courtney on the other side of the room.