I let out a sigh and grabbed clean clothes and a fresh towel. I needed a hot shower, and I needed it immediately. So much for enjoying the after effects of a night with Chase. Aaron had successfully ruined my mood, but I couldn’t let him. I stood under the hot water, hoping it would wash away the negative thoughts.
Chapter Six
I slid into my desk in Southern Literature a few minutes late. I’d spent over twenty minutes in the shower, and after getting dressed and grabbing a breakfast of coffee and a cereal bar, I had to run across campus to make it there as is.
“We’re discussing the misconceptions of the female in southern lit right now,” Kyle, a somewhat friend, whispered from the desk next to me.
“Thanks,” I mouthed as I opened up my notebook. I was excited about the new unit. According to the syllabus, we were going to be reading some Zora Neale Hurston, one of my personal favorites.
“No prob.” He smiled.
“Oh please, how many more times do we have to have this discussion? Not everything revolves around women.” Anthony, a junior I’d been unfortunate enough to have three classes with already, jumped into the conversation.
“No, but it’s an important piece of the discussion on the southern lit cannon,” a girl whose name I’d forgotten argued. “Zora was writing from the perspective of a woman, and her books deal with those issues.”
I raised my hand. “It’s an important topic no matter who the author is. That’s the point.”
Anthony turned back to me. “Of course you’d say that.”
“Excuse me?” I leaned forward in my desk.
“You’re a sorority girl.”
“What does my being part of a Greek organization have to do with my thoughts on literary analysis?”
“Everything.” He cocked his head to one side and shifted in his seat to look at me. Everything about him screamed arrogant.
“Oh yeah? So, if that’s the case, then your all white boy New England prep school background influences yours.”
“How so?” he asked. “It just means I’m well educated.”
“Well educated? Are you implying public schools don’t educate well?” Kyle jumped in.
“No, I’m just saying that doesn’t color how I view literary analysis the way being a sorority girl would.”
Professor Grayson cleared his throat. “Okay, let’s move this back to the books. Cara? Do you have anything more to add?”
“Yes.” I tried to calm my bubbling anger. After the Aaron run in, I wasn’t doing well with it. “I believe this discussion is about whether the representation of women in lit accurately reflects their place in society. My answer is that it depends on the author. That’s what I was going to say before I was attacked.”
Anthony smirked. “You weren’t attacked. If you can’t handle a discussion, then don’t participate. Sit back and listen like the rest of your sorority friends.”
I refused to take the bait. “Whether we’re discussing the representation of women, or children, or anything, it depends on the author. It’s impossible to leave your own identity out when writing.”
“That’s an interesting point, Cara.” Professor Grayson smiled. “Does anyone else agree? Disagree?”
“I agree.” Kyle jumped back in. “If I were to write the same story as Cara, it would turn out differently because we’re different. That’s not to say that a woman can’t accurately depict men or vice versa, but our version would be different.”
Professor Grayson nodded. “Nicely said. On that note, let’s end a few minutes early.”
I let out a deep breath and started to stuff my books into my bag.
“Cara?” Professor Grayson asked as I headed toward the door. “Can you stay back a second?”
“Sure,” I answered nervously. I hoped he wasn’t going to reprimand me for being late. It was my first time, and I was hoping for a one time grace. Professor Grayson was one of my favorites. I’d taken American Lit with him the semester before.
He waited until everyone else filed out. Kyle gave me a look. We usually walked to our next class together.
“How are you doing?” He paused briefly. “You’ve seemed distracted this week. And as much as I love the enthusiasm you showed today for the topic, it doesn’t seem like you.”
“I’m sorry if I was out of line. I just can’t stand when someone tries to marginalize me because of an organization I’m part of.”
“You weren’t out of line. You just weren’t Cara.”
“I had a rough break. I’ll be back to normal soon.” I’d just have to make sure to steer clear of Aaron.
“Anything you want to talk about?” He packed up papers and a few books.
“No. Just boy drama.”
Professor Grayson laughed. “Believe it or not, I was young once. I’m happy to listen if you need to talk. My office hours are for more than discussing literature.”
I laughed. This was only the professor’s second year on faculty. He was in his early thirties. “All right, I’ll keep it in mind.”
“Good. And I am glad to see you connecting with the subject matter. Maybe you can use Zora for your term paper.”
“Oh. That’s a great idea. Maybe I’ll come by your office hours next week to discuss it.”
“All right. Have a good weekend.”
I headed to the door.
“But, Cara?”
I turned back.
“Don’t let boy troubles get in the way of your life. No guy’s worth it at your age.”
I laughed. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Kyle was waiting for me outside. “What was that about?”
“Just Grayson worrying about me.”
“That was quite the show today.” He adjusted the straps of his backpack.
“Yeah. I guess I got my claws out.”
He laughed. “How are you doing? I heard about you and Aaron.”
“Oh. News spreads fast.”
“A few guys in my house were pretty happy about it.” He smiled lightly.
“Oh, really?” I tried to be polite, but I wasn’t interested in dating anyone else on campus. I had no idea where things were going with Chase, but getting back into the Greek dating scene sounded horrible.
“How’s Juliet doing? I haven’t seen her around much.” Kyle had a major crush on Juliet growing up, but she dated his brother and it hadn’t gone well. I’d accepted that Kyle wasn’t the jerk his brother was. We were both English majors, so we inevitably had a few classes together each semester, and we’d fallen into a loose idea of friendship.
“She’s doing really well. Still with Reed, still working at Al’s.”
“Nice. Dylan asked about her over the holidays. I think he’s starting to understand what an ass he was to her.”
I rolled my eyes. “Took him long enough.”
“Yeah. It did. Hopefully it won’t take Aaron as long.”
“Either way, I’m not dating him again.”
“Yeah, I get that.” He turned toward me. “Don’t read this the wrong way, but is there any chance you’d go to a party with me next weekend?”
“How would I read it the wrong way?”
“I don’t want you to think I’m being a jerk trying to ask you out right after a breakup. Even though I guess I am, but it’s just as friends.”
“In other words, you need a date and want to know if I’m available?”
“Yeah. Are you? I just broke up with that girl I was dating, Abby, and she’s already with one of my brothers. I’m pissed at them both, but what can you do? Showing up with a date like you would make it a lot easier.”
“Because I completely understand how you’re feeling, I’ll go as friends. Is there a theme?”
“It’s Country Western themed.”
I laughed. “Nice. Text me all the details.”
“Great. Thanks a bunch.”
Chapter Seven
“Spill, now!” Juliet didn’t even let me get into my seat at the student center befo
re starting in. “We’ve been going crazy waiting to hear from you.”
We’d had a standing lunch date at the student center for well over a year, so I didn’t consider skipping, but I hadn’t fully prepared myself for that welcome.
“Can’t I at least eat lunch first?” I eyed my chef salad longingly. My cereal bar had worn off hours before, and I’m convinced anger makes you burn calories faster than usual.
Mallory slipped into the seat next to me. “If it was one of us who stayed out all night after leaving a cryptic message, would you let us eat?”
“Fair enough. Jade took me to a show and it turned out Chase was the lead singer.”
“How is that possible? Isn’t that a really big coincidence?” Juliet asked.
“It’s pretty crazy. I guess up until recently, they were an indie band, whatever that means exactly, but they’ve definitely got fans and they’re on some big tour right now.”
Mal laughed. “Cara dating an indie musician. Are there pigs flying too?”
“I didn’t say I was dating him exactly….” It was more like sex and conversation.
“But you spent the night with him.” Mallory eyed me warily. “That has to mean something.”
“It means I’m incredibly attracted to him and wish he actually lived in Charleston.” I couldn’t keep stuff from my friends. It’s like being around them meant I’d flipped on the ‘way too honest’ switch.
“Was it good this time?”
“Which time?” I grinned.
Juliet laughed. “Oh boy, quite a night, huh?”
“The best.” I opened the plastic lid to my salad.
“How did you leave it? Please tell me you exchanged numbers.” Mallory sipped her water.
“He said he’d call tonight to let me know he made it to Charlotte.”
“Aww.” They both made identical sounds.
“When’s he coming back? We have to meet him.” Juliet unwrapped her sandwich.
“In March. At least that’s what he said.”
“This is awesome. See, things do work out.” Mallory grinned.
“But I did have a run in this morning.”
“Oh no. What did Aaron do?” Juliet pushed away her uneaten sandwich.
“He got angry at me for skipping the mixer and staying out. He told me I’d be back because I needed him.”
“That ass.” Mallory shook her head. “He was sulking around the party and then just left.”
“I can’t believe he actually thought I’d just forget about it and go back to him.”
“I can’t believe he’s Reed’s best friend.” Juliet leaned back in her chair.
“I really don’t want to mess things up for you. Please, just stay out of it.” The last thing I wanted to do was destroy her relationship with Reed.
“Like that’s going to happen. I’ll talk to Reed.” She set her jaw, and I knew she was already planning her tirade.
“No.” I looked her straight in the eye. “Don’t get Reed involved. He said he wouldn’t wait forever, so he’ll get tired of it.”
“Are you sure?” Mallory asked. “Colton’s not that close to him, but he could help too.”
“I appreciate it, both of you, but I want to handle this myself.” There was no reason to pull anyone else into this mess.
“If you say so.” Juliet didn’t sound convinced.
“I do. And I have another random piece of news to share.”
“Oh yeah?”
“I told Kyle Bradley I’d go as a friend to his date party next weekend.”
“Wait, seriously?” Juliet asked. “He asked you?”
“He got dumped and the girl’s already dating another brother. I’m single now, so I can help.”
“Is it at their house?”
“Uh huh. I haven’t been back there since right after Rush last year.”
“At least Dylan’s not around.”
“Supposedly, Dylan’s admitting he screwed up now.” I took a bite of my salad.
“Oh yeah? I’m sure he’s completely reformed.” Mallory picked at her salad. It was a Caesar and she was carefully avoiding the croutons. It wasn’t a health thing, Mallory just couldn’t stand them.
“Think he’s better in bed now?” I dared to ask the question.
Juliet spit out her water. “For his future wife’s sake, I hope so.”
“Not every guy gets married.” No matter what Riley said, I was sure Chase wasn’t a settle down kind of guy.
I heard my phone vibrating in my bag and pulled it out to find a text from Chase.
Would it be incredibly corny for me to say I missed you already?
I knew my friends were probably staring at the grin spreading across my face. I quickly wrote back. Not corny, just weird sexy.
“You had better not be sexting over there.” Mallory laughed.
“Nope. Just making fun of him.”
“Let me see.” Mallory grabbed my phone just as he replied. Weird sexy is still sexy.
She raised an eyebrow. “Do I want to ask what that’s about?”
“Nope.”
“Weird sexy? Is he kind of dorky or something?” she asked.
“Not at all. It’s hard to explain.”
“Look at that smile on her face.” Juliet grinned. “I like this guy already.”
“Yeah, I do too.” I finished half my salad before closing it and grabbing my tote bag. “I need to pick something up at the bookstore, so I’ll see you guys at the house.”
“Okay… but you better not be running off to have phone sex.” Juliet laughed.
“Ugh. Never.”
“Never say never.” She leaned across the table. “I learned that the hard way this summer.”
“Too much info, love.” I stood and waved before heading outside. I loved my friends, but I was going to have to make sure they didn’t get too excited about Chase. After all, who knew if they’d ever meet him?
I pushed off Chase thoughts and headed to the bookstore. My love life may have been out of control, but I was going to make sure to keep on top of my classes.
***
My afternoon class was far less eventful than the morning one. It was a lecture on basic supply and demand economic principles, and I just made sure to take good notes. I had dinner at the house and watched a movie with some of the girls. I followed that up with something I never did. I actually did some school work on a Friday night. I’d just finished my reading for the night when my phone rang.
As soon as I saw Chase’s name on the screen, I picked up. So much for acting cool and collected. “Hey. Did you survive the arduous journey?”
“I did. We’re here and I have an hour before the show. I just have one problem though.”
“What?” I leaned back against my pillows.
“You’re not here.”
“Yeah… that is a problem.” I missed the way his fingers felt running up and down my body.
“How was your day? What did you learn?”
“I got so intense in a discussion today that I got kept after class.” I picked up the giant teddy bear from my friends. I’d put it on my dresser but one of them had moved it back onto my bed.
“Oh yeah? What topic?”
“I don’t want to bore you.”
“If it was exciting enough to get you worked up, it won’t bore me.”
“The representation of women in southern lit. This kid pretty much told me my opinion didn’t count because I was in a sorority. I made my point loud and clear.”
“Good for you. I love that you’re willing to speak your mind like that. I was always pretty quiet in class.”
“Where did you go?” That topic had never come up.
“Emory.”
“So you were down south for a while?”
“Yup. I left New York for a little while.”
“Oh, okay.”
“Could you do me a favor?” His voice wavered a little, as though he were nervous.
“Maybe.”
&nb
sp; “Maybe? After last night you’re going to give me a maybe?”
“I like to play it safe. I’m not promising something I can’t stick to.”
“Send me a picture of you.”
“A picture?” I sat up a little. Why would he need that?
“Email or text me one, please.”
“I don’t even have your email.”
“It’s Chaseforever55 at zmail.”
“Chase forever?” I laughed.
“I made it ages ago.”
“Fair enough.” I stifled a yawn. It had been a long day. “What kind of picture?”
“Preferably a dirty one, but you know.”
“Chase.”
“Yeah, I had to ask. Just a picture. Of you. Think you can do that for me?”
“That depends.”
“On?” Why was his voice so sexy when he asked questions? It wasn’t fair.
“Whether you’ll send one to me too.”
“You want my picture?”
“I need to prove to my friends that you’re real.”
He laughed. “Jade didn’t tell them?”
“Okay, you got me there. I just want one.”
“So, you can stare at it longingly when you go to sleep?”
“When I go to sleep, when I get up in the morning, before class, after class, pretty much all the time.”
He laughed again. “I’ll send you any picture you want.”
“Make it shirtless.” I bit my lip. What was I saying?
“If you’re getting shirtless, I’m getting a bikini shot.”
“What makes you think I have a picture of me in a bikini?”
“You’re a nineteen-year-old girl with a rocking body. You have bikini shots.”
“Deal. Send me a shirtless shot and you’ve got a bikini one.”
“Promise?”
“Yes, and I’m good about promises.” I set aside the bear.
“I trust you.” He sighed. “And I want you.”
“Join the club.”
“When do you usually go to bed?”
“Around eleven, why?”
“Just wondering how late I can call you.”
“When you get home from your shenanigans at two a.m., I’ll be asleep.”
The Hazards of Sex on the Beach Page 7
