The Impact of You

Jase settles back against his seat, sliding his cup of coffee toward him in the process. ‘Just calling it like I see it, babe.’

He’s too relaxed, too smug. I want to lash out and say something to wipe that cocky smile from his face. Instead, I pull a deep breath and reflect on his observation of me. I’m sitting stick-straight in my seat, my stack of textbooks neatly lined up in front of me. And each time Jase has seen me – first at the party, then behind the dumpster – I’ve been hiding. I wish I could tell him those were isolated incidents, that I’m not really like that, but sadly I am. I realize with a flash of clarity, Jase is right. And suddenly I want more.

I lean toward him on my elbows, weighing his offer. ‘So how would this life-coaching work exactly…I’m not saying I’m interested, but if I was…’

‘We’d need to begin spending more time together for starters.’

I nod, listening intently. I’m thankful he doesn’t know my heart just kicked into overdrive at his words. ‘What else?’

Jase abandons his casual posture, leaning in towards me across the table, his brilliant blue eyes piercing mine with intensity. ‘I’ll issue you challenges as I see fit. You’d have to trust me.’

I fold my arms across my chest. ‘I’m not running through campus naked or dropping acid or anything weird like that.’

‘I wouldn’t ask you to do anything you’re not ready for.’ His voice is calm and sure.

I can’t believe I’m considering this, but I am. ‘Why would you want to do all this…I’m not a project.’

‘I didn’t say you were. Let’s just say I could use the distraction right now.’

I know my expression gives me away. I’m beyond confused about what’s happening between us and powerless to stop it.

He brushes his index finger over the crease in my forehead. ‘Hey, relax.’ His voice is just a whisper. ‘You’re thinking too hard. I’m not going to pry about your past unless you want me to.’

I shake my head, my heart thumping wildly.

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 (#u5bf33c33-24e7-536d-bf4e-70d6be15e57a)

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.