I sat frozen for a second sure that I didn't hear him correctly before choking out, "What?"

No . . . No, there's no way Jace would -

"I said show me." He smirked, leaning back in his desk chair. "You got all this confidence glowing off your skin but I'm not afraid to give it to you straight. So get your pretty little ass over here and show me these amazing kissing skills you speak of."

Clearly my brain was broken. To actually be sitting on Jace's bed staring at this green eyed, face on the cover of a magazine, captain of the hockey team, smells so good that he makes me cream, is asking me to kiss him and my body is refusing to move.

My heart was beating in my chest so fast like an acrophobic standing on the edge of a cliff. I was sure that Jace could hear it. He had to by the way he bit his bottom pink and plump lip teasing me . . . taunting me to just give in and let our lips merge but I couldn't.

He knew that he was teasing me. He couldn't be serious . . .

I continued to stare at him waiting for the laughter to begin.

Was it because of what Paige said?

"Let's go Sweets. I have all day unless you're willing to admit that you're not as good as you think you are."

As much as my conversation with Tink and Jia went in the right direction with their support of me taking the reins and expressing my feelings towards Jace, I couldn't. I didn't want my bare legs to end up around his waist with my panties on the doorknob. No thank you.

"Fine, just repeat after me. I, Sweets, am a terrible kisser."

Maybe one little kiss wouldn't hurt. It would be really quick and simple. I could satisfy my craving to kiss him and shut him up in the process. A win-win situation.

"Fine," I stood up, rubbing my lips together to make sure they weren't chapped. This was my one chance and it had to be great. Catching the way he licked his lips I almost tripped on the two steps it took to reach him. Holding his arms to the armrest of his chair I lowered so that we were eye level, "but I have rules."

"Rules for -"

"No touching."

"What's kissing without a little ass grabbing? You learn that at thirteen."

"No touching Jace and no longer than a minute."

"Five."

"One."

"Three and a half."

"Sixty seconds."

"Eighty seconds."

"Fine."

"You know you're really bossy for someone with a poor record."

"And no talking." I grabbed his cheeks making him do a fish face. Even then he still looked cute and kissable. "Nod your head if you agree."

"One more thing." He said through squished cheeks.

I released his face, "What?"

"If you feel my penis don't be alarmed. He tends to have a mind of his own around attractive women so be gentle if you decide to grab a handful."

"Why do you say things like that?"

"Say things like what?"

"Like you think I'm attractive and beautiful."

Jace shifted in his chair rolling back a little when I sat up. "What, friends can't compliment friends anymore? In what book does it say that?"

"What about friends wanting to kiss their friends?"

"It's called attraction Sweet Girl. I've told you plenty of times that I'm attracted to you."

"Then why don't you just tell me you want to kiss me -"

"Tell you?" He faked laughed, rocking in the chair.

"Yes, tell me."

"Sweets, I've wanted to kiss you since the first day I met you!" Taken back by his elevated voice Jace was out of his chair and above me on the bed before I could blink. Sliding my glasses from my face, he tucked them into the collar of his shirt. Cupping my face, his apple colored eyes held mine. "No running this time."

Placing his lips on mine felt like kissing clouds. His lips were softer than I could ever imagine. He tasted like the cupcakes I baked him earlier. Sweet and addicting. My hands immediately went to his hair feeling the silky locks. Needing him closer I wrapped my legs around his waist moaning at the grip he held on me. My panties began to moisten at the thought of us being naked in this exact position. No barrier between us.

Nipping at his bottom lip. Jace growled, slipping the tips of his fingers underneath my shirt -

"Yes Reid! Yes Reid! YES!"

Breaking the kiss we both froze, dropping back to reality. Opening my eyes I moved Jace back with two fingers. Grabbing my glasses to put back on my face, I crawled back on the bed scooting away from him as far as the bed would allow. Licking my lips I tried to hide my face, grabbing one of his books suddenly interested in the third paragraph's second sentence.

"Right there Reid! Yes, right there! Harder! Harder!"

"DON'T FUCK HER HARDER! WE'RE TRYING TO STUDY!" Jace banged on the wall as he took a seat in his chair. "Stick it in her ass and be done!"

"Shut the fuck up I'm trying to concentrate!" Reid yelled back.

Jace laughed as his friend continued to shake the walls with a screaming Paige begging for it harder. I, on the other hand, wanted to disappear. I didn't feel in control over my body. I wanted to jump Jace's bones and pick up where we left off but Paige was ruining it.

Paige . . . that screaming banshee.

"Hasn't she been with everyone on the team?" I asked, a little pissed that our moment was over because of her.

Jace looked at me with a smirk. "Besides our head coach, yeah."

"So you two have . . . you know?" My stomach began to turn as soon as the question was out of my mouth and a visual of Jace and Paige together popped in my head.

He rolled his eyes leaning back in his chair. "So, we're back to this?"

"I just want to know. You never talk about her but she's always around you."

"You really want to know if I've ever stuck my dick in Paige?"

"We talked about my embarrassing moment."

"I'm not embarrassed Sweets but no, I haven't. At least not that I know of but according to her, she's only sucked me off once and I don't remember if I came."

"How can you not remember? It's an intimate moment between two people."

"I was drunk and in the end I passed out. Before that I remember us making out hot and heavy, clearly plastered out of my mind," he mumbled the last part, "but we somehow ended up in Vassallo's room. She started unbuttoning my jeans and then nothing. I woke up with my pants still on but my dick was out. There was no condom or cum on my jeans meaning if she would have rode me her cream would've been all over but there wasn't and my pants were black so there was no hiding it unless she gulped it down. I asked her a few days later after she was done giving me the silent treatment for falling asleep on her and she said we didn't have sex."

"And you believed her?"

"Tyler walked in and saw her going to town while I was half asleep and he kicked her out. You would think a semi hard dick would have stopped her but," he shrugged casually, "whatever."

"She was giving you oral sex on your sleeping body. Jace, that is disgusting! How the heck are you still friends with her?"

"Look, I'm not saying what she did was right but it was handled and I'm fine."

"What if Tyler never walked in? What if no one ever walked in and she kept . . . going?"

"Then she would just have a throat full of semen. Sweets, just let it go." Looking down at his book I couldn't shake the image of her doing something like that to him. "Sweets, drop it. She's a childhood friend, it's all under the bridge."

"Well your childhood friend basically raped you and I don't like her."

A pencil hit my shoulder falling into the crease of my textbook. "Stop looking so angry."

"I am angry."

"Well cut it out. I never thought I'd find that shit sexy but then again it's you so there's no surprise but you shouldn't be jealous Sweet Girl."

Was I jealous of Paige? Heck no! The girl slept with the almost the entire hockey team, if not gave them all sexual pleasure. I wanted to be known around campus but for an entirely different reason. She wanted attention from jocks. I wanted attention from students who needed guidance.

"Giving sexual pleasure to a bunch of guys who know each other and probably compare notes is not my cup of tea. No thanks."

"I wouldn't let anyone touch you, Sweets. Especially one of my teammates." Jace looked out the window tapping his highlighter against the desk. I took it as a sign to end the conversation.

Three hours, two bathroom breaks, and a snack break later I started to pack up to head home. My eyelids were feeling heavy and my brain was a little cloudy. I was certain my pillow was calling for me.

Pulling my bag over my shoulder I stepped towards the door Jace left out of ten minutes ago for another snack break. Just then my new male friend walked in with a handful of granola bars, two water bottles, and his white stained shirt over his shoulder.

Suddenly alert and awake as his pectoral muscles shined at me. Did he naturally shine like that? Was it from the stain on his shirt? He's one of those guys who don't wear an undershirt. Is he flexing right now? Are his pecs moving on their own?

"I feel like your thoughts might get you into trouble Sweets."

"Huh?" I forced myself to swallow wanting to take the water bottle from his hands.

Smirking at me he stepped forward and I immediately took a step back. Biting into his granola bar he closed the door behind him with his foot. "Are you sneaking out?"

"It's late and I'm tired."

"Stay the night then."

Setting the snacks on the desk then tossing his shirt in the hamper, he offered me the water bottle and I took it, drinking from it heavily unashamed. Watching him walk to his dresser he searched his top drawer moving things around giving me a little show as his back muscles moved so effortlessly.

This was one of the reasons why I couldn't stay. Firstly, we just became friends. How would we even sleep? I couldn't make him take the floor in his own house. I could however take the couch and leave first thing in the morning.

A black shirt smacked me in the face, halting my thoughts. Catching it before it fell on the ground I opened it up revealing Michael Jackson's Thriller. Nice.

"What about Tyler and Reid?"

"What about them?"

"They might think something. Like we're doing stuff sexually."

Jace leaned against his dresser crossing his tan arms in front of his chest still shirtless and tempting. "I don't mean to sound egotistical or anything but the house usually shakes when I'm banging a chick whether she's a screamer or not." He smirked. "And since there will be no moaning you have nothing to worry about."

"I don't think it's a good idea." I handed his shirt back but he only looked at my hand making no move to take it.

"I don't need you falling asleep at the wheel and wrecking your sister's car or that pretty face. I'll be outside." He walked towards the door. "Knock twice when you've changed." He said before closing the door behind him.

Well crap. I mean, I guess he's looking out for my well-being.

Locking the door behind him I slipped on his shirt too tired to argue anymore. Taking off my pants and bra I folded them, setting them on top of my backpack knocking twice on the door before unlocking it. Sitting on his bed I picked at the edge of his shirt unsure of what to do.

"Looking good." He said leaning against the doorway. "I'm going to crash on the couch so you can't grope me in my sleep since I like to sleep naked." Feeling my cheeks warm at the thought I cleared my throat giving a nervous laugh. "Why are you a virgin Sweets?" He asked out of the blue, surprising me. "Are you waiting for some guy to get on one knee and give some heartfelt speech about growing old together?"

"I haven't found a guy worth giving myself to. As if it's any of your business." I said, irritated at how he described a proposal. Proposals were meant to be sweet and make you cry, not talked about as if it was some kind of ridiculous joke.

"Seven virgins."

"What?"

"I've had sex with seven virgins."

"Are you -"

"I'm not asking for your virginity if that's what you're about to say." He cut me off before starting again. "Seven virgins and none of them got romanced. None of them became my girlfriend. None of them we're in a quiet house and all of them I've regretted." He exhaled, dropping his eyes to the floor. "I feel bad for taking those girl's virginity at a party I was halfway drunk at."

Running his fingers through his hair he scratched at the back of his neck. "What I'm trying to say is that I'm glad you're waiting. Don't let your first time be with some drunk asshole that won't remember in the morning. You're worth remembering Sweets." Pulling the door closed he paused stepping back inside. "And don't hide being a virgin whenever you decide to have sex. It'll be extremely awkward when he breaks through not knowing before, trust me." He said before closing the door again.

Turning out the lights I climbed into bed bringing the cover up to my nose inhaling deeply. Jace's scent filled my nose sending chills down my body. Touching my lips I replayed our short lived kiss over in my head. Jace seemed to act like his normal self while I had to remind myself that our friendship was fine without anything more being added.

Knowing that if I wanted to kiss him more he would want to touch more. Touching leads to much more and for me personally, too have more I wanted a title. I needed a title. I deserved to be called your girlfriend and I wouldn't settle for anything less so friends we would stay.

Waking up at six twenty-five the next morning I looked around the unfamiliar room before Jace's smell reminded me of where I was. Putting my pants on while still half asleep I opened the door peeking down the hall listening for any noise.

I didn't want to run into Tyler or Reid giving them ideas about me staying the night. This wasn't exactly the walk of shame but it sure felt like it. I was sneaking out wearing his shirt at the crack of dawn on a freaking Monday. Checking my cell I had to hurry if I wanted to get a few more hours of sleep before class.

Tiptoeing down the steps I quickly walked to the front door when my name was called freezing me in my spot. Looking over to the living room Jace's body was spread across the couch in an uncomfortable position with a blanket more on the floor than his body. Not having a clear view of his eyes even with my glasses on I took a step closer when the floorboard creaked. Flash's super speed shot through my body as I ran out the front to my sister's car holding my breath until I was down the street and safely away.

Falling face first in my pillow I thought of a response for when Jace finds his bed empty. I could just simply tell him I was saving us from an awkward morning. His friends would've not so discreetly tried to figure out if we had sex and I would've blurted out some random crap while wearing his shirt with bed hair. No thanks.

My phone vibrated in my pocket.

{Jace}: Next time you run out of my house like Sonic the Hedgehog make sure you take your bra with you

I sat up in panic looking down my shirt and was indeed braless. Rat cakes.

My phone vibrated again with an image of my bra on his finger.

{Jace}: I didn't take you for the lacy type. You continue to amaze me Sweets

{Jace}: I'll move my shit to give you a drawer. Feel free to leave your panties next time 😉

--   --   --

Hearing the alarm go off on my phone I groaned sadly about the sleep I would be missing while in class. Rubbing crust from my eyes sitting up I made my way to the bathroom to shower and prepare for the day. I would be getting a new partner today and would switch with Heather since she partnered with Jace first last time. Having a new partner meant new ideas and I had many.

Dressing in jeans with a tan long sleeve and timberland boots, I clasped the necklace from Jace around my neck after lotioning. Looking over myself in the mirror I stared at my hair wishing that it would magically do itself.

I really needed to start doing my hair the night before.

Exhaling, already feeling tired by looking at the mass of curls I sprayed it with my water bottle putting in some moisturizer before pulling it up into a high curly puff. Simple hairstyle for at least two days, maybe three if I didn't forget to put a scarf on.

With the building in sight I heard my name being called behind me. Turning around, Michi made her way over to me pocketing her phone once she stopped. Even though she was still, or possibly still sleeping with Jace I still wanted to be the same nice Savannah that I've always been towards her. It wasn't her fault that my feelings weren't in check and their sexual sessions were consent of two adults. It's not like either one of them was forcing the other from how she began to explain it to me before.

"Hey Savannah."

"Morning Michi."

"I talked to Mrs. Tully as she was walking to class and she said that she'll give Jace a quiz on Wednesday evening then he can take the test at the beginning of next month just in case he fails the quiz."

"You don't think he'll fail, do you?"

"Jace is smart. I'm sure he'll be fine."

There was something about her statement that didn't sit well with me. "Michi, are you and Jace . . . actually studying?"

"I have my way of doing things and you have yours, Savannah."

"I know that but -"

"Don't worry about how I tutor my students. I got it. Jace is happy with the way I do things for him."

"For him?"

"With him. I meant with him. Look, I have to get to class. Just wanted to let you know that I talked to Mrs. Tully like the nonjudgmental friend that I am."

"Michi, I'm not judging you."

"Your face tells it all, Savannah. You're standing here judging me about having sex with Jace. You think that I want him to fail because he had sex with my sister the same time as me? You think I'm petty and immature like that?"

"Wha-"

"I have to go." She walked away before I could decipher and question what she was saying.

Was she really helping Jace to study or was she watching him fail up close and personal? I would be sure to ask him Wednesday at our study session.

Texting Jia and Tink about what happened last night they both were eager to hear the whole story again from my mouth. It sucked having feelings for one of the guys well known around campus for more than his skills in hockey.

I met up with the girls before Photography class where Mr. Drew would tell us who our new partners were. Jia and Tink stood near the mountain of shoveled snow. Tink kept her hands in her pockets while Jia shuffled from one foot to the other trying to create some heat.

"Hey Jia. Hey Tink." I smiled once I was within ear shot.

Both turning to me Jia pulled me into her arms first squeezing tightly rocking us from side to side. Looking at Tink confused she shook her head rolling her eyes knowing how dramatic Jia could be.

Patting her back I asked Jia what was wrong. "You're getting closer to Jace. This is so exciting! You should just tell him how you feel and fall in love." She batted her eyelashes like a five year old princess.

"What kind of fairytale are you living in?" Tink said from behind Jia.

"Let's not forget that Jace is sleeping with Michi." I reminded her. Leaving out what Michi had said to me earlier, I didn't want them to demand that I talk to Jace, ruining the focus he had on the class, his trust with his tutor, and the possibility of him failing his quiz.

"Damn." Jia's smile fell. "I forgot about that." Her eyes lit up again. "But maybe he would change for you. His Sweets. Knowing that you like him more than a friend.

Not wanting to keep standing outside in the cold I shifted my camera bag suggesting that we get to class. Tink was the first one to walk away agreeing that what I said was a great idea.

Taking our seats at the third table Jia told me to spill it as soon as I placed my bag on the table. Groaning slightly I preferred to not go over the kiss Jace and I shared after everything I learned. I felt ridiculous having feelings for him.

"Come on now and give up the deets." Jia smiled, resting her chin on her hands waiting excitingly.

"Alright fine but there isn't much to tell. I went to help him study -"

"Like study study or study study?" Jia asked, wagging her perfectly arched brows.

"To study. The normal studying Jia."

"You'll have to excuse her." Tink said. "Sex is the only thing on her mind now."

I looked back to Jia happy to hear that her and Jake were moving like she wanted. "You and Jake -"

"No no no." She waved me off. "We can talk about Jake and I later. Right now, before Mr. Drew comes back, I want to hear what happened. Stop stalling Savannah."

I rolled my eyes giving in. "Okay, fine. Jace and I kissed and I liked it."

"Woah woah woah. Pause, rewind, and play." Tink scooted her chair closer. "You went to his house to study and ended up kissing? Don't you see the gaps and the assumptions one could make? So explain." Going into thorough detail about what happened, what Paige said to me, and the kiss that was interrupted by Reid having intercourse. Both Tink and Jia stared at me with slacked jaws.

"It kind of sounds like he may have a thing for you." Tink began, "But he has a thing for almost every girl on campus as well. All I can say is be cautious. If you want to make out with a hot guy then do it but if you're looking for something serious, I'm not sure Jace is your kind of guy. That's my opinion but I could always be wrong." She shrugged with a sympathetic smile.

"Of course she's wrong!" Jia said, turning my face towards her. "Tell Jace that you enjoy kissing his face and would like to be the only girl that kisses his face. Tell him that you want to be something more."

Just as I was going to ask if it was too early in our friendship to express my feelings, Mr. Drew walked in with the everyday smile on his face. Coffee in hand, blue Trenton baseball hat on his head not protecting his ears from the cold, he tossed his bag on the desk taking a sip from his coffee mug before setting it down.

Turning to us he asked how everyone's first round of partners went. Some mumbled that it went well, others mumbled that their partners were difficult, a few said that it was like working with a bag of bricks making Mr. Drew laugh.

"You all have to be in tune with your model. Make them feel comfortable so they can comprehend how you want them to be positioned. I want you to be able to laugh with them. Try joking a little bit to ease any tension. Try playing some music -"

"But I hate rap!" Someone shouted from the back.

"So compromise Kurt." Mr. Drew replied, taking slow steps around the room. "You're not taking pictures of yourself. You're taking pictures of someone else and it's your job to make them feel comfortable with being in front of a camera. Their picture - a picture you took of them, will be in the hockey stadium for everyone to see. Parents, students, the board, NHL scouts. You don't want them to look bad and vice versa since it is your work . . . and your grade."

Everyone groaned at the last part.

Chuckling in response Mr. Drew went back to his desk shuffling around until he pulled out a handful of ripped papers taking his hat off to toss them inside. "Now, the hockey team will be here in a few minutes so I want to do this quickly. Everybody ready?" We all groaned again. "Great. Now let's partner up!"

Pulling out the ripped pieces one by one Heather and I got paired with Javier Gallegos this time. Sitting at the table with her again she didn't speak like last time keeping her focus on her camera. Still pretty like any other day she wore a black crop top with black skinny jeans and vans. Black hoops and lipstick to match I wondered if she was having a rough morning or if this was just her style for today. A knock at the door gained my attention as the hockey coach walked in first followed by his team. Mr. Drew then pointed each player in the direction of their partner or partners. I raised my hand once it was Javier's turn waving with a friendly smile. Smiling back, he walked over to us, hands never leaving his pockets.

Javier was good looking much like the rest of the team. Tall, lean, nice brown skin. Dark black hair pushed away from his face with the assistance of hair gel. He stopped in front of Heather and I, introducing himself with a heart fluttering accent.

Giving our names again I told Javier that he and I would partner up first and then he would go to Heather once we were done. With the exchange of numbers we agreed to meet up Friday after practice to talk over some ideas and Saturday after their second practice.

Once all of the details were planned out I mentally patted myself on the back for not stuttering or giving out some useless and uncomfortable information. Looking around the room locking eyes with Mateo, I smiled slightly when he winked. He was sweet and cool to hang with but the glare I caught Jace giving him from across the room was unsettling.

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