Something was going on inside of me every time Sweets was around. Hell, whenever someone mentioned her name, I was either smiling on the inside or defensive towards the guy who said it. I was a little nervous about the talk she wanted to have more so because I had so much to say and wasn't sure how she would respond.

"Fucking A." Tightening the screw I slid out from under the sink uncovering the faucet. No leak.

Hell yeah Carter

Tossing the towel on the floor I looked around the bathroom and sighed. The girls were fucked for a few days. Stepping in the hall as I redid my bun I noticed Sweets through the gap in her door slipping on a pair of jeans over lace pale blue panties. My heart stopped when she leaned down to pick up the soaked towel showing the side of her left breast. Her brown nipple pointed from the cold water drying on her skin.

Looking away from the side of her I didn't yet deserve to see, I grabbed my shirt, slipping it on before hanging up all the wet towels and clothes soaking on the floor. Wringing them out before tossing them on the shower rod I made a mental note to come back with a mop and bucket.

The car ride to my house was quiet except for the soft music in the background. Sweets talked a little about wanting to wash her hair but all my thoughts were on the talk we still had to have. I had feelings for Sweets and I didn't know what to do about them. She was perfect. So fucking perfect I was afraid that my past adventures with the rest of campus would be something she should could never overlook.

But the way she smiled, the way she laughed, her love for photography and helping people. The way she substitutes other words for profanity is so damn adorable. She's my favorite person and my first female best friend. I loved everything about her but I didn't want to make things awkward if she didn't want to step outside of our friendship.

Getting out of the car I grabbed the bags from the backseat following Sweets to the house. Closing the door behind me Reid sat on the couch eating a sub. "You two finally taking it to the next level?" He asked with his mouth full.

Sweets frowned, "Our apartment flooded."

Setting the bags down I pushed back the fallen pieces of my semi dry hair, "They'll be here for a few days."

"Who's staying for a few days?" Tyler walked in finishing off his own sandwich.

"Sweets and Siannah are crashing in Shawn's old room."

"In the designated fuck room?" Reid asked, "Where am I supposed to take chicks now?"

Tyler shook his head, "Cupcake will stay with me."

Sweets made a face, "You know she hates when you call her that, right?"

"If Nate has a nickname for her then I sure as hell will too."

"Jealous?" She smiled.

"Maybe."

"T, you think you can go to her job before she gets off. Tell her their apartment flooded and Sweets is here. Nothing more."

"And no arguing Tyler." Sweets cut in.

"But I enjoy arguing with her." He winked.

Shaking her head I told Sweets to follow me up to Shawn's room. Ripping the sheets off of his bed I balled them up in my arm keeping my promise about washing them. "The guys and I will be back in a bit. You'll be good?"

Looking around the room keeping her hands in her pockets she nodded. "I'll be fine. Do you mind if I finish my hair?"

"Feel free. I'll help when I get back." Seeing that perfect smile again she said okay.

Throwing the sheets in the wash I pocketed my keys stepping in the living room finding both Reid and Tyler watching t.v. now eating cupcakes. "I need you two to come ride with me."

"Where we going?" Reid asked before taking a drink from his bottled water.

"For a ride, Dawson. The less you know the better."

"Does this have anything to do with you kissing Savannah?" Tyler asked with a knowing grin.

Reid's jaw dropped, "Hol-y shit. Yo, hold my water." He tried handing Tyler his drink but got pushed away.

"Fuck your water. There's a table right in front of you."

I rolled my eyes impatiently, "Would you two just come on. We're wasting time."

"Let's talk about you kissing Savannah first. Was it good? Did you grab some ass?" Reid wagged his brows, "She looks like the type to enjoy some ass grabbing."

"We're not about to sit and talk about the kiss and our feelings. Now, get your asses up so we can go."

"Alright alright." They both stood grabbing their jackets. "No need to get all hostile." Reid smirked walking out the door.

"That kiss got you messed up in head Carter." Tyler laughed walking past me to go outside. Rolling my eyes, I closed and locked the front door following behind him. It was time that I had a talk with Fuckboy Cruise.

Driving in silence for less than five minutes Reid let out a bored breath from the backseat. "Look man, just tell me where we're going so I can prepare."

"You don't need to prepare anything. Just stand there and be quiet." Pulling into the apartment complex I parked my truck in the darkest part away from any streetlights.

"Carter -"

"Sh."

"Jace -"

"Reid, shut the fuck up."

"But I have to piss." He pulled at the handle. "Let me out."

Tyler rolled his eyes shaking his head, "For the love of -"

"Shut up, here he comes." I opened the door and stepped out hearing Reid and Tyler do the same. Stopping at the front of my truck I told them to walk with me but remain quiet. I was going to say what I needed to say then we'd leave. Simple.

"I really have to piss though. My bladder is about to explode."

"What are you, a man child? Go behind the truck." Tyler said, pointing back to the Jeep looking beyond pissed with Reid.

"Hurry the fuck up Dawson. Come on T." I smacked Tyler's hooded chest gaining his attention as Reid walked to the back of the Jeep. Seeing Mateo walk across the parking lot with his hands in his pockets he turned around telling someone to hurry up.

A dark skinned girl with large twists pulled back from her face, hurried towards him bundled in a hoodie and overcoat. "You could've waited for me. I said I needed to tie my shoe really quick."

"Yeah well it's cold as hell out here. I don't want to be outside any longer than you do. Come on." He pulled her to his side. "The quicker we get inside the quicker we can use our body heat to warm up."

Bending my tongue folding in my bottom lip, I let out a quick whistle making him slow down to look up and around for where the noise came from. "Yo, Cruise!" He squinted until we stepped underneath a streetlight. "Let me chat with you for a second."

Bending his head to the girl shivering next to him she nodded while looking at Tyler and I before walking away. Mateo stuffed his hands back in his pockets stepping off the sidewalk making his way over to us. "Carter, haven't seen you in awhile. Heard you're in search for another tutor. You know Mrs. Tully is a hard one but I'm sure she'll come around before Spring Break. You just hang in there buddy."

Grinding my jaw I relaxed my pocketed fists knowing that punching him right now would satisfy me but it wasn't the plan. I only came here to warn him and keep silent about my now passing grade. "I hear you're Savannah's partner tomorrow."

He looked at me then moved to Tyler. "Savannah Thomas." He smirked looking back at me. "Yeah, your old tutor with the nice ass, right? You know I heard she stays late at the library for after hours help. You know, that one on one study session. I wouldn't mind finding out a little more about her after hours special."

Grabbing his jacket I slammed him into the nearest car not caring about the alarm that went off. "What the fuck did you just say?"

Mateo raised his hands while laughing, "Did I touch a nerve?"

"So fucking help me Cruise," I slammed him against the car again bringing him up to my face until we were almost nose to nose, "if I find out that you touched her I'll break your legs with your own hockey stick. You get me?"

"I've never seen you so emotional over a chick before. She must have some heavenly pussy." Lifting my head up I came down with full force headbutting him with everything I had. Hearing him scream out as the blood poured from his nose I let his jacket go as his body dropped to the ground. "That's fucking assault asshole!"

"Keep your fucking hands to your sides or I'll remove your fingernails one by one." I simply replied walking back to the truck.

"Just friends alright." Tyler laughed.

"Shut up."

Reid leaning against my Jeep scrolling through his phone. "We all done here?" He pocketed his cell climbing in once the doors were unlocked.

"How long does it take to piss Dawson?"

"I was your back up, man."

"I was his back up." Tyler said, "You were lounging around looking at naked girls on Snapchat."

"I was the back up's back up. You know, the silent but deadly and as for those girls on Snapchat," he sat up shoving his arm between Tyler and I as I turned at the light, "look at her tits."

"Are you even sure that's a her. She has a lot of hair around her nipples." Tyler pointed to the screen.

"What the fuck?" I laughed trying to focus on the road and grab Reid's cell so I could see the proof.

Sitting back keeping his phone out of reach he turned the screen off. "Nothing tweezers can't manage."

"You're fucking useless Dawson."

Walking in the house I went straight to the kitchen then upstairs to find Sweets. Heading for Shawn's room I passed by mine spotting Sweets in my peripheral. Coming back three steps to watch her it hit me like a fucking Mac truck.

I was in love with her

I was in love with Sweets

Using the L Word wasn't something I planned on saying out loud anytime soon but I knew for a fact that it wasn't lust. Yes, I still wanted to have sex with her but never did I plan to actually fall for her. The girl that was supposed to be my tutor and a nice fuck in between. Instead, I wasn't getting anything from her and had only kissed her twice with multiple failed attempts and a friendship bracelet. My plan had flipped and did a number on me.

"Need some help?" I asked crouching on the floor beside her.

Hair products in a small clear box next to her knee she had other hair utensils in the small space between her lap and the mirror propped up against my dresser. With a towel clipped around her neck she had a few colorful clips clipped to the side of the mirror and on the sleeve of her shirt. Parts all over her head and used paper towels from what looked like oil but I couldn't be too sure, she was still beautiful and I would even take her on the floor if she wasn't a virgin and willing.

"You were serious about helping?"

"I was - I mean I am, very serious. So, tell me what I should do." Wiping her hand on a used paper towel she told me to get comfortable for the hours we had ahead.

Changing out my clothes for basketball shorts and an old hockey shirt I pulled over my desk chair seating it behind her. Watching her drag the comb across her scalp she made a part before handing me a jar of some mustard colored stuff.

"What is this?"

"Shea butter. Put some in your hand and rub it together until it becomes oily." Scraping some into my palm, Sweets grabbed my hand, "You need some more Jace."

"How much more? I don't want to put too much." Taking the jar she scooped a hefty amount in her hand before putting it in mine. Grabbing something that was in a squirt jar she poured the oil in my hand. "Now rub your hands together and through my hair. I've already detangled it so you should be fine and make sure you don't get it on your clothes. You won't be able to get it out."

Spreading my legs a little wider I rubbed them together over her back covered by the towel before running my fingers through her hair. "So what's the style you have in mind for your hair since it's taking up so much of your time?"

"Nothing major really. Just a basic twist out style. Maybe pin it up in a few places."

"What is that? A twist out?"

"Oh, um . . . basically the twist that we're doing now, I'm going to take them out tomorrow morning."

"Wait," I dropped the curls in my hand, "so we're doing your hair just for you to take it down tomorrow?"

"Yes."

"What's the point of twisting it then?"

"Because it's called a twist out, Jace."

I still didn't understand the point but it wasn't my hair and Sweets clearly knew what she was doing so I changed the subject. Asking about how she thought her next session with Cruise would go there was a knock on the wall. We both looked over to Reid. "Savannah we have a problem."

"What's wrong?"

"We're out of cupcakes."

Laughing at his broken face she twisted the end of the large twist around her finger grabbing the next undone chunk of hair, "Are you asking me to make more cupcakes Reid?"

"I'm begging you."

"Any request?"

"What's the weirdest flavor you've made?" I asked.

"Hm. . ." she thought for a moment, "pickles."

Reid and I make a face. "That shit sounds disgusting." He smiled. "I'll take it."

Finishing the last row in her hair Sweets and I washed our hands and cleaned up the mess before going down to the kitchen. I stood in front of the fridge trying to think of something for dinner while Sweets looked around our kitchen opening and closing cabinets searching for ingredients. She tried asking Reid who still sat at the counter doing nothing but he didn't know where anything was that wasn't already in the fridge.

Unable to focus with her coconut scent I offered my help. Setting everything she needed on the counter I took the seat next to Reid watching her create something as crazy as pickles into a delicious batter. Biting her bottom lip just like when she takes pictures, Sweets stirred the bowl that held cupcake frosting. Since we didn't have a mixer she used a spatula fucking with my mind while she made something as simple as stirring look sexy.

Watching her mix the frosting my eyes were drawn to the movement of her breasts. Swaying from right to left my throat dried at the woman in front of me. While her breasts moved one way her hips moved in the other twisting like a pepper grinder. I no longer had a taste for pickled cupcakes but for Savannah Thomas.

"Don't cum on the counter."

"W-What?" I sat up straight making Reid laugh.

"Roll your tongue back in your mouth. You're starting to drool."

"Fuck you."

"No thanks. I like 'em short and brown eyed."

"Don't flatter yourself. You're not my type."

Reid scoffed, "I'm everyone's type. If anything, I'm your type."

"The dick between your legs doesn't allow you to be my type."

"Please, if we were gay, you'd be all over me. Wouldn't he, Savannah?"

"What?" She paused her stirring, "What - I mean I don't - I'm not sure. I mean Reid is pretty hot but he doesn't seem like the relationship type."

"Hey!" Reid said, offended.

"I wouldn't date Reid because his asshole would be the size of Texas."

Sweets made a face, "Gross."

"It takes one to know one bro beans and I can be faithful." He said as Tyler and Siannah walked in the kitchen. "Besides, you're not my type anyways. Tyler has eyes like maple syrup." He wagged his brows. "He's more my type."

"I'm not your type." Tyler quickly stated as Siannah dropped her things on the counter.

"So you would just turn me down?" Reid stood lifting his shirt. "All of this? Girls go crazy over this inked body."

"The penis is a no go for me."

"I am appalled." Reid put his arm around Siannah. "If I was a female, would you date me?"

"I don't date but I might use that mouth of yours." She tapped his nose before dropping his arm off of her shoulder. Walking over to Sweets she stuck her finger in the frosting before whispering something no one else could hear.

"Nobody's using their mouth on you except me." Tyler glared at Siannah.

Rolling her eyes she licked her finger clean. "Get over yourself Tyler. You'll never taste this again." Sweets pinched her sister's arm then mouthed again with raised brows.

Tyler gave a devilish grin, "I love a challenge, Cupcake."

"Ugh!" Siannah rolled her eyes, turning to her sister. "Where are we sleeping?"

"Jace is taking Shawn's room and you and I are in his room."

Tyler, Reid, and I begin to laugh. "What's so funny?" Siannah asked.

"I'm sleeping in my own bed. If Sweets is there or not is completely up to her," I winked at Sweets, "and you can sleep with Tyler since you two enjoy each other's company so much."

"Hell no, I'd rather sleep with Reid." Siannah crossed her arms as if she was pissed.

"We can arrange that." Reid stepped forward raising his hand to wrap around her waist. "Ouch!" He rubbed his chest where Tyler punched him, "Never mind, I like my life."

"You can always take Shawn's room, Cupcake." Tyler suggested.

"Fine."

"Siannah no." Sweets said, setting down the batter. "That's where they take the girls to . . . you know."

Siannah narrowed her eyes at me then moved to Tyler, "So you want me and my sister to sleep in the room full of STDs?"

Reid raised his hand, "I use protection and pull out."

"And the sheets are being washed." I added.

"Great, so you can take the room then." Siannah smiled.

"Nice try." I returned with my own grin.

As the arguing went on and on, I slipped out of the kitchen and into the upstairs bathroom to take a shower so Sweets couldn't try to kick me out of my room after dinner. I needed to be a step ahead of her and the best way to make her forget about kicking me out was to be as naked as possible or at least shirtless. I noticed the way her mouth formed a small 'O' whenever my body was on display. I enjoyed the way it made her forget her train of thoughts and tonight would be a test of my own will.

Securing the towel around my waist I walked in my room finding Sweets standing on the other side of the bed with a knowing grin. "Jace, we need to talk."

"Are you pregnant?"

"What?" She practically yelled. "Why would you - I've never even -"

"Baby, we need to talk usually means I'm pregnant or it's over and we're not together." Yet. "So I assumed."

"Well you know what they say about assuming, don't you?" She crossed her arms. "And I wanted to talk about the sleeping arrangements."

"You can sleep with me, Sweets. I don't mind. Having your body next to mine has always been on my list."

"But we still need to talk."

"So let's talk." I smiled casually letting the towel drop but she was too quick, covering her eyes just in time.

"What do you think you're doing?"

"Air drying." I smiled even though she couldn't see. "It is my room and I like to let my balls breathe. You can uncover your eyes. I have nothing to hide."

"I'd rather not. I should go." Trying to step around my bed she tripped over the foot of the bed frame nearly face planting the hardwood when I reached out catching her in time. Giving thanks she squeezed her eyes shut remembering my naked state.

I smiled widely at her determination to keep this moment G rated. "You should be more careful. You could've fallen and landed right on my dick."

"Jace!"

Moving back some of her freshly twisted hair, I fought the urge to kiss her. "Are you ready to have that talk now?"

"I-I, I can't have this talk when you're indisposed."

Standing us up, I grabbed a fresh pair of shorts slipping them up before pulling her hand down. "You can look now. I'm covered."

Watching her long dark eyelashes flutter open her hazel eyes fell from mine to my chest then immediately back up to my face. Her pupils enlarged with a look I knew all too well but the only difference was that she was trying to cover hers up. Licking her lips she took too many steps backwards creating a larger gap in between us. "I um, I want to talk about the study session yesterday."

"You mean the studying part," I stepped closer wrapping my hand around her waist bringing us where we were meant to be, "or the part when you were wrapped around my body grinding yourself against me while I tried not to blow in my pants."

"I don't want to be another notch on your wall Jace."

Her eyes held so many emotions that I couldn't decipher each one as quickly as I saw them. Letting her go to step back and breathe from the pain my chest was feeling, Sweets mumbled something before turning to leave.

Grabbing her wrist fearful that she was taking my step back the wrong way I pulled her into my chest cupping her face as our lips touched again for yet another perfect moment. Needing to have control over the kiss to show her that she wasn't just another notch I pushed past her lips dominating her mouth gently. Breaking away, giving us both a second to breathe I kissed her lips two times lingering on the third, "You were never another notch, Sweets. I care about you more than you think."

"Show me."

The two words were low and I thought I heard her wrong. Then she stood on her toes, surprising me by placing her lips on mine in a hungry manner. She stepped forward and I stepped back until my legs hit the bed and we fell.

Pulling apart I opened my mouth to clarify that this was what she wanted when she pulled her top over her head tossing it somewhere I didn't care to think about. My words now lost in transit from brain to mouth fell down to the raging hard on pressing against my shorts.

Sitting up I pinched the back of her bra smiling against her neck as she moaned in my ear. Easing down the bra straps her nails scraped against my scalp sending chills down my neck and back. Rubbing my thumb over her right nipple ring I latched onto her left one flicking my tongue over her piercing almost losing myself when she moaned my name. "That feels so good."

Replying with my mouth full I flipped us over to lay Sweets down and take my shirt off when she sat up too quickly headbutting my mouth. "Shit!"

"Ouch! Shoot!"

Grabbing my mouth moving from between her legs I groaned, checking my hand for any running blood. "What the - what are you trying to do?"

"I'm sorry, really. I didn't mean to ruin the moment but my hair is oily and I didn't want to stain your comforter."

"I don't give a damn about that comforter!" Turning to my dresser I moved my tongue around my mouth waiting for the pain to go away. Hearing shifting behind me I wasn't sure if she was getting dressed again or not but I wouldn't stop her. Maybe we needed to try this another time when her hair wasn't oily.

Fucking A

Feeling hands wrap around my waist, her head touched the crease of my back, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to ruin the moment." Her pierced nipples lightly brushed my skin.

Putting my hand over hers, securing them around my waist, I turned around wrapping my arms around her shoulders. "You didn't ruin it, Sweets." Kissing her head, I raised her chin continuing where we left off. Bending down to pick her up I made sure her legs were locked at my back before going back to the bed. "I don't care about the bed."

"Okay." Capturing her mouth again I sucked on her lips and tongue loving the way her body heated against mine. I wanted her lips swollen from my lips and her skin to wear my kisses.

"This is my first time."

Breaking from her mouth I left a small trail of kisses down her neck to her collarbone. "I know, baby."

"I don't really know what to do." She whispered.

"You relax and enjoy yourself." Kissing down her chest and stomach I eased her panties down, the smell of her arousal sent chills down my spine making the enlarged muscle against my thigh pulse in pain.

"Jace I've never -"

"Don't worry, Sweets. I got you." Spreading her legs wider I placed several soft kisses to her thighs. "Relax baby."

Nudging her pussy lips open with my nose I gave a long lick making her back arch. "Jace!"

"Don't worry. We're just getting started."

Before she could open her mouth I latched onto her pulsing bud and watched my sweet girl throw her head back giving out a throaty moan grabbing a handful of the bed sheets. Pulling my dick from its restraints, I devoured her sweetness. Lapping her up like ice-cream on a fucking Sunday I pulled her closer to my mouth so I could reach up and pinch her piercings.

Removing my right hand I slipped my index into her sex tapping her g-spot. "Oh, Jace. Yes!" She cried. "I'm so close." Adding a second finger I brought her to the stars.

As her body began to relax I gave her lips one last kiss before sitting up on my knees letting my dick tap the inside of her thigh. Raising herself up on her elbows she looked at my member with a mix of emotions. "You can't possibly think that's going to fit inside of me."

"You sure know how to stroke a man's ego, Sweets."

"Jace, I'm serious, you'll rip me. I'm sorry but we can't. I prefer my body in one piece."

"Look at me. Look at me beautiful." She closed her eyes for a moment before opening them to mine. "I would never purposely hurt you. You know that."

"Jace -"

"Do you trust me?"

"Of course I do but -"

"Then trust that I know how to make your body feel good but you have to relax and trust me. Can you do that?"

"Will it hurt?"

"At first but it'll only be for a second and I promise to go as slow as you need."

"Okay." She swallowed, nodding her head. "Okay, but I want to touch it first."

"You want to touch my dick?"

She nodded again. Giving her a reassuring smile I gently placed her hand on my throbbing penis. Her small fingers tried to wrap around it unsuccessfully. "No," she pulled away shaking her head, "I can't even wrap my fingers around it."

Leaning on my side, I grabbed her hand, wrapping it around myself as best as I could before rubbing my shaft against her swollen pussy lips letting the sound of her juices play around us. Lowering my head to hers, I squeeze my eyes shut so I wouldn't cum in our hands.

"Feel that, Sweets? That's how much your body wants it. That's how much you want to feel me inside you, stretching out your walls, bringing you closer and closer to the stars." Wetting the head of my dick with her juices I nipped at her bottom lip. "Tell me you want this and I'll give you everything, Sweets. I promise." Hoping that she knew I meant all of me as a person and not just sex, I kissed her lips gently.

We both knew that I didn't know the first thing about being a boyfriend but she deserved more than just a few fucks here and there and I didn't want to ever hear that she was having sex with some other guy. I was willing to give her all of me if she wanted it. Fuck, I hope she wouldn't hate me after this.

"Okay, I trust you, Jace. D-Do you have protection?"

"Always," I backed up pausing at her raised brows, "I didn't mean it like that, Sweets. I just put one in my wallet today, not saying that I planned on having sex with you but -"

"Shut up before I lose my nerve."

Fucking idiot

Getting off the bed I chucked my shorts after grabbing the condom from my wallet happy that I didn't leave it downstairs or we would have been out of luck on sex since the rest were in Shawn's room. Ripping it open I looked at Sweets as she watched my motions. Stroking my length a few times I rolled the condom on.

"Relax baby." I said with each peppered kiss. Lifting her leg to rest on my lower back I entered her slowly. Gasping loudly, her eyes widened when I broke through her hymen. I kept pushing until we were pelvis to pelvis then waited, "Are you okay?" Feeling the sweat in the crease of my back and on my neck I tried to keep my voice clear of sounding strained.

"I'm fine - just keep moving." Pulling back a little I eased my way back in watching her wince just a little. Repeating my movements over and over again until she moved trying to meet my thrusts sweetly begging me to go faster.

"I can only go so fast, Sweets. You're holding me so fucking tight right now. Embarrassed as I am, I don't know how long I can last." I said through clenched teeth. She was going to kill me. Her body was so warm and snug, fitting me perfectly.

"Let go with me."

"Are you close?"

"Yes."

"Then I'll push through." Biting the inside of my cheek I leaned back on my heels lifting her legs higher around my waist. "I want to see those delicious tits bounce." I said grabbing one before slamming into her.

"Fuck!" She screamed, reaching above her for anything in reach. Grabbing a pillow, she dug her nails into the cotton until her knuckles turned white. Watching her breasts bounce with my every stroke brought me closer and closer feeling the tingles at the base of my spine.

Licking my thumb I rubbed her bud until her eyes crossed. "I'm cumming, Jace." She breathed out, eyes watery as her walls pulsed around me sending me into an orgasm as I called out her name.

Leaning above her I watched her fingers loosen from the pillow. A drop of sweat fell from my forehead blending in with the moisture covering her skin. Slowly pulling out, her body winced. "Sorry." I kissed her temple.

Pulling my shorts back on I peeked out of my room down the hall both ways before walking to the bathroom. Tying the condom I threw it in the trash after rolling it in toilet paper. Opening the cabinet to grab a washcloth I soaked it with warm water cleaning myself before grabbing another towel to wet for Sweets.

Taking a deep breath I walked back in the room to find her in the same position I left her in. A little nervous of her after sex state I cleared my throat to let her know that I was still here. "I wanted to help you clean off. Are you okay?" Giving a tired smile she nodded. After cleaning her off I tossed the cloth in the hamper pulling her to me. "Are you sure you're okay?"

She nodded her head, "I'm good. Perfect actually." After a few moments of silence she spoke again, "Was it . . . was it good for you too? I mean I know I didn't do much but was it - was it okay?"

Kissing her temple I told the truth. "It was amazing. You're amazing and yes I enjoyed our first time. I love hearing that potty mouth of yours but you should take a nap before dinner and make sure to walk normally. You don't want anyone to question your limp."

"Jace!" She covered her face as I kissed her shoulder.

--   --   --

There was a time when waking up alone after having meaningless sex started my morning off right. In my bed, in my room, alone felt good. Felt great. Felt like it was supposed to be. My schedule was simple. Wake up alone. Shit, shower, eat, go to practice. School, possible nap in between, then more classes. Practice again at four then drag my ass home to study, do homework, and watch some film or chill. If the night felt right I would call a chick up or go to her place for some release then come back home, shower and crash.

My life was pretty simple before I got assigned to Savannah Thomas. In the years that I've attended Trenton State I never thought I would lay eyes on a ginger haired, heavenly curved, beautiful woman that would make me consider dating.

I wanted to roll over and hold Sweets close to me. To kiss her and remind her of how amazing last night was. I was honored that she wanted her first time to be with me and I was curious as to where this sexy boldness came from.

Teasing Sweets last night was just that. I was teasing her already knowing that she wouldn't let me go far and I would never pressure her into anything more. Yes, I wanted to have sex with Sweets but before it was because she was hot as fuck but then wanting to have sex with her evened out with wanting to just be around her. To talk to her and make her blush. To eventually have a chance - if she would let me, kiss her.

Never did I think she would initiate sex like she did last night. Never would I have thought that she would headbutt me during our heated moment. Never - and I mean never ever - did I think that after borderline making the 'L word' she would run out on me.

I woke up alone. Took a shit, showered, and went back to my room where my empty bed remained unmade. Confused as to why I woke up alone in the first place I dressed myself, grabbed my phone to check if Sweets sent me a text or called and found nothing.

Walking out to the living room Reid sat on the couch watching some hockey film. Looking at my phone again I jogged upstairs to Shawn's old room knocking on his door twice before entering. The twin's bags still sat next to the dresser fully packed. Going back downstairs I took a seat on the couch confused as hell.

"What's wrong with you?" Reid asked, doing a double take when I sat down.

"Where are the girls?"

"Not sure but Savannah came down looking kind of weird. She called Siannah and they left without a word. Tyler left soon after that to handle some other business."

Bringing up Sweets' contact I dialed her number trying not to worry when it went to voicemail. Calling a second time the same thing happened. Sending her a quick text I asked if she was okay. If we were okay. Tapping my phone on the arm of the couch I tried to think if something happened after we had sex but I was coming up with nothing since I thought we had both went to sleep.

"Are you okay?"

Looking up to the paused game on screen I looked back to Reid nodding my head, "Yeah, I'm . . . I don't know. Something went down with Sweets and I and I don't know if we're okay now."

"Something went down or you went down?" He chuckled. "The tv volume can only go so high Carter, you know that."

"Fucking A. Everyone heard?"

"I'm sure our neighbor's heard."

"Shit!" Running my hands through my hair I figured that had to be the reason Sweets was avoiding me. "Fuck!"

"Calm down Jace. You making someone scream is nothing we haven't heard before."

"It's not the fucking same Dawson! She isn't some - fuuuck!" Feeling my phone vibrate I picked it up hoping that it was Sweets but my face and stomach fell seeing Paige's number. Pressing ignore I sat forward rubbing my hands over my face. "She isn't some random girl Reid. I . . . I really care about her and what happened upstairs shouldn't have been heard by anyone else. Damn it! I should have stopped. I should have fucking stopped."

"So you popped her untouched cherry." The hockey game resumed. "Congratulations but there's no cupcakes to celebrate with."

So here I sat on the bench at the gym avoiding going home because I didn't want to be disappointed again. I had texted and called Sweets several times only to hear nothing in return. She didn't even read my texts.

I was worried that something happened to her physically so I went to Tyler and he said that she and Siannah were coming home early in the morning around two and three. I never checked Shawn's room again after the first night and I'm glad I didn't. Clearly Sweets felt like it was a mistake and surprisingly that shit hurt.

Hearing my cell ring I swiped the green button without looking at the number, too tired to even care. "Yeah?"

"I just want to talk." She sniffed. "I want to apologize and talk. Please just hear me out."

Shaking my head I looked at the caller exhaling at the name. Dropping my hand and head I pushed my hair back putting the phone to my ear. "Give me a minute."

Hanging up I took my time in the shower not carrying how long it was. She wasn't going anywhere and in all honesty I really didn't want to talk to her.

Knocking on the door I stepped back waiting for it to open. Within ten seconds the lock turned and the door opened. Stepping back with a blanket wrapped around her, blue eyes puffy and red, her blonde hair looked wild and frizzy.

"Hey Jace."

"Hey."

"I'm really glad you came. Come in."

"Open your blanket first." Confused at first she nodded her head opening her blanket to prove that she was dressed underneath. I didn't need another surprise like I had last week.

"I'm not going to try anything Jace I swear. I just want to talk."

Stepping inside I walked past Paige standing in the space between her yellow couch and gray walls. Clearly the color plan for her living room was yellow and gray. Since the walls were all gray the couch was a bright sunflower yellow with small gray pillows and the other furniture was white and gray with yellow pillows. It was a lot on the eyes but I didn't live here so it wasn't my problem.

"Do you want something to drink?"

"I'm good."

"Okay." She nodded, pulling the blanket tighter around her. Watching her take a cushion on the couch I sat on the chair closest to the door in case I needed to get away from her. Clasping her hands together she wiped her eyes, "Jacey - Jace," she corrected, "I'm sorry for showing up in your room like that. I don't know why I'm so drawn to you. Maybe . . ." her eyes glossed over as she looked out the window, "maybe it was how nice and caring you were to me when we were younger. No one else showed me that, not even Tyler. I think his dislike for me came when you would include me when it was supposed to be just you and him." She shrugged, smiling softly at our childhood memories.

Paige wasn't an unattractive person. She was beautiful in her own way and someday a man would feel the same way I feel about Sweets for her. I honestly didn't know how I was feeling towards Sweets since she's been avoiding me. Having my feelings hurt felt like shit and I hated every time I looked at my phone hoping her name would be underneath an icon.

" . . . then you were taking interest in all the other girls and I couldn't understand what they had that I didn't. We were friends. I knew everything about you but you just didn't like me. Maybe I'm not pretty enough." She wiped away the fallen tears from her blotchy cheeks.

"It's not that. It's not." I took the space next to her wrapping my arm around her giving a friendly squeeze, "It's not that Paige. You are pretty."

Looking up to me with watery pink rimmed eyes she wiped her nose on the blanket, "You really think so?"

"I do, honestly. You just - WHAT THE FUCK?!" Jumping back I wiped my mouth off with the sleeve of my jacket. "You've got to be fucking kidding me Paige!"

"Jace I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! I didn't - I misread the situation, I -"

"Misread the situation? There was no situation! There was no - fucking hell." I wiped my mouth again, pissed that I even came over here. I should've known she would try some shit. "I'm done. I'm so fucking done with you."

Walking to the door she called out apologizing, begging for me to stay. Ignoring her pleas I slammed the door behind me wiping my mouth once more spitting in the snow before getting in my Jeep.

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