Normally the household chores were evenly distributed. We all had our rooms to clean. Shawn had the kitchen but now that he was gone it was Reid's job since he was always stuffing his stupid face with food. Tyler had the living room while I had the garage and Tyler's laundry because he flooded the house with bubbles on one too many occasions. I never understood how you could mess up the amount of detergent that's needed when the lid is a measuring cup! I wonder how he would survive without me. If he would make his roommate wash his clothes or if he would pay someone to do it.

Taking down one of the storage tubs stacked in the garage I removed the lid chuckling at the Christmas decorations. Shawn felt that we needed to have something to put us in the Christmas spirit every year even though we all despised doing it. Dad and I didn't do anything for the holidays. Tyler's mom would ask my dad to put the lights around her house and she would make a pie as a thank you. Reid never talks about his childhood but he said that he never did anything for the holidays. Shawn was the only one that enjoyed putting up lights and a Christmas tree. He said his family has two Christmas trees and he liked having the family all there to decorate. Here at The Caretakers we would just watch him put the tree up and offer him a beer when he was done.

Closing the lid I put it back on the stack taking my vibrating cell out. Looking at the unknown number I watched it ring for a second rereading the number. "Carter."

"Jace?" A female asked.

"Yeah?"

"It's Heather. When did you want to meet? I'm free tomorrow after four."

Remembering that I have my first study session with Sweets I wasn't about to reschedule after trying so hard to get her to agree. "I have plans but I'm free Thursday."

"What are you doing now? I have a few hours to spare?" Looking around the clean garage I told her nothing. I could tell she was smiling when she said she'd be over within fifteen minutes.

Hanging up I rolled my eyes not really wanting for her to come over but it wasn't my grade and I was a complete asshole. Just as I walked in the kitchen to make a sandwich there was a knock at the door.

Putting the bread aside I opened the door instantly rolling my eyes. Walking back to the kitchen continuing what I was doing before Paige interrupted. Hearing her heels click on the hardwood floor she took the seat in front of me crossing her hands neatly on the table.

"Hey Jacey."

"Stop calling me that."

"You didn't mind it when we were younger."

"We're not kids anymore Paige. Why are you here? Vassallo's gone."

She rolled her eyes, tucking some hair behind her ear. "I can't come visit my childhood friends?"

Taking a bite of my sandwich I didn't believe that she was here to come see me and Tyler. She knew everything about our hockey schedule and that we would all be at practice but I was still benched which means she's here to specifically see me.

"Why are you here Paige?"

"Why didn't you offer me a sandwich? I could be hungry too. It's polite to offer your guest something to eat especially when you're eating in front of them."

"I'm sure you didn't come here hungry hoping that I would make you something to eat."

"I didn't but it's called being polite."

Watching her as I finished off my sandwich I put everything back, grabbing a water bottle, twisting the cap off and downing it all. She sat in silence the entire time with a smirk on her face as if she was enjoying the show. I wasn't about to entertain her nonsense so I left heading up to my room to be alone when the doorbell rang.

"Fucking A."

"I'll get it!" Paige called out.

Coming down the stairs in no rush I heard the door open and voices that were far from a friendly greeting. Heading down the hall I paused at the daggers of death that Paige and Heather were giving each other.

"Put your claws away Paige." I growled in her ear moving her away from the door. "Come on in, Heather." I stepped aside and opened the door letting her in.

Noticing that she didn't have a bag with her I kept my mouth shut taking a seat on the couch checking the time. Reid and Tyler should be here soon and hopefully can get Paige out of here. Heather didn't bring anything with her, not even a pen and notebook to write anything down letting me know exactly what she came for. At least Michi played the role out.

Paige crossed her arms and glared at Heather as she took a seat next to me on the couch making Paige's eyes widen. "Aren't you going to introduce me to your guest Jacey."

Narrowing my eyes at her I grabbed the remote turning on the tv. Putting my boot on the edge of the coffee table I flipped through the channels. "Your mouth is big enough to introduce yourself but since you're up feel free to let yourself out anytime." Heather giggled next to me. Shaking my head I rolled my eyes not finding the purpose of cable.

"Who are you?"

"Why does it concern you?"

Paige scoffed, "Excuse me?"

"You heard me."

I was hoping that Paige would get an attitude and leave but Heather's comment only made her laugh and take a seat. "I don't think I did because you're in my house."

"Hold on." I cut in. "What the hell are you talking about, your house?" Paige scoffed again, rolling her eyes as the door opened. Reid and Tyler walked in discussing smacking it in the net when they noticed everyone else in the room.

Tyler rolled his eyes, "What the hell is this?"

"I got ten on Paige." Reid not so whispered leaning against the wall finding the situation comical.

"Explain what you said Paige because I'm confused as to when you thought you were moving in here."

"The fuck?" Tyler yelled.

"I don't see the problem. I'm here all the time -"

"And you shouldn't be!" He cut her off. "No one is here to fuck you -"

"I wouldn't say no one." Reid mumbled.

"Are you kidding me?" Tyler turned to Reid. "She's here for you?"

"No but I wouldn't mind if she was. We've had our fun once before." He winked at Paige before turning to Heather. "How you doing?"

"I don't care who's fucking who just as long as you're leaving once it's over. You have a home. Go to it." Tyler said before walking to the back.

"Somebody needs to get laid asap." Reid chuckled standing from the wall. "Have fun Carter! Feel free to come knock on my door when you're done Paige. That goes for you too, beautiful." He winked at Heather disappearing down the hall.

"We have work to get done so you should probably head home Paige." I said as politely as I could muster.

"Are you serious? You're going to kick me out when I was here first!"

"I just said that we have shit to do and you're doing nothing but standing in the way."

"Fine, I'll just go hang out with Reid." She said with a smirk. Was I supposed to be jealous?

"Feel free. You know where his room is."

"You should turn your music up." She flipped her hair walking away.

--   --   -- 

Slipping out of Heather, I pulled off the condom tying it in a knot before walking across the hall to the bathroom ass naked. Flushing it down the toilet I turned the shower on, stepping in waiting for the hot water to kick in.

Heather was a freaky girl much like the other females around campus. Reid had walked in on her giving me a blowjob in the living room since I didn't want us in my room and we hadn't made up to Shawn's old room yet. They made eye contact and she kept going. I didn't care because it wasn't the first time that Reid walked in on me and I was sure that it wasn't going to be last. Stuff like that happens when you live in a house full of guys who will bone anywhere. You see the shit and keep moving.

Standing in the shower I hoped that she would be gone by the time I got out. I didn't want her to think that we were going to cuddle and talk about our emotions after sex. She wanted sex and I gave it. Nothing more nothing less.

After towel drying my hair I wrapped it around my waist heading for my room. Pausing at the door I looked back towards Shawn's old room. I didn't want to go back and check if Heather was there just in case she was.

"She already left, dude." I turned around as Reid stopped at the top of the stairs pouring some peanuts in his hand tossing them in his mouth.

"How long ago?"

"Ten minutes."

"Was she crying?"

"Far from it. When I offered to put a smile on her face she almost slapped me. I thought she wouldn't mind trying her skills on me."

"Enjoy the show did you?"

"She was touching herself, of course I did."

Reid had the most tattoos out of the three of us. He was smaller than Tyler and I but the girls seemed to go crazy for his ink. He had most of his tattoos freshman year and every summer he would come back with even more. He even had his nose pierced when he joined the hockey team but Coach put an end to that pretty quick. Not sure what happened when they had their talk but it was the only time he was called into Coach's office.

Dawson didn't censor himself for anyone. If he wanted to fuck you on the couch at a party he would do just that not caring who watched and chicks loved it. Having sex in public wasn't really my thing. Being walked in on by people you live with was different from having a bunch of randoms getting turned on by watching you cum all over some girl's back.

"Maybe she'll let me have a turn when she's my partner."

"Maybe." I laughed walking to Shawn's room to strip the bed.

I was happy that Heather knew when to leave because some didn't, not that it mattered to me since I made sure to leave as soon as I came. Shawn's room was to prevent girls from staying too long afterwards. When I wouldn't show up after my shower they would either wait and end up leaving pissed because they couldn't find me or they would understand exactly what was going on and they would get dressed and go. I didn't need or want a hug goodbye. I wasn't about to kiss you on the cheek and slap your ass on the way out. That's what Dawson was for.

Closing the lid to the washer I put on some sweatpants from the dryer before grabbing two granola bars and a water. Tyler sat his bag on the counter grabbing two granola bars from the box as well. "Is Paige seriously trying to move in here?"

"She's not moving in so you have nothing to worry about." I said opening the first bar.

"You need to stop letting her in the house. We're not kids anymore Jace. We don't need to keep her occupied while her dad drinks his life away."

"We made a promise to her dad to keep her safe T."

"And she is. She's safely in college with us. We're graduating this year Jace. If you don't give her some tough love she'll follow you forever."

"How do you know she won't follow you?"

He shook his head, "That girl has been in love with you since she laid her beady blue eyes on you."

"And the feeling isn't reciprocated."

"We know and she sure as hell knows it too. She just continues to deny it but that's not my problem." He stood from the stool. "It will become my problem if you let her move in here."

"She's not moving in T. I already said that."

"Sure. I'm heading out to meet Princess."

"Is that really her name or you don't remember?" I found it a bit amusing.

"It's her real name. Don't wait up dad." He laughed on his way out.

Remaking Shawn's bed once his sheets were done being washed and dried I headed to bed grabbing my notes from class going over them once more. I needed to pass Mrs. Tully's class as soon as possible. Having two tutors should get me there even faster than having one.

Coach didn't know that Michi was my tutor and I didn't plan on telling him. I really didn't see the point as long as I'm getting myself prepared to pass the class but I didn't want to take a chance pissing him off even more.

The next night I had my first tutor session with Sweets. My hope was Michi didn't show her face and slip up telling Sweets that most of our session is me pounding her from behind. Girls like her tend to get jealous about things that aren't theirs i.e., me.

Heading up to the second floor I passed the help center desk a little disappointed that Sweets wasn't there ready for me waiting. I wouldn't mind watching her walk up the steps in front of me. She had a nice ass that caught my attention easily. Informing me earlier today that she would be in the second study room I knocked on the door twice before opening it just in case she was with someone. It's common sense to knock.

Stepping inside Sweets sat at the table with her notes, notebook, and highlighters spread out on the right side of the table. Next to her the only other chair in the room sat and the left side of the table was empty.

She wore a white knitted sweater that showed the nice curve of her breasts. Taking the chair next to her I could see the rest of her outfit, skinny blue jeans and brown boots. A brown leather jacket was placed over the back of her chair. Her ginger curls pulled to the right side in one long braid. Only a few strands sprang free from the left giving me a full view of the pretty brown skin on her neck.

"Hey Sweets." I greeted her with a smile pushing my hair back. "It's a shame you enjoy the smell of old textbooks and paper cuts. My place is much more relaxing."

"Hey Jace." She smiled back at me pausing to watch my hair move from my face. A look of want flickered in her eyes before she blinked rapidly clearing her throat. "I think the library is best for comfort. Not too comfortable to make you go to sleep but nice and quiet plus, I personally missed being here."

Sweets wanted me

I knew that glint in her eyes. I've seen it for years by every girl that I've ever slept with and even the ones I didn't.

Sweets wanted me

Why didn't she act on it then? She was gorgeous and I would be more than happy to oblige. I could imagine her pushing my chair back taking a seat on my lap letting me put my hands on her waist while she grinded her hips into mine. The sexy way she would take off her sweater and undo her braid letting her curls fall around her shoulders. Those beautiful light brown breasts would be covered by a pretty dark blue -

"Jace? Are you okay?"

"Hm?" I blinked a few times looking over to her confused hazel eyes. Feeling my dick pulse against my thigh I tried to rearrange myself casually. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong. I asked if you were ready but you never answered me."

"Yeah." I cleared my throat. "Yeah, I'm ready."

So ready to fuck you it's driving me crazy.

"Okay, so what all have you and Michi gone over? I can go back over it with you if you don't understand it or need a refresher. If not, we can move on."

"A quick run through from the beginning should be fine. Then we can move on."

"Okay."

Taking out my notes I slid them over for her to see. Leaning closer to me the sweet coconut smell swirled around in my head damn near made my eyes cross. Her small fingers held a green highlighter highlighting a paragraph circling a few words and double underlining others while telling me of their importance.

I was trying hard to pay attention to what she was saying but it was fucking hard. The girl shouldn't smell so damn delicious. I just wanted a little taste her to see if she lived up to her nickname. A small kiss wouldn't hurt. I could say it was a friendly kiss but then that would have to be on her cheek and I wanted to taste those full lips. Fuck.

"Where are you right now?"

"What?"

Sweets leaned back in her chair caping her green highlighter. "I'm talking to you and you're not listening to anything I say. So where are you right now?"

"I'm here Sweets. Right here with you."

Wanting nothing more than to be between your thighs.

Her hazel eyes dropped to my lips but quickly moved back to my eyes. "Good." She nervously rotated her earring. "Good. So let's finish."

I was sure that at the end of the session I would have blue balls. We only had ten minutes left and my mind was no longer on school. I was surprised that I was able to focus as long as I did without making a move. The only thing that kept me from touching her was my need to get back with my team . . . well, then her being my 'friend' came second. Friends could have casual sex too. It's called friends with benefits.

"That's it for today Jace. Do you have any questions for me?"

How do you feel about friends with benefits?

"Nope. No questions."

We silently packed up our notes, putting them back in our bags. I needed to get out of here. Her sweet smell had my thoughts going to places that friends shouldn't go even if our friendship wasn't real. I had to make her believe it so she would keep tutoring me.

"I do believe I'm supposed to receive some sort of payment." She smiled, swinging her backpack over her shoulder. "I remember being promised donuts." Shit, I completely forgot about that. "You forgot didn't you?"

"Nope." I zipped up my bag. "Did you drive?"

"No, my sister dropped me off."

"Cool. We can grab you some donuts and then I can drop you off."

"So you did forget?" She smirked.

"I figured it would be easier if we picked them up after." I replied smoothly, stepping closer to her. "Wouldn't want you to be distracted by its sweet mouthwatering smell." Watching her pupils dilate she licked her lips dropping her eyes to my lips.

I wasn't going to fight what was pulling us towards each other. Leaning down, her lids lowered just as the door opened. Sweets pushed me away making me stumble back into the chair as she bent down. "I dropped my pen."

Mrs. Grier held the door open, "We're closing up Savannah. Are you two done?"

What in the actual fuck?

"Found it." She acted as if she was tucking it in her back pocket but I could see that her hand was empty. "Um yes we're done." She refused to look at me. "Heading out now. Did you need any help? I can stay -"

"Oh no honey I'm fine."

"Are you sure?" Sweets asked as if she was trying to not leave with me.

"She's good Sweets. Let's go. Have a good night Mrs. Grier." I smiled, grabbing Sweets' hand pulling her behind me down the stairs and out the library towards my Jeep.

Once inside the coldness of my vehicle I turned on the heat waiting a few minutes for it to surround us. Tossing my bag in the back I held out my hand for her bag. She looked at me confused at first then handed it over. Unlike mine I carefully placed her backpack on the backseat.

Backing out we drove in silence to Margie's Donuts. The drive was about ten minutes from my house and normally I would've taken her back to my place but I didn't want her to think that I wanted to screw her even though I do. I just couldn't . . . yet.

Parking in Maple Lane Apartments I removed the keys from the ignition. Sweets opened the bag but paused, rolling it back closed. I looked at her confused, waiting for an explanation. Was she going to hold my donut hostage?

"We don't have anything to drink. Why don't you um . . . come upstairs and we can have some milk or juice. I think we have juice."

Watching Sweets as she spoke she avoided looking at me picking at the white bag that the donuts came in. Was she nervous? She didn't have to be. I wasn't going to try anything again . . . at least not tonight.

"Yeah, that'd be cool."

Following behind her jean covered ass I noticed that it was in the shape of a heart . . . or maybe a peach. It was difficult to see the difference but I'm sure that it was more of a peach shape. Peaches that just so happened to be sweet just like her.

Groaning to myself as we reached the second floor she continued to her apartment door pausing when she tried entering the key missing a few times. Leaning against the wall I couldn't help but to feel flattered. "Are you nervous Sweets?" Shaking her head still refusing to look at me as I placed my hand on hers guiding the key into the lock. "All you had to do was take your time."

"Excuse the mess." She whispered.

Nodding my head I followed her lead stepping into the apartment unsure of the mess she was referring to. From everything that I could see it was all clean. Not a thing out of place, not a dish in the sink, nothing. However, I did notice the three trays of cupcakes sitting on the ledge in her kitchen. Works at an ice-cream shop, can be bribed with donuts, and has a small party worth of cupcakes. Either she had a thing for sweets or a thing for cupcakes.

"Go ahead and take a seat. I'll get you some milk."

Taking a seat on the couch I looked around the living room taking in the photos on the wall. They were beautiful black and gray pictures on one wall while the others stayed bare.

"Here we go." Sweets took the cushion next to me, handing over my drink and placing a white glass plate on the coffee table with our donuts stacked on it. Giving me a napkin she placed her drink down next to mine that definitely wasn't milk.

"What's that?" I nodded to her drink, grabbing a glazed donut taking a bite.

"Coconut water." She popped the top stretching out her yellow straw, dropping it inside to take a sip.

"What's wrong with the milk? You trying to give me spoiled milk Sweets?" I asked picking up my glass, smelling it before taking a small sip while she laughed at me.

"No, I just don't like milk."

"What do you use for cereal then?"

She laughed again, making me smirk too. "No, I mean I don't like to drink it. I'll have almond milk in cereal but I won't drink it on the side with my cupcakes. I'll have coconut water instead."

"No wonder you smell like coconuts all the time."

"What?"

"Nothing." I shook my head. "Is it good?"

"You've never had it?"

"Never."

She held out her drink, turning the yellow straw towards me. "Here."

I wonder if I can make her blush.

Sitting up I leaned towards her licking my lips before taking the straw in my mouth holding her eyes the entire time as she watched my lips. Taking two gulps I released the straw taking the drink from her hands. "Can I have this?"

"Y-Yeah. Yeah, I'll grab another one."

"I'll get it for you."

"Why don't you just take the unopened can?"

"Maybe I like to think that we're kissing when I drink from your straw." I winked getting up enjoying the small blush on her cheeks.

Getting a second can from the fridge I took a closer look at the cupcakes that looked different from the ones at the store. They looked professionally done. "Where'd you buy these cupcakes?" I asked once I returned to my seat.

"Oh no, I made those myself. I'm trying out some different flavors."

"Who do you give the rest to? Nate?"

"Sometimes." She shrugged. "I'll give them to Mrs. Grier or Jia and Tink will take some home."

"Who?"

"My friends from photography class. I'm not sure if you've met them before but - oh wait, I'm supposed to . . . ask you . . . something."

"Ask me what?"

"Um, m-my friend Jia. She . . . well she wants to know about you. Well not about you but if you like her or would like her - goodness I'm terrible at this." She covered her face.

Putting my can down I removed her hands. "Your friend wants to hook up with me?" I asked, failing to not smirk.

Sweets jaw dropped, "Why are you smirking?"

"Because you're cute when you're nervous." Letting my hand slide down from her wrist I intertwined our fingers enjoying the feeling of her hand in mine as long as she would let me.

"It's not funny Jace. I'd rather not ask you if you want to have sex with my friend but it's her birthday wish and I promised that I would ask so I am."

Placing my hand on my chest I looked into her hazel eyes that looked more green today. "I'm flattered, really I am."

"Jace."

"No seriously Sweets. I'm flattered but I would prefer that your friend come to me herself so I can see if we click. I know it may seem like I'll have sex with any girl but I would like to think that there's a connection. Physical being number one obviously so your friend can't be . . . unattractive. Does she look like you?"

"Um -"

"Close your mouth Sweets." I lifted her jaw. "I'm just messing with you." Not really but she didn't need to know that. Her flushed cheeks was my only goal for now. Standing up I grabbed my coconut water going back to the trays of cupcakes. "What flavor are these?"

"Do you remember oatmeal cream pies?" I nodded. "They're oatmeal cream pie cupcakes. You should take them."

"Really?"

"Of course. Take them all."

"Well aren't you generous." I smirked watching her roll her eyes with a small laugh.

Walking into the kitchen she bent over to grab something from the lower cabinet. Fucking A.

She stood up holding a plastic tray. "I only do this for my friends Jace Carter so be lucky that you made the cut."

"Indeed I am Sweets."

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