When we reached the cafeteria, the place was packed. After getting our food we managed to grab a table that some other students had just left. We sat down and Payton introduced me to the girls. Erika was a slim, pretty girl with blue eyes, auburn hair and cute freckles sprinkled all over her nose. Gemma was also slim, with brown eyes. She had short hair, dyed bright white with a slight pink hue.

“So, Payton says that you were captain of your cheerleading squad. Are you going to try out for the team here?” Gemma asked as she bit into her pizza.

“Um, I haven't decided yet. To be honest, as much as I loved it, I'm trying to get away from that whole scene. I think I'm just going to concentrate on my studies, and have some fun,” I replied while stabbing my fork into my fries.

“Aww, that's a shame. We're going to try out, you should come with us,” Erika suggested.

I glanced over to Payton, but she kept her eyes down while she poked at her salad. A few seconds later, she peeked up at me and shrugged. After everything that happened in high school, she agreed a break from the cheerleading and jock crowd would be a great idea. I loved the popularity and attention that being a part of them brought, but when I had gotten kicked out of that crowd, it had turned me into a target. Not only by them but also, by all of the kids jealous or envious of them. I became the school's outcast and I really didn't need that at college too. I peered over to the table that was filled with cheerleaders and jocks, noticing their flirtatious laughter ringing through the dining hall.

I sighed and shook my head.

“Sorry girls, I'm going to pass. I've lived that life and I don't think it suited me. But thanks for thinking of me.”

Erika and Gemma looked at each other for a second before their eyes landed back on me.

Plopping her elbows on the table, Erika grinned.

“Well, come to tryouts anyway. You can at least cheer us on.”

My eyes fell on Payton, and I tried to use them to tell her to help me out of this, but she only shrugged and smirked my way. When I looked back at the girls, they had their hands pressed together in a praying gesture, and their puppy-dog eyes begged me to say yes. With a sigh and a roll of my eyes, I picked up my burger.

“Ugh, fine. But only to cheer you on. I'm finished with that world.”

I took a hefty bite, hoping that would stop the conversation for a time. They both cheered and high fived each other like they’d won the biggest trophy on the planet. It made a warm smile spread across my face. One of the cheerleaders from the table across the room looked over at us. She was a beautiful blonde girl with a fit build and an angelic face. After staring at me for what felt like forever, she gave me a wide, beaming grin. I politely returned the smile, then looked at my new friends again. Their eyes snapped away from the cheerleader and fell to stare at their food.

How strange…

Shrugging it off, I took another massive bite of my burger. I didn’t know them well enough to judge if they were acting strange, and they seemed nice, so I could ignore it for now. Taking another bite, I almost wished I could stuff the whole thing in my mouth at once. I was starving, so much so I didn’t even care if I looked like a pig.

The sound of a chair scraping the floor alerted me that someone had sat at our table, but I was busy eating so paid no attention to the person, thinking it was just someone needing a seat. I could smell the guy’s cologne though, and it smelled amazing. Dragging the chair to the side of me and straddling it, the guy draped his arms on the back of the chair, before plopping his chin in his hands and gawking at me.

Still holding my burger, I glanced up, my eyes landing on Erika and Gemma first. Their mouths hung wide open as their nervous gazes drifted from the guy and back to me. I moved my gaze to Payton, who was scowling at the guy. Her face told me exactly who it was. I dropped my burger onto my plate, wiped my hands on a paper napkin, then threw it onto my plate, making my irritation known.

“What?”

“Do you have any idea how cute you are when you're pissed off?”

His seductive smirk did nothing but piss me off. I huffed and rolled my eyes at him.

“What do you want, Chase? Or were you just placed on this earth to annoy the crap out of me?”

He chuckled.

“So sassy, I love it. I was just wondering if you had an answer to my question?”

Removing his shades, he slipped one arm past his plump bottom lip and chewed it. I gulped as I watched his tongue tease the arm of his shades. The side of his mouth curled into another smirk, right before he set his sunglasses on the table.

“Well? How about it, wanna be my date to the party?” His voice was low, smooth, and like velvet caressing my skin.

I heard Erika, Gemma, and a few others from the cafeteria gasp, and whispers erupted around me. While mesmerized by his tongue and lips, I hadn't realized that the entire room had turned silent. My eyes grew wide as I searched the room, only to find everyone staring hard at me.

“What the fuck?” I whispered to Payton.

“I haven't got a clue. It's fucking creeping me out, though. Just answer him so we can leave,” she said, her voice so low I could hardly make out what she was saying.

I turned back to Chase and made the mistake of making eye contact. Instantly, I was lost in his emerald-green eyes. My body temperature increased, and my heart raced. The longer I stared into his eyes, the fainter and more flustered I felt. And then I looked even deeper. Shaking myself, I couldn’t erase the image I’d seen shining from his eyes. It was of Chase and I kissing. Squeezing my eyes shut, I pinched the top of my nose.

“No.” I shook my head for extra emphasis.

No way could I go out with this guy. The whole room let out a gasp, and I immediately opened my eyes, dropping my hand to look at every one. Some were whispering again, and some were holding back snickers. I looked at Erika and she had her hand over her mouth, her eyes wide in shock, and Gemma just shook her head at me in disapproval. I scrunched my brow, then turned back to Chase. He had put his shades back on and was clenching his jaw. His knuckles were turning bright white as he tightened his grip on the metal back of the chair.

“Look, I'm sorry, Chase. It's nothing personal but you're just not my type, “ I said in a monotone voice.

It was the only voice I could fake to make sure I didn’t give away the fact that I was lying. My body definitely wanted him because I was soaking wet as soon as I smelled the guy's cologne, and when I heard his deep, velvety voice, I almost creamed in my panties. I mean, I was probably only seconds away from slip-sliding right off the damn bench.

But with everything that had happened with Kyle, the last thing I wanted right now was to jump straight into bed with Murston's resident playboy. I needed time to settle in, and not be called a slut within the first week of being here. I opened my mouth to say something else, but Chase cut me off by placing his index finger on my lips. Standing up, he leaned in, his breath on my ear when he whispered,

“Is that so? Then why can I smell your excited pussy from here? And why is your heart pounding so hard that it's making your boobs bounce?”

Chase inhaled the space between my neck and my shoulder, and my body quickly betrayed me, letting out a quiet moan as his soft, plump lips grazed my skin. I could feel his lips curl into a smile, and it made every hair on my body stand up in excitement. After a few seconds of leaning too close to him, I straightened in my seat.

“I'm sorry Chase, but even if I did want to go out with you tonight, I can't. I have a huge migraine and...” My voice was shaky, and I knew he didn’t buy it.

“It's okay, I get it. No need to pull the ‘I'm too tired, I have a headache,’ married couple bullshit. But you can't deny that you want me. I can smell the arousal all over you. But I can wait for you to admit it to yourself,” he whispered into my ear.

I stood up and began to walk away, not quite knowing what the hell just happened. Everyone in the cafeteria glanced at me as I passed, then went right back to whispering. I sighed and moved faster, trying to hide my face.

Slap!

“Feel better soon, beautiful!” Chase yelled as he ran out of the cafeteria.

He’d slapped my ass. Again!

The whispers got louder, and people started pointing at me. I looked around and at least three cheerleaders were practically snarling at me. If looks could kill, I'd be well and truly dead, probably even buried.

Great, that's all I need, stepping on some cheerleaders’ toes over some guy on my first fucking day!

I closed my eyes while running my hand down my face. I turned around and opened my eyes, wanting to find Payton and just disappear. She stood at the table, shaking her head while she held out my phone, which of course I’d left on the table. I sighed and strolled towards her, grabbing the cell from her hand. Turning around to leave, I spotted the metal chair that Chase had been sitting on. Feeling bewildered, I tilted my head as I ran my fingers along the top where Chase had been gripping it. There were indents as if he’d squeezed the metal so hard, he’d crushed it. What the fuck!? That's impossible, no one is that strong. Maybe that's the design or something? Yeah, that's got to be it, he couldn't have done that, it makes no sense!

“You coming?” Payton called while standing near the doors.

“Yeah, wait up!” I shouted, jogging to catch up to her.

I followed her through the corridor, and we headed back to our room. When Payton opened the door to our room, she immediately grabbed a magazine and laid on her bed. Not me. I’d relax after a cold shower, so I grabbed some clothes, but a loud knock on the door made me freeze. Shooting a glare at Payton to open it, she rolled her eyes and sighed as she dragged herself off the bed and answered the door.

“Hi. Oh, who are they for?” Payton asked the person at the door.

“I don't know, they just gave me the room number and told me to deliver them,” a guy replied and then left.

“Aww, they're pretty,” I said as I turned around and saw a gigantic bunch of flowers.

Maybe they’re from her parents, wishing her luck or something? I thought when she buried her nose in the roses and stepped closer to me.

“Mmm, they smell delicious. But, um, they're not for me.”

“Huh? Then who are they for?” I asked as I walked over to the shelves to pick up a towel.

“They're for you. Look,” she said as she held the card in front of my face.

Brie,

Please forgive me. I'll do anything to win you back. I love you.

Kyle x

I just rolled my eyes while grabbing my wash bag, before storming towards the door. I struggled with the door handle a bit, so Payton opened it for me. I stepped out into the hall and made my way towards the showers.

“What do you want me to do with the flowers?” She shouted out the door.

“Throw them in the trash!” I yelled back, not bothering to look at her.

As I passed Chase's room, his door opened and I got a huge whiff of his cologne, which made my bud pulse instantly. Ugh, stop it, Aubrey! He's just a normal guy, he's not that special! I told myself as I kept moving.

“Off for a shower, beautiful? Do you want me to wash your back for you?” He called out.

I shook my head but kept my mouth shut, not slowing down. When I heard his footsteps behind me, my shoulders slumped as I sighed.

“Look, only joking. Do you need me to carry anything for you?” He asked when he caught up to me.

“No thank you, I'm fine,” I replied, almost jogging to get away from him.

I spotted the showers and attempted to push the door open with my shoulder, but Chase thrust it open for me and said,

“Here let me.”

“Thank you.”

Stepping into the shower room, I threw a quick glance over my shoulder at him. I walked over to a bench by the showers and placed my things on it. Exhaling heavily, I was happy that Chase was gone, and knowing that he couldn't get to me in here made me feel a bit better. I got undressed and hopped into the shower, wetting my hair and shampooing it. The water felt like tiny fingers massaging my skin, and after such a stressful day, it was just what I needed.

“So, who are the flowers from?” Chase inquired curiously, from right outside my shower stall.

“Um, excuse me, but what are you doing in here?” I asked, my voice shrill even with the water running.

I held the shower curtain to my chest and then poked my head out. I glared at him waiting for an answer, but he just stared back, his face flushed an interesting pink color. The shampoo on my head ran down my temple onto my cheek, and my bright idea was to blow at it, hoping it went away. Of course, it didn’t, and my gesture blew the bubbles right into my eye.

“Well?” I snapped, the instant burning in my eyes making me close them in hopes the pain would stop, but more bubbles fell and made it even worse. “God damn it! Hand me that towel, would ya?”

I couldn't let go of the shower curtain, so I thought I'd wipe my eyes, put the towel around me, and confront him, which should make him leave. Then, I could finish my shower in peace. He handed me the towel.

“Well, you're in the men's showers,” he replied in a gentle voice, but I swore I heard humor behind his words.

“What?” I shrieked as I snatched the towel away from him and wiped my eyes.

I heard snickers and men whispering as I finished wiping the bubbles out of my eyes. I hoped to God that he was joking, but when I finally built up enough courage to open my eyes, a group of eight guys stood there, chuckling and whispering while pointing at me.

Chase turned to the group, letting out a growl.

“Get the fuck out!” He boomed.

I jumped inside when he bellowed at them, but I was too surprised to be scared. The guys didn’t even try to protest. Instead, they turned and wandered out of the room. I gaped at Chase, wondering how his voice had gotten so deep, and why the guys did as he ordered without any protest. I tried to glare into his eyes, but they darted around the room as he glanced at anything but me. Every so often his gaze landed on my chest, making him blush, then look away.

What the hell is his deal? I thought as I searched for what he kept glancing at. When I finally found it, I gasped.

The shower curtain was a pale gray color, and as soon as my wet body pressed against it, it became see-through. The group of guys and Chase had more than an eye full of my boobs, and I was mortified. I let go of the curtain and faded away into the shower.

“Why the fuck didn't you tell me that my boobs were on display?” I screeched at Chase while trying to wrap the tiny towel he'd given me around my body.

“I...um...shit. I’m sorry. I was speechless. Your boobs are incredible, and they had me hypnotized,” he replied, his voice way too arrogant for my liking.

“That's no excuse to let a whole group of guys leer at me and mock me. What kind of guy does that make you?” I snapped at him, still trying in vain to cover myself with the tiny towel.

“I totally should have acted sooner, but in my defense, your boobs really did render me speechless,” he replied in a kinder tone.

I shook my head and huffed, not caring about the fact that he was enamored by my breasts. He still acted like a dick. I gave up on the towel and placed it in front of my body, making sure it covered my chest and my privates. Ripping open the curtain and storming out of the shower towards him, I shouted, “This isn't my fucking towel!”

His eyes grew wide, while a smirk found its way onto his face. He then looked me up and down, biting his lower lip while a low grumble reverberated through the shower room.

“Oh my God. Ugh! You're so infuriating,” I screamed at him in frustration and then marched towards the door.

I could hear him chuckling as I walked away, and I guessed it was because my ass was completely uncovered since the towel was barely bigger than a hand towel. Truthfully, I was too angry to give a crap, so I pushed the door open and peered over my shoulder at Chase.

“Get my things, and then follow behind me so that no one sees my ass!” I snapped at him.

He held his hand up to his forehead and then saluted me as he said,

“Yes, ma'am.”

I rolled my eyes and exhaled heavily as I waited for him to pick up my clothes. Once he had them, I strutted out of the shower room and towards the women’s room next door. People gasped and snickered in the hall, but I was beyond embarrassed at that point. Chase’s low growl caught my attention a few times, and it always made the laughter and gasping stop. Their reactions didn’t bother me too much, anyway. My ass was fabulous, so instead of acting like an embarrassed woman, I held my head high and walked like I owned the building.

Once in the women's shower room, I headed for the closest cubical and went in. A few girls murmured between each other, and Chase ordered them out. As I turned the shower on, I hoped he would just leave. He'd done enough already. Of course, I wasn’t that lucky.

“Look, um…” He paused for a second. “What’s your name? I haven't even asked.”

“Aubrey, but people call me, Brie,” I replied in an even tone.

“That's a beautiful name. Look, Aubrey, I sincerely apologize for my behavior back there. I really didn't want to embarrass you, and I didn't mean to give you the wrong towel, I swear. I grabbed the one laying on top of your clothes,” he said in a soft voice.

I sighed as I washed the last of the shampoo out of my hair. He sounded remorseful, and I couldn't help but melt a little at his apology. I edged over to the shower curtain and popped my head out to look at him, making sure I didn't let the curtain touch my skin. He had taken a seat on the sink right outside my shower.

I offered him a gentle smile.

“Can you grab me my wash bag, please?”

“Of course!”

Jumping off the sink, he all but ran to my bag, picking it up and handing it to me before he sat on the sink again. After a quick thanks, I ducked behind the curtain again, washing and shaving in record time. Turning off the shower, I realized it had gone awfully quiet out there, so I hoped he’d gotten bored and left. I peeked out to find Chase holding an enormous black towel open. I wrinkled my brow. He doesn't expect me to just walk out of the shower and let him wrap me up, does he? I thought as I peered over at him. He gave me an alluring grin and shrugged.

“It's not like I haven't seen it all already.”

“Ugh! You just can't help it, can you?”

I snatched the towel out of his hands. Chase chuckled as I wrapped the soft towel around my body. It smelled of his cologne and I couldn't help but hold it to my face and inhale deeply.

Aubrey, enough! The dude is a player.

“Can't help what, exactly?” He asked, pulling me out of my daze.

I picked my things up and ripped open the curtain.

“Being a damn jerk!”

He held his hands up in defense while laughing at me, which showed off his cute dimples and incredibly white teeth.

Aubrey! Stop!

Huffing, I walked out of the door, moving down the hall and towards my room. I closed my eyes and sighed when I heard him running behind me. I could still hear people giggling at me and whispering about me, and I'd had just about enough for one day. I spun around and screamed,

“Why the fuck are you still following me? I am not interested in you! Leave me alone, Chase.”

I heard a few gasps, but I didn't care. I was beyond pissed off by this point. Because of him, this had been the worst first day ever, and I couldn't wait for it to be over. He skidded to a halt, then held out my clothes.

“You forgot your clothes. I'm sorry, Aubrey. I didn't mean to piss you off.”

He handed me my clothes and stepped past me. I turned around and watched as he made his way to his room, his head angled towards the floor. And I couldn’t lie, I felt sorry for the guy. He was just so damn persistent, and I'd already told him that I wasn't interested. I didn't understand why he was so obsessed with me. I’d get it if I was a new student arriving at a high school, but there were hundreds of new students arriving at the college, so why me? Shaking my head, I marched towards my room. I couldn’t wait to get in my bed and sleep, to forget today even happened. Hopefully, tomorrow would be better.

“You never did tell me who sent you the flowers,” Chase called out.

I positioned my hand on the door handle of my room and sighed. I then turned my head to face him, he looked miserable, so I elected to just answer honestly,

“They were from my cheating ex. Begging me to take him back.”

“Fucking idiot!” He snarled.

“Excuse me?” I snapped.

“Not you. He's an idiot. How could he have your heart and throw it away like that? If you were my girl, I'd make sure that you knew you were my everything. You are so special, Brie, and anyone who doesn't see that is a blind fool,” he said with honesty and passion.

“He is an idiot. But Chase...” I began, trying to let him down gently again, but he cut me off.

“Look, Aubrey, I get it, you're not ready for anything serious right now. But how about you come with me to the party tonight. I swear, no funny business, just friends having a good time. If you don't have fun, I will leave you alone,” he said enthusiastically as he approached me.

His smile was infectious, the twinkle in his eyes adorable. And those dimples… My body relaxed as he came closer to me, but my heart pounded and the butterflies in my stomach went crazy. My breathing became hard and labored the closer he got. I turned around to face him, and he was now just inches away from me. I let out a defeated breath.

“So, if I don't have fun tonight, you'll leave me alone for good?”

He nodded his head and then drew a cross across his chest.

“Cross my heart and hope to die.”

I rolled my eyes at him as he held his hands up praying to me, begging me to say yes.

“Ugh! Fine, give me twenty minutes,” I said with a forced smile.

“Yes! You won't regret this. You're gonna have a blast, I promise,” he said as he threw his fist up in the air in excitement.

I rolled my eyes again, but now the smile on my face was genuine. He looked so delighted and pleased with himself, that I couldn't deny how cute he was.

“I'll pick you up in twenty minutes,” Chase shouted out as he trotted off down the hall towards his room.

I giggled at him as he turned to face me, and then did a standing backflip. I had to admit it was impressive. He grinned like the Cheshire Cat before he disappeared into his room. I opened my door, walked in, and then went straight to my bed, throwing myself on it. I sighed into the pillow and wondered what I'd gotten myself into.

“So, he convinced you to come to the party then?” Payton asked.

I sat up and stared at Payton. She wore a gorgeous yellow summer dress with black stilettos. Her subtle makeup added to her beauty, while her raven hair hung down in beautiful loose curls. She looked spectacular. I threw her a judging look, and she shrugged.

“Don't you judge me! Connor asked me to go to the party with him. I was going to tell you when you got back. I never thought Chase would be able to convince you,” she said as she began rifling through my closet.

“Well, he presented me with an offer I couldn't refuse,” I replied.

Hopping off my bed, to riffle through my underwear drawer.

“Oh really, and what was that?” She asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Not anything you're thinking with that dirty mind of yours!” I giggled.

“Well, that's no fun. So, what did he offer?” She asked while holding up one of my little black dresses.

I shook my head.

“He said if I didn't have fun with him tonight, he would leave me alone. Which, with the crap day I've had, I doubt I'll have any fun, so how could I turn down the chance to be rid of him for good?”

She shook her head and chuckled while pushing more of my clothes aside.

“What?”

“Why don't you just admit that you like him?”

She pulled out my cream summer dress. It was perfect and I felt great when I wore it. The crisscross tie-up front pushed my boobs up perfectly. It sat just above my knees, and the material felt awesome against my skin. I loved that dress. I nodded at her and picked out a nude bra and thong set to go with it.

“Look, it doesn't matter whether I like him or not. You've met him. He's so much like...” My speech was cut off by a knock at the door. I walked over to it and yanked it open.

“Kyle, what are you doing here?”