Romance: Close Encounters Boxed Set Books 1 thru 6 ( New Adult and College Series Books 1 thru 6) (8 page)

SEVEN

~CLARISSA~

After a wonderfully romantic weekend getaway with Grant to his family’s amazing home in Montecito, I find myself falling for him more than I ever imagined I would let myself. I’m ill-equipped to give my body without my heart since the only other person I gave myself to I loved at the time.

When I’m with Grant, the rest of the world melts away and it’s just us enjoying each other oh so intimately. He makes me feel taken care of and cherished when we’re together. The age difference never crosses my mind, but when I’m back on campus or hanging out with my friends and roommates, I start to feel conflicted and torn inside. It’s like I’m living this secret life with Grant, which in essence I am. Then I start to feel a bit stifled when I go to a party with Deena and I’m not “Free” like she is. Free to enjoy whomever I please, take Jason Bancroft for example. If I wasn’t sleeping with Grant, would I go for Jason? Most likely the answer would be yes. Then I feel a tremendous amount of guilt for thinking these thoughts.

Grant does seem to act fairly devoted to me at the moment. He’s still guarded about some things, but I do sense his vulnerability underneath that Alpha Male exterior. I can tell he battles with letting me enjoy myself at parties, but then his not wanting anyone else in my panties comment is his way of saying he want us to be exclusive. I get that, but I’m only 19 and just starting this whole world of new college experiences that I’d like to embrace and have fun with. I’m happy and sad at the same time.

Now I see Jason walking over towards me with that panty melting smile of his spread across his handsome face. We’re meeting for lunch today between classes. He has made the effort to be friends with me even though he knows I’m seeing some secret lover that I never want to talk about with anyone, even my roommates still don’t know.

“Hey Clarissa, what are you in the mood for today?” he asks, throwing his backpack on the empty chair next to me.

“Mexican sounds good,” I say, and he automatically knows what I want.

“Mexican it is. I’ll be back in a few,” he says, and trots off to get our lunch.

When Deena joins us for lunch, she usually rolls her eyes at how attentive Jason is to me. She can’t seem to figure out for the life of her why on earth I’m not with him instead of this guy from High School who she thinks is my secret lover boy. Today she shows up while Jason is getting our lunch and she decides to give me a hard time.

“What’s going on with you girl? Jason has it ALL going on, looks, hot body, money and he’s into you. What are you waiting for?” Deena asks.

“It’s not that easy for me, it’s complicated,” is all I offer.

“Is this mystery lover boy that good? He must be if you’re going to pass on THE Jason Bancroft,” Deena continues to ride me.

“Look the only reason Jason thinks he wants me is because I’m not falling all over him like half these girls here. It’s a conquest thing for him. He can’t be serious about me. I’m sure he’s a much better friend than a boyfriend anyway. Have you seen that crowd of frat bad boys he runs with? He acts differently when he’s with them,” I explain to Deena.

“Man, all I know is that I wouldn’t be turning that body down,” Deena sighs.

“Alright already, here he comes,” I warn her.

“Hey Deena,” Jason says.

“Hi Jason,” Deena replies, batting her eyes at him, oh brother. Please spare me. But Jason doesn’t seem to notice the affect he has on most girls. I notice the girls practically lining up for him. I can only imagine what his sex life must be like living in that frat house. I try to avoid that place. He invited me to his beach house but I declined because I want to spend my weekends with my sexy Professor, my secret addiction. I really think that’s what it’s come down to.  I’m addicted to the out of this world sex with him! I almost have to laugh at myself, it scares me. This is exactly what I was afraid would happen. He has ruined me from wanting to be with anyone else. So far no one has been tempting enough. Although right now I’m noticing how tight Jason’s shirt seems today, tight in all the right places showing off his biceps and chest. Bet he’s got six packs or eight packs under that t-shirt. I see him roaming around campus with his Posse of naughty frat boys, with beautiful college coeds hot on their trail.

“Have you got the latest paper finished for English?” he asks me.

“Just about. How is yours coming along?” I ask.

“I’m struggling with it and will be in the library until late tonight trying to get it done,” Jason replies.

“I’ll come meet you and help you,” I volunteer feeling sorry for him. He is an adorable hunk of a guy and such a gentleman around me.

“Really? I could use your help. Meet in our usual spot after 3:00?

“Yes, I’ll be there. Hey I need to get going to class, see you guys later,” I say and leave Deena and Jason sitting at the table.

“Deena, is she still seeing the mystery guy?” Jason asks.

“As far as I know. I think she went away for the weekend with him.” Deena replies.

“Have you ever met him?”

“No, she’s so damn secretive about it. I’ve been tempted to follow her the next time she goes to meet him.”

“Hey, that’s and idea. Let me know what you discover,” Jason replies, heading off to class.

*****

Jason and I are studying together in the library tonight, and I can feel him staring at me so I look up from my laptop.

“What is it Jason?” I ask. feeling a little uncomfortable from his scrutiny.

“Are you still seeing that other guy? I never see you on campus with him.” Little does Jason know he sees me every day in the same room with him, our English classroom.

“Yes, I am,” I say, averting my eyes, afraid they will give something away. What exactly that is I don’t know, maybe I’m afraid Jason will see that I have feelings for him.

“He’s one lucky guy to have you so devoted to him. I wish I was in his shoes,” Jason presses.

“Look Jason, the only reason you think you want me is because I’m not dying to fall into bed with you,” I say boldly.

“That’s not true,” Jason denies.

“Yeah, keep telling yourself that. It’s better for both of us if we keep this at friends, you make a great friend. Besides, I refuse to be another notch in your bedpost,” I say.

“Hmm, so the thought has crossed your mind?” he teases.

“Jason you’re a tease. Please don’t press me for more than friends. I don’t want to lose you as a friend by sleeping together, okay?” He pauses for a long time just staring at me, as if he is trying to read me. I’m sure with his looks, body and family name he usually gets whatever and whomever he wants. The funny thing is the money part means nothing to me. Sure I like nice things, but in my short lifetime, I have already learned that money doesn’t buy happiness or the things that really matter in life. It doesn’t buy you love, friendship, oh and I can’t forget passion. I’ve learned of passion recently with my Professor. He’s another reason I must keep it at friends with Jason. For now at least.

“I suppose you may be right, Clarissa,” is all Jason replies, to my surprise. Well this is an awkward conversation. I try to resume studying for my Bio test to no avail. Then Jason starts talking about my ‘First Love’ English paper and makes a comment about the Professor and I know I need to get out of here. I pack up and he insists on riding me home.

When I get up into my bedroom and crawl in bed, that torn feeling is creeping into my mind. I’m just about to fall asleep when I hear Deena stumble into our dark room and she’s not alone! She has some guy with her. Oh God, Deena please don’t do this, I think squeezing my eyes closed tightly willing them to leave the room.

Then I hear them whisper and giggle softly as they fall onto her bed. This is making me sick, having to listen to her and whoever this lucky guy is. It lasts about thirty minutes and he gets dressed and leaves. I’m pissed at Deena, but I will confront her in the morning. I need my beauty sleep now.

EIGHT

~
JASON~

I can’t figure out this thing I have with Clarissa. I want her in my bed. Yes, I admit that. Since the first day I saw her in class, I couldn’t help but notice that she has one incredible body, hey I’m a typical hot-blooded guy filled with testosterone.  She’s pretty in a sophisticated way and she carries herself with class. Then once I started talking to her I noticed how really nice, cool and smart she is. I knew I wanted to get to know her better in more ways than one, but she would have none of it. She’s only willing to give me her friendship. I have to say, that’s got to be a first for me.

Usually girls want way more with me than I am often willing to give. I have to be careful because of my family name, which can be a real burden at times. I never know if a girl likes me for me or because I’m a Bancroft. It’s not easy, although I’m sure nobody feels sorry for me. All the guys envy me. They think it’s so easy for me to get laid. Although lately, I don’t care about any of that, all I want to do is spend time with Clarissa, any chance I can get. Unfortunately, she limits her time with me because of this mystery lover she chooses to spend her nights and weekends with. Who is this guy? Deena and I are so curious. It’s nagging at me, I need to get a look at this guy, my competition, that has her so captivated and secretive, it’s weird. She claims he goes to school here but I never see her with him. When I asked her about him while we were studying tonight she was secretive as usual and then I said I wished I was in his shoes, it just came out of my mouth. She went on to explain why we can only be friends. In other words, I was shot down. After an awkward silence she wants to leave.

“I’m so done studying for this Bio test. I hate science, it’s so boring and irrelevant,” she sighs out, closing her laptop.

“What’s your favorite subject?” I ask.

“I would have to say English, I love to write,” she beams.

“Wish I could have read your juicy ‘First Love’ paper,” I tease her.

“That’s a very personal paper,” she replies with an adorable blush.

“You earned an A for that paper. I bet Professor Montgomery got all worked up while he was reading it,” I continue teasing her. Her face turns even redder, and she squirms in her seat. “It must have been some paper, look how you’re blushing.”

“Hey, I’m calling it a night,” she says hastily, as she starts packing up. It’s as if she can’t get out of here and away from me fast enough. Must have been something I said.

“I’ll ride you back to your apartment,” I offer, it’s what we always do when we study late together.

“You don’t have to,” she answers, not looking at me.

“No, I’m done here too,” I say, like I would let her ride home in the dark alone in this neighborhood. We’re quiet riding home tonight, as if she’s mad with me or something. Once we get to her building she just starts walking right in.

“Goodnight,” I say.

“Goodnight,” she replies, and walks into her building without a second look back. Once I get home I text her.

Jason: Are you mad at me?

Clarissa: No, I’m not mad at you.

Jason: Was it pressing for more or the English Paper comment?

Clarissa: Don’t worry, we’re fine. See you in English tomorrow.

Why do I freaking care so much? Maybe I’ll text one of my friends with benefits for a booty call. Nah, not in the mood…

In English the next morning I walk in and she’s sitting next to Alex and they’re talking about the Bio test they have later today.

“We need to start studying together, I need motivating.” I overhear Alex saying to Clarissa when I sit down in front of her. Oh brother, another guy using the old let’s study together angle.

“Yeah sure,” Clarissa replies. Don’t tell me this guy is going to horn in on my time with her? I’m not happy about hearing this and just turn around in my seat and face the front of the classroom. In walks Professor Montgomery and all the girls up front perk up. He hands back our latest paper and I still get another damn C. What’s up with that? I am talking to him about it after class today. Clarissa thought it was a solid paper. Does this guy have something against me? I turn around, feeling exasperated, to glance at Clarissa’s paper. Uhhh, she got an A of course.

“What’s wrong Jason,” she asks with a look of concern.

“I got another C on this paper. I’m talking to him after class.” She just sits back and doesn’t say a word. When class is over she walks out with Alex as I approach the front of the class and wait behind some girl who is flirting with the Professor using the pretense of asking about her paper. Giggle, giggle is all I hear, oh brother.

“Hi Professor Montgomery.”

“Hello Mr. Bancroft, what can I do for you?” he says.

“I put a lot into this paper and was wondering what I need to do differently to bring my grade up in this class?” Professor Montgomery scrutinizes my paper for far too long as I shift back and forth uncomfortably.

“You need to work on your point of view and your verb tense. Your paper should be written in the first person, present tense. Rewrite it and I will regrade it.”

“Alright, thanks Professor.” When I walk out Clarissa is waiting for me.

“What did he say, how did it go?” she asks anxiously.

“He was somewhat cool. He said I could do a rewrite and he would regrade it.”

“That seems pretty fair,” Clarissa agrees.

“Meet for lunch today?” I ask.

“Sounds good, see you later.” I watch her head to her bike and ride off to her next class. When I turn to walk to class I catch a glimpse of Professor Montgomery watching me and he turns away. What’s up with this guy?