Chapter 1

It’s official. I’m a loser. I’ve done nothing for almost a week but sit in a hotel room. I drove 9 hours to get here, crashed for a day and then couldn’t even make myself get out and explore the town. That changes today. It’s Saturday night in the mountains of southwestern Virginia and I AM going to get out for a while. Classes start on Wednesday, so hopefully I can meet some new people then. For now... I put my makeup on and leave my shoulder length dark red hair hanging down in back. I’m not in the mood to deal with straightening it, so the wavy look will have to do. I’ve got on my black skinny jeans, a long sleeve hunter green V-neck T-shirt that makes my green eyes sparkle, and my black knee high boots. It may be summer here but it’s cold compared to where I’m from. I’ll probably stand out just because I’m wearing long sleeves in August.

I saw this cool looking bar as I was driving through last night and it just looked like a place to lose myself for a few hours. As I pull into the parking lot I can hear Lynard Skynard coming from inside and the parking lot is full.  Seems to be pretty popular. The building looks like a really big, old barn. Complete with the barn doors that swing out. But, when I walk up to them, I can see that the big doors have been locked shut and there is a smaller door built into one of them. The name Sheffey’s is in big, black, cursive letters across the top, with a spot light pointed at it. Okay, kind of a cute concept, this whole red barn bar thing.

Walking in the door, I’m greeted by a bouncer sitting on a stool, asking for ID. Once I get past the gate keeper, I can see booths set up around the perimeter of a dance floor. The lights are lowered, but there is enough light that you can walk without running into anyone.  Straight ahead is a DJ booth and directly to my right is a long mahogany bar, complete with bartender and a crap load of people either sitting or standing, trying to get her attention. Poor girl. She looks like she’s barely taller than my own 5’3" and is running back and forth on her short legs, brown pony tail swinging wildly, trying to get orders filled.

I walk up to the bar and wait my turn. Once she comes over, I yell out You need some help?

I barely hear, What? You gotta speak up hon!

Do you need some help?

She stops and looks me up and down for a minute before answering, Do you know how to mix drinks?

Yeah, I used to bartend!

You know what, I don’t care, just get back here. It’s too busy in here to turn you down. I’m Chloe. This is my dad’s bar, so try not screw up too much!

With that, she holds up the partition for me to slip through and I have a job.

When we finally get the drinks caught up and have a chance to say more than how much is this? or don’t forget the lime, Chloe and I start talking a bit.

She seems so sweet... and really curious.

Where ya from, hon?

It’s not that I want to be rude, but I came here to move on, not dredge up my past. I seriously just want to forget it all. So, my reply is less than inviting.

I’m from down south.

She looks like she’s waiting for me to elaborate, but I change the subject. You said this is your dad’s bar?

Yeah, he’s owned it since before I was born. I learned to walk and talk to the beat of southern rock. I love it here, she says with a sweet smile.

I don’t really know what it’s like growing up with a dad. Mine died when I was barely a teenager. Listening as she talks about this man that she idolizes, I get a little touch of jealousy. Those thoughts fall into that thinking-about-my-past category, though. So, I move on to another subject.

So, is that it for the busy part of the night? What do we do now?

This girl is all smiles. Yep, pretty much. We have to do last call around 2 am, so at about 12 everybody starts winding down and heading out to the dance floor or up to the pool tables. They’ll come back up again right before then and get a few more before they head out for the night.

Ok, wait. There are pool tables? How did I not see those?

This room is basically the bar, but there’s a set of stairs over there, she points over near the DJ booth, that goes up to what would have been the hay loft. You can’t see the pool tables from here but they’re up there.

Can we play at any point? Or are we basically staying behind the bar all night?

Her eyes light up, You like to shoot pool? We can go up after last call. The bouncers will keep an eye out after that and I usually go up for about an hour or so before I head home. I’d love it if you came with. It’s usually nothing but guys and it gets old not having a girl to talk to.

Huh. New job and new friend, all in one night. I smile back at her, Sounds like fun!

––––––––

Chloe nudges me with her elbow, nodding at the door.

Speaking of guys... Best part of working here is walking in the door right now.

I look up and holy cow! This guy is... well... wow, is the only way to describe him. He looks around 6’1", black hair cut really close to his head, and he walks in like he owns the place. I can’t look away as he walks up to the bar and addresses Chloe.

Hey Chloe, can you get me a beer?

Nope, sorry Jordan, I’m taking a break. Alicia can get it for you. She turns and winks at me, before walking off.

And now his eyes are on me. Oh my... Dark blue, stormy looking eyes have me stuck in place. He’s wearing a T-shirt so I can’t really see much of his body, but from what I can tell he is seriously cut. Makes me wish I had been born a T-shirt, so I could snuggle up against THAT all day.

Suddenly I’m looking at fingers snapping right in my face.

Hello?  Think you can get me a beer? Or do I need to stand here while you stare at me a little longer first?

Yep, that pisses me right the hell off. Was I staring THAT long?  Who the hell do you think you are? Don’t snap your freaking fingers in my face, asshole. And for the record, the staring was because you have yet to tell me what the hell you want! Total lie. I was staring at his hotness. But no way am I gonna let on that I find him attractive. Not with the hateful look he’s giving me and the way he just talked to me.

I get the snarky eyebrow raise and sarcastic attitude, Really? Again, I want a beer. Not that many kinds in this bar, in case you hadn’t noticed, Shorty.

Rather than reply to the asshole, I think the best course of action is to walk away. It’s not like I actually work here anyway. I never even filled out an application or had an interview. Sure, I wanted this job, but not if people think it’s ok to speak to me like that.  Decision made, I throw out a quick Fuck you, needle dick. and walk out from behind the bar, leaving him staring at me in stunned silence as I head towards the door. I really hope Chloe is outside so that I can tell her I’m done.

And yep, there she is, right outside the door, cigarette in hand, staring into space. Walking up to her, I give her an apologetic look, because, really, it’s not HER fault her clientele consists of douche bags.

Chloe, I’m really sorry, but I’m out of here. I appreciate the opportunity, but it’s best if I leave before I punch that guy in the nuts.

She sputters out a laugh and asks, Oh lord, what happened?

After I go through the whole incident with her, she actually looks confused.

Alicia, I’ve never heard him be rude to anyone. He’s usually really nice and fun to be around. Please don’t leave. I’ll see what his problem is and try to fix it, okay?

I look at her in disbelief, Usually nice? He was a complete asshole! And no thanks. I’m out. If you want me to come back another night, I will. Just not tonight. I need to get out of here and get some sleep anyway.

She just sighs and says, Okay chickey doo. Come by tomorrow morning and we’ll set you up with a schedule and get you working regularly. I’ll pay you then for the work you did tonight.

Sure. Thanks, Chloe, I appreciate it and I’m sorry, again.

Driving home, I just keep getting angrier. I’ve never met this guy so there’s no reason for him to instantly dislike me. Although, he did look like he was in a bad mood when he was walking in the door. He had that sexy broody look going on, so I didn’t really pay attention. And why am I STILL thinking about how hot he was? Honestly, the asshole act usually makes hot guys ugly for me. Not this time.

When I get back to the hotel and check my phone, I see that I have 3 missed calls. 2 from my mom... No thanks... and 1 from Brady...Even bigger no thanks. Brady left a voicemail...

Hey baby. I miss you and I’m sorry. Please call me back.

Delete. Because THAT’s not gonna happen. I can’t believe he thinks an apology is gonna fix things. Ugh! Idiot men are everywhere.

***

Chapter 2

After much reflection and many doughnuts, I have come to the conclusion that I over reacted on Saturday night. Yes, the guy was rude. But, that doesn’t excuse me storming off like a 3-year-old. See, more to lay at the feet of Jordan Whatever-the-hell-his-last-name-is. He had me acting like a toddler within 10 seconds of meeting him. Best course of action from here? Stay far, far away. Which may be difficult since he’s apparently a regular at Sheffey’s and I now work there 4 nights a week.

It’s Monday morning and I need to go to the Admissions office, pay my tuition, get my schedule, and go by the book store for my books. Who knew it would be so expensive to become a social worker? Then, I need to find a place to live that has more than one room and without the weird looking guy lingering outside my door to ask if I want to hit this joint. Even if I WAS gonna smoke up, I’m definitely not putting my mouth on something that HIS has been on.

Such a beautiful campus. The pictures online didn’t do it justice. There are flower beds and trees everywhere. I especially like the ones that have the pretty pink flowers on them. The lawn is well maintained, of course, as well as the sidewalks. All of the buildings have that beautiful aged look to them.

As I reach out to open the door to the Admissions Office, it suddenly flies open and hits me in the face. Yep, I’m going down. I’m on my hands and knees, holding my nose and hoping the bleeding will stop soon, when I feel hands on my arms, pulling me up, and a familiar, annoying voice exclaim, Oh my God, are you ok? I’m so sorry. I didn’t see you standing there.

I just wanted to get things taken care of today. Know what I didn’t want to do today? Be slammed in the face by Jordan. Or have my inner toddler come out at him again, yelling You asshole! It wasn’t enough to almost make me lose my job? You needed to disfigure me too?

Once again, he’s stunned into silence. Unfortunately, it doesn’t last long this time. Really Shorty? I apologized for hitting you with the door. I was gonna apologize for Saturday night. You caught me on a bad night. But, all this? He gestures up and down my body, The hostility you keep throwing my way? Completely unnecessary.

As he turns to walk away, I reach out and grab his arm, Wait! I’m sorry. You’re right. I didn’t mean to yell at you... again. I’ll try to stop doing that. Can you please tell me where a bathroom is so I can fix this mess?

Gesturing to my face, I look at my hand and slowly back at his shirt, where I left a huge bloody handprint on him. Wow, this day just gets better and better. I have cursed and yelled at this guy twice in the span of a couple of days, and now I’ve ruined his shirt, as well. His very nice, very well fitted shirt that shows his yummy abs and biceps and...

What was I saying? Oh yeah, I’m a horrible person. Also, he needs to quit calling me Shorty, cause that’s not my damn name. Although, I guess that’s better than being called my little oompa loompa by Brady. Seriously, why do guys feel a need to make up nick names based on my height?

He takes a deep breath in and blows it out slowly before answering me, Yeah, sure, follow me.

He starts to walk away and then suddenly stops and turns to me, Actually, why don’t I take you home? You can get a shower and change clothes before you try to go back in there. Right now, you look like an assault victim, Shorty.

Ok, really? My name is not shorty, it’s Alicia!

Annnnnd there she is. I wondered how long you could stand being nice to me. So, what’s it gonna be? Home, for a nice shower? Or university bathroom, to wipe your face off with rough paper towels that feel like they’re barely out of their tree phase?

He’s got a point. Ok, home, but I can drive myself. I have my car here.

Uhhh, no you can’t. I hit you in the head with a really heavy door. You shouldn’t be driving. You can let me drive you or call someone else, but you’re not driving out of here right now.

I guess I’ll concede his point. Especially considering that my head is starting to hurt worse than my nose and I’m pretty sure there’s a knot forming over my right eyebrow.

So, I mumble, I guess you can drive me.

Sarcastic asshole, otherwise known as Jordan, replies with, I’m sorry. Can you speak up, Pouty? I can’t hear you.

Why is this guy antagonizing me? I apologized to him and he STILL comes up with mean stuff to say to me. I would glare at him, if my head didn’t hurt so bad.

Taking a deep breath, I say, I’m not from here. I don’t know anyone else to call. Can you please just take me home? And if you’d stop calling me names, that’d be great too.

A mischievous grin pops out, Absolutely Sweetness.

Ugh! We’ve gone from rude guy to let’s-see-how-much-I-can-tease-her guy. This should be LOADS of fun.

Walking out the door of the Admissions office I’m blinded by the sunlight, which is not working well with my headache. I gasp in pain and bend forward, with my hands on my knees. Everything is spinning around me and I’m so nauseous. Jordan, hearing me groaning, turns around and comes back to me.

Hey, you ok? You don’t look so good.

I can’t even reply. All I can do is stand there, trying to breathe. All of a sudden I’m airborne. Trying even harder to keep myself from getting sick and ruining the REST of his clothes, I just close my eyes, lay my head against his shoulder, grab around his neck, and whimper in pain. Let’s pause for a minute. I’d like to point out that I am so not a girly girl. I don’t cry over every little thing. I don’t play damsel in distress and wait for some big knight in shining armor to save me. And I try to keep my pain hidden from the world. That being said, it feels so nice to have someone trying to take care of me. Bonus? He is freaking gorgeous! Even through the nausea and headache, I kind of just want to lick his neck. I bet he even SMELLS amazing. Which I could verify if he hadn’t busted my nose.

He starts laughing, Ummmm you might have a head injury.

Why you say that? I rasp out.

Because I’m pretty sure that you don’t ACTUALLY want to lick my gorgeous neck and if you do, pretty sure you don’t want me to know about it, he replies with laughter shaking his entire body.

Oh My God! I said that out loud?!?

Ok, maybe I should go to the hospital?

That sobers him up quick, Yeah, I was planning to take you to the emergency room. There’s a hospital right up the road.

Reaching his car, he somehow manages to unlock and open his door while still carrying me. Not an easy fete. I am NOT a small girl, by any means, but he acts like I weigh nothing. He sets me inside, tells me to keep my eyes closed so the sun won’t bother me, and buckles me in. Maybe Chloe was right and he usually IS nice. Because, even though he IS the who hit me with the door, this is the nicest any guy has been to me in a really long time.

He jogs around and gets in the driver’s seat, Ok Shorty, let’s get your head checked so you can go back to yelling at me.

I take it back. He’s an ass. Also, he’s right. I will definitely be back to yelling at him, just as soon as it stops hurting to exist. Especially if he keeps calling me names.

The ride to the hospital is a blur. We pull up to the emergency room entrance and Jordan, once again, carries me inside.  The lady at registration, seeing my face, immediately takes me back to triage and a nurse starts taking my vitals. Jordan stays with me the whole time, which actually makes me feel better because I’m not left all alone.

She starts in with the usual questions, Any chance you’re pregnant? No.  When was your last period?  I look at Jordan in embarrassment before I tell her.

Then comes the biggie, So how did this happen?

I mumble, I ran into a door, while glancing at Jordan.

Now, I know it looked bad. I know the automatic thought is Yeah I bet you did, followed by Abusive Asshole!  But, I thought it was common courtesy to at least PRETEND to believe the patient. Especially in front of the suspected Abusive Asshole. Even if I HAD been a victim, you never treat a victim like a criminal and you CERTAINLY never interrogate them in front of the person you believe has hurt them. 

Her lips get thin. She glares between Jordan and me and spits out, Look! I don’t have time for this. That is the lamest excuse there is. You have obviously been hit. It was obviously him, considering the blood all over him. So, how about we cut this short. I’m setting you up with a room and a CT. And I’m calling the police. I suggest you stop protecting him and tell them what really happened.

Jordan just stands there, looking shocked. I can’t really say a whole lot to fix this because she punctuated her statement with a smack on her desk and it has ratched that headache back up to epic levels. Which sends my blood pressure soaring, which makes her think that I’m panicking because she hit it on the money. She nods her head once, calls for security, and has them watch over us, in my room, while we wait for the police to come.

In the meantime, Jordan turns into the sweetest person in the world. He walks over, quietly shuts the door and turns off the light. Walking back over, he sits beside my bed, takes my hand, and starts talking really quietly to me.

Alicia, I know you want to go to sleep right now, but you can’t. So tell me something about yourself. Where did you grow up?

I groan, in both pain and irritation. I don’t talk about my past, barely comes out in a whisper.

Ok, no big deal. How about... what’s your major?

Social work

Ok, why social work? I get you don’t feel like talking and I’m sorry. That chick didn’t seem too concerned about you, so I just wanna keep you with me until the doc gets in here.

I take a deep breath, trying to get a grip on the pain. I know he’s trying to help and I need to do my part.

How about YOU talk? Why were you in a bad mood Saturday night?

Long story, is all I get.

You want me to tell you my stories. Why can’t you tell me yours?

He smirks at me, Because I’m not the one that needs to stay awake. I start telling you stories and you’ll fall asleep. So, why Social work?

––––––––

Fine... Umm... I’ve always wanted to be a social worker. When I was a kid, I had a friend that was in a bad home situation. She came to school with new bruises every Monday morning. She would never tell anyone why, but I knew that her mom drank every weekend. She was so scared that somebody would find out and that something worse would happen. I finally got so scared FOR her that I went to the principal. They called in social services and opened up an investigation. But, the social worker didn’t do her job right. She took the mom’s word for it and believed that Lucy was just a little clumsy.  When the social worker asked her mother why she would say it was her, she just blew it off with Oh she’s mad at me because I grounded her. Anyway, a few months later, Lucy ended up in the hospital. She has brain damage and will spend the rest of her life in a nursing home because nobody believed her. Her mom waited long enough for things to cool down, and went after her. When she hit her, she fell into the kitchen table.

Fuck, Alicia! I’m so sorry.

I shift on the uncomfortable bed, trying to find a better spot, Yeah, well, I don’t dwell on it. I use it to get me through. Anytime I think I can’t finish school for one reason or another, I remember Lucy’s face the last time I visited her. I remember that she is now 21 years old and can’t even go to the bathroom. She has to wear diapers. THAT is why I want to be a social worker. I know in the big scheme of things I won’t make that big of a difference, but I will damn well make a difference to the ones I can.

I get that. But you should never think you can’t make a difference. I’ve never known anyone—

He’s interrupted by a quiet knock at the door and a doctor peeking around the edge, Ms. Williams?

Rather than waiting for me to speak again, now that he’s done his part to keep me awake, Jordan speaks up, Yes sir. Alicia Williams.

Alicia, I’m Dr. Johnson. I know your head hurts, but I need to turn the light on so that I can see what we have here. Ok?

I take a breath, close my eyes, and whisper, Ok. Go ahead.

Once he has the light on, I slowly open my eyes back up, giving them time to adjust. He goes through the examination, tells me he’s getting a CT, just to be sure there’s nothing he’s missing, but basically I have a concussion. My nose isn’t broken, thank goodness. But I will probably have 2 black eyes to go with the huge knot on my forehead. Great. That should make my first week at a new school go REALLY well.

Another knock comes on the door while Dr. Johnson is still standing there and I glance up to see a police officer standing in the doorway.

Alicia Williams?

Yes?

Hi, Alicia. I’m Officer Donnelley. I need to ask you a few questions, if you don’t mind. Officer Hitches is waiting in the hall to speak with your friend here. He motions for Jordan to leave the room.

I’m finally able to speak up, Look, this was a misunderstanding. Jordan barely knows me and he DID NOT hit me. The nurse asking me questions just made an assumption.

He holds up a hand for me to stop, Be that as it may, Alicia, we still need to take a statement from you both and we can’t do that with you both in here. He points over to Jordan, I need you to step out in the hall, please.

I open my mouth to contradict him again, but Jordan grabs my hand and says, Alicia, you know they have to do this. Just answer his questions and I’ll go out here and answer the ones I need to. I’ll be back in a minute and we can just hang out until they let you go.

I’m hesitant, but I know he’s right. I just don’t like that you’re getting accused of something you didn’t do. But ok, go ahead.

He gives me a small smile and walks out of the room.

Officer Donnelley takes the seat Jordan just vacated and asks, Ok, Alicia, can you tell me exactly what happened?

Yes sir. I went to the Admissions office this morning to get everything taken care of so that I can start class on Wednesday. As I reached for the door, it opened and slammed into my face. Jordan picked me up off the floor, apologized for not seeing me, and when he saw I wasn’t ok, he carried me to his car and drove me here. That’s all that happened. I’m sure this came about because my I-ran-into-a-door answer made it look suspicious, but, in this case, it’s actually the truth. Or, I guess you could say a door ran into ME.

––––––––

He flips through his little notebook, looks at me for a minute, and finally says, Ok then. If you don’t intend to press charges, there’s not much else I can do here. I agree that the situation may have been misconstrued. However, please remember that if you actually are in an abusive relationship, it usually won’t stop until you do something to make it stop.

Thank you, sir, but Jordan and I are not IN a relationship. This door incident is only the 2nd time I’ve met him and it was an accident.

He smiles, nods at me, and walks out the door, letting Jordan back in.

Four hours later, I’m finally released, told not to stay home alone and nothing stronger than Tylenol. I have to be woken up every 2 to 3 hours, but get plenty of rest. Yeah, THAT makes plenty of sense. Rest... but be woken up all night. Ok then. I can’t drive a car. I’m being given a note to stay home for the next week. No work and no school. Not sure how that will work out with classes starting soon, but I’ll do what I can.

I don’t contradict the man, even though I’m living in a hotel and have no one to wake me up or check in on me. I just sign my release papers and get out of there. My headache is already easing up some, so I’m sure I’ll be fine.

Once we’re back in Jordan’s car, I try to tell him that I need to get my car, but he just looks at me like I’m crazy until I relent and tell him where I’m staying. He gets a look of horror on his face and blurts, Are you serious?

Yeah. Look, I haven’t had a chance to look for a new place to live yet. That was on my to do list for this afternoon... before I met the door.

He squirms in his seat, looking guilty, I’m really sorry about that. I shouldn’t have been running out of the office.

I haven’t asked all day, but now I’m curious, Why WERE you in such a hurry?

I promised my mom I’d come home for lunch today. She kept saying she had something important to talk to me about and wouldn’t tell me what it was unless I did. It took longer than I thought it would in Admissions, so I was trying to get out of there.

Jordan! You should have gone to see your mom, then. I appreciate you taking me to the hospital, but you could have just left me there. I could have taken a cab home.

He just gives me a don’t-be-stupid look and keeps driving. Ok, then. I don’t feel like arguing the point so I lay my head back on the seat and close my eyes.

***

Chapter 3

I slowly come awake in a cloud of comfort and warmth. I don’t want to open my eyes yet, so I snuggle down in my pillow and try to go back to sleep. Except my pillow is a little hard... and it’s breathing. What the hell? My eyes snap open and take in the vast amount of tan skin covering the mouthwatering muscles under my head. I slowly move my head up and see the stubble covered chin right above my head. Oh my God!! I’m lying on Jordan’s naked chest! I close my eyes and lay my head back down, trying to remember how I got here. Yes, that IS the only reason I’m staying right where I am. It’s not at ALL because he’s delicious and I want to lick him. Seriously!

Oh! That’s right! Concussion, fell asleep in the car. That doesn’t explain how I got in bed with him, though.

There’s a hand. It’s rubbing my back in big circles. Wow, that’s actually really soothing and nice.

And the smooth, yummy chest speaks to me! Hey, how are you feeling?

Is that his sleepy voice? Because I really need to hear that on the regular. It’s pretty yummy too. My stomach growls and the chest is laughing at me now. Well, I guess that answers my question.

Wait, there was a question? Because unless it was Do you want to lay here and snuggle the muscles?, I don’t really care.

Jordan starts shifting restlessly under me, so I look up to ask what’s wrong. Only to be confronted with those gorgeous blue eyes, staring at me intently.

Alicia, Oh it’s the raspy sleep voice again, you really need to stop rubbing my chest and grinding my leg.

Huh? I didn’t even realize I was doing that. Wow, that’s embarrassing.

I can’t even look at him at this point, so I just scoot to the other side of the bed and start taking in my surroundings. The bed I’m on has to be at least a King size. With navy blue sheets that feel like microfiber, which, by the way, is yummy and so very comfortable. Thick blue and white checkered comforter and dark wood headboard with built in shelves round out the bed. On the opposite wall is a huge TV, at least 60 inches. Why do boys always need big TV’s? Anyway, it has several game systems hooked up to it. The only one I recognize is an Xbox. There are doors on either side of that. One is open to show the bathroom so I assume the other is his closet. On the left, near the window, is a gamer’s dream of computers and desk. Over on the right, beside the door to the hall is a dresser.

Jordan, where am I?

He pauses in getting his shirt on and looks back at me, with furrowed brow, What’s the last thing you remember?

I start trying to think, but it makes my head hurt, so I reach up and rub it, saying, I think I fell asleep in your car.

Looking concerned, he says, Ok, this is my house. You don’t remember me waking you up last night?

No. Maybe I wasn’t completely awake.

Alicia, I woke you up 3 times during the night and made you tell me your full name, date of birth, the year, the president, and a few other facts, to make sure you were ok. Trust me, you were awake. You got mad at me one time because I followed you to the bathroom.

You followed me to the bathroom?!? If I thought my face was red earlier, now you could probably fry an egg on it.

He starts trying to reassure me, Yeah, but I didn’t go in there while you were doing your business. I made sure you made it inside the bathroom ok and then I waited outside the door for you.

As I try to bury my head under the covers to escape the mortification, I hear a knock on the door. Jordan walks over, cracks it open and sticks his head out. I can hear him mumbling and a female someone mumbling, which immediately makes everything so much worse. Did I sleep in bed with a guy that has a girlfriend?

His shoulders slump. He backs up and opens the door wider and motions whoever is out there inside the room with us. Not what I expected to see. This lady is either an older relative or a cougar. She’s beautiful. She has the same blue eyes as Jordan, but her hair is a blonde pixie cut. She’s tall. Much taller than me, at least by about 4 inches. As she walks into the room, I notice she’s dressed simply in a plain black T-shirt, jeans, and flip flops.

As she is looking me over like a mom would, she asks, How are you sweetheart? Feeling any better?

Yes, ma’am. is my automatic response, but she must see the confusion on my face.

Oh don’t worry, the memory lapse is normal. That will get better. We met last night. Jordan called to explain why he didn’t show up for our lunch date and I decided I couldn’t leave you in just his hands. We’ve alternated checking in on you throughout the night. Your color is a lot better today. Well... aside from the colors that shouldn’t be there.

It takes me a minute to put it together, but, Oh!! You’re Jordan’s mom!

Yes I am. Is it coming back now? She looks so hopeful that I feel bad for having to tell her no.

Well, no ma’am, I reply with a grimace, but I do remember Jordan telling me that the reason he was in such a hurry yesterday was that ya’ll were supposed to have lunch together.

Well, she says, clapping her hands together, let’s get you up, dressed and fed. I fixed breakfast and the boys are already downstairs. So we may want to get a move on before it’s all gone.

The boys?

As she has already turned to go out the door, Jordan replies, My roommates. Elijah and Sebastian. Don’t worry, you didn’t forget them. They were out last night when we got here and drunk when they came home, so I didn’t ask for help from them.

Oh ok. So did you ever find out what it was she needed to talk to you about? You said she said it was important.

He grimaces, Yeah. My dad got a promotion.

I wait for him to continue, but he doesn’t, "Okaaayyy, why is that bad?

Because it means more travel, which leaves Mom home by herself a lot. So, she’s thinking about going back to work. She used to be a nurse and she has to get her license again, so she’ll be back at school. And she had a mild heart attack a few years ago. I just don’t think the extra stress is gonna be good for her.

––––––––

And why didn’t you want her to come in the room?

Huh?

Jordan, before you let her in the door, you looked like you really didn’t want to.

No big reason. I was trying to give you time to rest, not make you walk downstairs right now.

I’m fine. I can walk. And I’m really hungry.

My grumbling stomach forces me to follow my nose into the kitchen and the huge spread on their table. This woman is amazing. She apparently helped take care of me last night, and then got up and made enough breakfast to feed an army. There are biscuits and gravy, Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Sliced Strawberries, and, if I’m not mistaken, homemade fried potatoes. My mouth is watering just looking at it! I can meet everyone later. For now, I need that food in my belly.

Once I grab a plate and sit down, I immediately dig in to this beautiful breakfast. I start feeling eyes on me after a minute and look up to see 4 people starting at me eating. Now I’m self-conscious. I guess I should slow down. I swallow the mouthful and glance at the two people I haven’t met yet. One has dark brown hair and hazel eyes. Completely clean shaven, he has a little bit of a baby face, but not so much as to detract from his hotness. The other has blonde hair and light brown eyes, almost the color of whiskey. Did the hottest guys in school get together and decide they should live in the same house? Seriously, it’s overload for my brain to see them sitting around the same table as Jordan.

The whiskey eyed one speaks up, Hey, I’m Sebastian. This is Elijah.

Clearing my throat, I finally speak, Hi. Alicia. So, you guys live here too?

They both smile at me, Sebastian a little seductively. Yeah, you moving in?

I sputter out a laugh, Dude, are you serious right now? I mean, you know I slept in his bed last night, right?

As I’m pointing to Jordan, Sebastian just grins, Yeah, that doesn’t bother me. If you’re willing to leave his for mine, it’s way more comfy. And more female friendly.

My eyes widen to the point that it’s making my head pound, I thought you guys were friends! I’m looking back and forth between Sebastian and Jordan, who has a twitching muscle in his jaw from grinding his teeth so hard.

Sebastian laughs again, Relax Little Red. I know you 2 aren’t together. Otherwise my boy here would have spoken up. So, the offer stands.

With that little announcement, he gets up, puts his dishes in the dishwasher and leaves the room. I turn to look at Elijah, who is almost turning purple from holding his laugh in. He finally takes a deep breath and says, Just ignore him, Alicia. He’s trying to mess with Jordan. He was kidding.

Beside me, Jordan almost growls, No he wasn’t. Stay away from him.

A tiny bit offended, I retort, Jordan, it’s my business who I go around or who I mess around with. Not yours. Why do you care anyway?

He won’t meet my eyes, I just don’t want to deal with cleaning up his mess. Girls always think he’s gonna stick it out for them, but the longest it lasts is usually a week.  Sometimes 2. Just leave it.

He also gets up, puts his dishes in the dishwasher and leaves the room. I grumble, It’s not like I was gonna do anything. Jeez, I just met ya’ll.

Elijah sighs from the other side of the table, Yeah, but Jordan’s right. Sebastian doesn’t really do long term. You don’t really look like a one night... or one week... kind of girl. You’re more the stick it out and get comfortable with each other type.

Elijah, I wasn’t interested. Why is this becoming a big deal when I’ve known you guys for like 5 seconds?

Because, he shoots a look at the door to make sure they’re actually gone, he just had to clean up a mess for Sebastian this past Saturday. He got involved with a friend we know from school and he was done before she was. In his defense, he DID tell her up front that he wasn’t interested in a relationship, but she thought she could change his mind. Jordan spent half the night listening to her cry and trying not to say I told you so. He doesn’t like to see girls get hurt but he can’t really say anything to Sebastian because HE never really sticks with one girl either. Sebastian knows Jordan is irritated with him so he’s poking the bear, trying to get a rise out of him. But it won’t work. We’ve been friends too long and Jordan won’t mess that up.

Ok, so he’s just going to keep his mouth shut about it while his friend goes around and hurts more girls? I really thought better of him than that.

His mom speaks up, finally, It’s more complicated than that, honey. Those 2 have been through a lot together and Sebastian has reasons for being the way he is. Jordan tries to give him leeway because he knows about Sebastian’s past.

I had completely forgotten she was there! I’m sorry. You guys have been really nice to me and it’s not my place to say anything about anyone here.

I decide to follow the others’ example, putting my dishes in the dishwasher and head back to Jordan’s room. I guess that explains his attitude Saturday night at Sheffey’s. He had been dealing with the fallout from Sebastian. Apparently he left so I’m all alone and I’m really tired again.

The next 2 days pass in much the same way as the first one did. I wake up every morning laying half way on top of Jordan, who then jumps out of bed like a scalded cat. His mom makes us breakfast and I go back to bed, while the boys head out for class.  Mrs. McCallister, Jordan’s mom, apparently took all of my release forms from the hospital into the Admissions office and, from there, was able to get my work load for the next week. I’m not sure if they’re so understanding of the situation because they’re genuinely nice people, or if it’s because my accident happened in their hallway, but I won’t be complaining anytime soon. My biggest worry, missing out on days of material, has been alleviated.

At this point, I’m no longer having headaches and could probably start classes. Vanity thy name is Alicia. I do NOT want to show up in front of everyone with 2 black eyes. Well, a mixture of black, purple and green eyes.

Jordan wakes up next to me as I’m contemplating how lazy I am going to be today. Of course, he does his usual jump away from me and run for the bathroom. Not complaining about that either. Well, not too much. Yes, it’s fun to lay on him, but it’s equally nice to watch his ass flex under those boxer briefs when he runs away every morning.

Once he has completed his morning ritual, he comes back in the room, avoiding my eyes and going into the closet for clothes. Nope, he can stop and talk to me this morning. I’m tired of being avoided.

Jordan, I need some help today. Do you have any free time?

He turns around in concern, Of course! Are you ok? Do I need to take you back to the doctor?

No, I’m fine, but I need my car.

A stubborn look comes over his face, No you don’t. You can’t drive, remember?

Ugh!! Yes, I can! I don’t have a headache. I’m not dizzy. I’m FINE.

He still has the same look. No.

And now I’m mad, Really?!? Just no. I’m not your kid. You can’t tell me what I can and can’t do.

No, I can’t. But what I CAN do is refuse to take you to your car. So, problem solved, he replies with a smug little grin on his face, turning back to the closet.

Fine. Then I’ll call a cab. Yep, that stopped him in his tracks.

Dammit Alicia! I can just take you where you need to go. Why is it so important to go drive? You could end up in an accident and be right back in the hospital.

As much as I don’t want to admit it, he has a valid point, so I just blow out a breath and say, Ok, you win. But I need to find a place to live. I’ve still got a few days off and I’d like to have this taken care of before I have to start my classes.

So, get on the computer and look. Not a whole lot you can do by just driving around anyway. You’re way more likely to find something online.

I already did that. I just need a ride to go look at the places I found. They were all willing to meet with me today. I just need to call back and give them times.

That I can do. But you don’t need to be in a hurry. You can stay here as long as you want.

Rolling my eyes, I throw him some sarcasm, Yes because it’s my dream to wake up to a guy running away from me every morning. I’ll call them back and let you know times.

Before he can reply, I leave the room, on my way to do just that.

We spend the rest of the day looking at one horrible place after another. One has empty roach bombs in the middle of the floor. No thanks!! Those things would survive the apocalypse! Another one smells like the last resident was a chain smoker and the walls are yellow. There’s one that’s just a bedroom in this guy’s house. He’s also kind of skeevy looking and talks to my chest too much. Oh, the wonders of a C-cup. It’s not like they’re huge or anything, but he’s damn near salivating. Now, my ass on the other hand... That I can see staring at. It’s just out there. I’m definitely blessed with some curves. Thankfully, I have a fairly flat stomach. All my food seems to go to my butt and hips. But, I digress. Back to the lovely homes from today. We are pulling up in front of what was advertised as a quaint 2 bedroom now.

The outside is promising. Smallish but cute. The house is painted white and has purple trim, with a porch that runs the entire length of the front. There are even marigolds on either side of the steps. Quaint, indeed. The front door is basically an oval of beveled glass, surrounded by purple wood. As we walk inside, I see that it is already furnished, another plus, with what looks like actual decent furniture. No TV, so I will have to buy one. I can’t miss my weekly CW fix. Small kitchen, though. Only one person can fit in there at a time, but there is a dining room. The bathroom is done in shades of purple to match the outside and it’s the selling point for me. There’s a huge, round garden tub, a small shower, and double sinks. I think they may have taken away kitchen space to make it so big. The master bedroom is attached to the bathroom via a walk in closet with wire shelving and there is another entrance to the bathroom going into the hallway. The second bedroom is a standard, small room, non-furnished.

I turn to the real estate lady and ask, Ok, what’s wrong with it? There’s no way this is $1000 a month with utilities included.

She just laughs, No honey, there’s nothing wrong with it. The owners don’t actually need the money, so most of what they’re charging you goes to the utilities and the rest goes towards the taxes and any repairs needed. They just didn’t want to leave it empty, aren’t ready to sell it, and they weren’t blessed with children. So, they rent it out.

So when can I move in?

She smiles at me, As soon as we go over the lease and you sign on the dotted line. And, of course, pay the first and last month rent, as well as a security deposit of $600.

I turn to Jordan, What do you think?

He looks dubious, The house is great and all but that’s a lot of money to drop all at once.

I just wave my hand in the air, Oh that’s not an issue. I saved up for it.

I turn back to the real estate lady, Ok let’s get this going then. I’d like to move my stuff over from the hotel ASAP. I just need to go to the bank and withdraw the money for you.

It takes about 3 hours to get everything taken care of and I’m back to bugging Jordan about my car. Seriously, come on. I have to be able to bring my stuff over. She said I can even move in tonight! Do you realize how awesome that would be?

Alicia, there’s not a bed in there for you to sleep on. And you can’t cart your stuff over here by yourself. Let’s just go look for a bed for you and I’ll help you tomorrow. You can stay at my place tonight.

Ugh! You get on my NERVES!

I know. That’s what makes it fun, he replies with a smirk.

I take a deep breath, Fine. You can take me shopping and move all my stuff then.

He laughs, Well, thank you, Shorty. Glad you see it my way.

So we’re back to name calling, now? I ask with an eyebrow raised.

Yep.

Whatever, can we go to the store now? I need a TV, too. And I don’t have any dishes or bed clothes.

Sure, Smurfette. Walmart or a furniture store?

Walmart is fine, but do they have beds?

They don’t but there’s a Magic Mart close by that does. It’s kind of like Walmart but with furniture and stuff. We can go there and get your bed but I would really not get the TV and stuff there because they’re way more expensive.

Sounds good, my jolly green giant, I grin at him.

Yeah, no. You should leave the names to me.

With that, he walks back to his car. Huh, I thought it was pretty good. But, whatever. When I get in the passenger seat he’s on the phone. He finishes his conversation and turns to me, We gotta go back by the house and switch cars. Elijah has an extended cab truck. So, him and Sebastian are coming to help and we’re gonna go in that.

Sounds good.

***

Ahhhh, so wonderful. I have my new bed, 2 new TV’s, and dishes. All set up courtesy of 3 very sexy men. Don’t get me wrong, Jordan is the hottest of them, but the other 2 aren’t bad either. Elijah’s brown hair and Sebastian’s blonde almost seem to complement each other. They’re almost like the bars on a cell phone, with their height. Jordan is tallest, then Sebastian, then Elijah.

Of course, now Jordan is pouting on my couch because I want to stay in my new house tonight. But, it’s just so nice to have something this pretty and not have to stay in that hotel or worry about my steadily growing feelings for Jordan, when he obviously has none for me. If he did, he wouldn’t run away every morning. I am, however, a little grateful to him for doing that. I’m not ready to jump back into that. Brady cured me of wanting a relationship anytime soon. With the help of what USED to be my best friend.

Nope, not going there. I’m happy tonight and I am going to STAY happy. So, the best thing to do is go decorate my bedroom and leave the pouting man-child sitting there watching sports center. That’s another thing. The included utilities even had cable already hooked up to the house. The only thing I have to pay for is my phone and internet. So, I put that call in today, as well, because I’ll need internet for school. As for a phone, I’m just sticking with my cell for now. No need to get a house phone.

As I grab my comforter set and pillows out of the living room floor, I glance back and see the beautiful blue eyes of my new friend glaring at me in anger, What the actual fuck do you think you’re doing?

Huh? I’m so confused. Why is he cursing at me?

Seriously Alicia, Uh oh, he only calls me Alicia when he’s really serious, You can’t be doing that stuff by yourself right now.

He reaches out to grab the stuff out of my hands and I say, Dude, it weighs like 2 lbs. There’s no reason to flip out. Ya’ll carried everything else in for me.

He sighs in exasperation, as he takes it away from me anyway, First off, it weighs a hell of a lot more than that. And secondly, you can’t put the set on the bed because you’ll have to bend and struggle with it. I don’t know why you want to do this right now anyway. I’m not leaving you here, so you might as well just grab some clothes and get in the car.

UGH!! I’m not going back to your house! I take a deep breath, trying to calm down, Look Jordan, I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. Really, I do. But, I just want to sleep in my own bed in my own house. Especially since I just dropped about five grand on it, between the rent and the stuff I needed. So, yes, I AM staying here and I need to get my stuff set up for the night so I can shower and go to bed.

He rolls his freaking eyes at me. Fine. I’ll get it set up. You get your shower.

Works for me. I can go stand under the hot water and try to get rid of the headache that I don’t want him to know I have. With a muttered, Thanks, I go grab my Pj’s and go take my shower.

When I come out, Jordan walks over, kisses the top of my head and tells me to get in bed. Sounds good to me. A few minutes later, my mattress dips, scaring the crap out of me.

I shoot up and turn the bedside lamp on and there lays Jordan in his boxer briefs.

Jordan, what the hell?!? I thought you left!

Nope. Told you I wasn’t leaving you here alone. I used your body wash by the way. So now I smell like a girl. With that he rolls over with his back to me.

I’m completely stunned. All I can do for a minute is open and close my mouth, like a fish. This is not happening. I need to get away from him! Dammit!! And this is worse than being at his house. We’re the only ones here and I’m in nothing but my tank and panties, thinking I was alone!

He huffs out a breath, Shorty, go to sleep.

That finally gets me moving. I try to get out of bed quietly so that I can go grab my pajama pants. He turns over to glare at me, just as I get standing up. To his credit, and my sorrow, his eyes never move below my neck. What are you doing? Get in here and go to sleep. I’m too tired to deal with this right now.

Fine, then. Sleeping in my skimpy undies it is. If he complains about it later, I can just point out that he always has all that sexy on display, with those boxer briefs that hug all the yummy below the waist. I mean, seriously, does he not realize how distracting that is?

It’s not easy, but I finally fall asleep. I slowly come awake on a moan. It’s still dark out, so I haven’t been asleep that long, but Jordan is kissing my neck, grinding that massive erection into my behind, and clutching one breast. I really hope he’s awake. If not, he really needs to stay asleep. On second thought, I can’t let him keep going, just in case. I know he doesn’t actually want me and I don’t want to deal with the embarrassment when he figures it out. I grind back against him just one more time. Then I slowly move his hand away from my chest, making myself suffer even more by running it down my stomach and around my waist so that I can get up without waking him. I finally manage to get away and make a run for the bathroom, my shower, and hope the cold water helps. No way am I touching myself with him in the house. He might hear me and I REALLY can’t deal with that kind of embarrassment.

When I get done with the icy shower that, while it helped, brought my headache back, he is turned on his stomach, clutching my pillow and snoring. Ugh, annoying man! I have to go back to class Monday. It’s Sunday now, albeit a very early in the morning Sunday. I seriously have to get some sleep tonight, so he is taking his ass home. I don’t care how stubborn he wants to get. I will call his mom and sic her on him.

That decided, I go start making breakfast for my unwanted houseguest.

Chapter 4

I won the argument! Of course, I had to turn back into a toddler and call and tattle tale to his mommy, but I WON! No Jordan in my house tonight. No waking up frustrated from him lying next to me... or under me, since I seem to try crawling all over him in my sleep. Just sweet, blissful aloneness.

Until I go to bed and can’t get to sleep. Seriously, I can’t sleep without him there. I hear noises all night long and it makes me think someone’s trying to break in. So, rather than my nice, comfy bed, I lay on the couch, clutching a hammer, staring at the door until my eyes finally close.

My first day of classes go about as well as I expected they would. I’m groggy and irritated. I can’t pay attention in class and am really glad nobody calls on me. I only have 2 classes on Monday, Social Work 300 and Statistics. Two of the WORST possible classes to not pay attention in. The upside is that today was mostly an explanation of what to expect out of the classes, since last Monday classes weren’t in session yet. I