The Sophomore (College Years 2)

“He wants you,” Hayden says. “I don’t doubt it at all.”

“That was kind of hot.” Gracie fans herself. “He actually said he wanted to put you on the hood of his car?”

I nod. I didn’t hold anything back. Gave them pretty much every bit of info he detailed. “He was so—fierce.”

“Hmm, an alpha. I love it,” Gracie says, dreamy-eyed.

“I just don’t want him to be all hot for you because he doesn’t like seeing you with someone else,” Hayden says.

“Why not?” Gracie asks, nudging her. “A little jealousy never hurt anybody. I love it when they get all caveman and grunt mine while slinging you over their shoulder,” Gracie says.

“I have never had that happen to me,” Hayden says to her best friend.

“Well, neither have I,” Gracie agrees, both of them casting me a look. “Has Jackson done that to you?”

“No.” I shake my head. “Not that I necessarily want him to.”

“Oh, give it up. It would be totally hot if he did that,” Graci

e says.

Hayden sends her a look, effectively shutting her up, before she turns her attention to me. “What are you hoping to get out of this with Jackson?”

“What exactly do you mean?”

“Are you wanting a long-term relationship with him?” She cuts right to the point.

I nod. Nibble on my lower lip. “That’s what I’ve always wanted.”

“Do you like this Carson guy?” Hayden asks.

Gracie makes a face, but I ignore her.

“He’s so nice. If Jackson wasn’t in my life, I would totally go for him. He’s definitely more my type. Jackson is more like my dream guy,” I admit.

“Sometimes, we get our dream guy,” Hayden says. “Tony is mine, and I love him so much. He feels the same way. And even though we’re two years apart, and we’re still young, I can totally see a future with him.”

Gracie is furiously shaking her head. “I know you both are big believers in true, lasting love, but it doesn’t always have to be like that. You can find yourself in a relationship that is totally enjoyable for the two of you, and not be committed to each other forever.”

“Says the woman who doesn’t last past a month with a guy,” Hayden says, jabbing her thumb at Gracie.

“Hey, don’t knock it until you try it,” Gracie says.

“I did, and I didn’t like it,” Hayden reminds her.

I smack the table lightly, getting their attention. “I know what you guys prefer in your relationships, and I appreciate the encouragement, but I don’t want a short term anything with Jackson. If I take it any further and then he dumps me? I’ll be devastated.”

And that’s not even an exaggeration.

They both give me sympathetic looks and I sigh deeply. I don’t want their sympathy. Not right now. I need help. Assistance. I need to make myself so desirable to Jackson, he’ll never look at another woman again.

I have no idea how to do that. Or if I can even make it work.

“I don’t have any major advice,” Hayden says, her voice soft, a faint smile on her face. “Just be your sweet, normal self. He’s drawn to you. Now more than ever. And he’s jealous of Carson. Maybe that’s the kick in the ass he needs to make a move.”

“I totally agree,” Gracie says with a nod.

“So you don’t think I need to do anything different to try and get his attention?” I ask, wanting to be sure.