Jagger

"Just...please?"

Moose stared at me for what seemed to be forever.

"Why? She already knows. Contrary to popular belief, she seems to be the only one who cares. Gloria and Sam didn't. They not only used it against you, but Sam..."

I knew where this was going and I didn't like it.

However, having Julia try to take care of me wasn't going to happen.

I didn't want to be her burden when she had so much going on.

She was something else, a treasure I didn't want to taint, but I was still hellbent on making mine, at least for a night.

Julia brought things out of me that were nothing but trouble. I couldn't let her

Julia

I woke up wondering where he went.

All of his stuff was here, even his jersey and letter jacket. He'd never go anywhere without those.

It was so strange how I felt weird without him.

I'd known this man for two years and this wasn't in the cards, not the last few days and certainly not what we'd shared.

I wasn't sure if I was in a dream or nightmare.

Besides the usual banter or goofy smiles he'd give me in class, this was unprecedented.

He'd shown his womanizing ways plenty of times, but something in me said Jagger needed a friend and someone other than Moose.

I strolled out of bed and dragged on a robe.

Before heading to the door, I checked my phone, but with Jagger's phone resting next to mine, I felt like he probably didn't message me.

I didn't even get the door open before Jagger strolled in, practically knocking me over.

"Shit!"

He grabbed me by the waist, pulling me into his body and steadying me.

"What are you doing out of bed?"

I held onto his shoulders as our gazes collided, both of us concerned.

"Wondering where you were!"

"I just had to get some air,sugar..."

OK...spice..."

Jagger

I smiled, loving that she had given me a nickname.

"Who was out there?"

"Nobody."

"Moose?"

"You're not talking to Moose, sugar."

"You can't order me around like that. We've already shared a shit ton with each other, Jagger."

She was right and although I craved control, I didn't want to squish Julia like that.

"Listen, no Moose," I said, escorting her back to bed, "Let me shower and hold you again. I liked that."

She hesitated, but then smiled up at me.

"Did it help you?"

"Yeah, it did."

Satisfied with my answer for the time being, ahe allowed me to tuck her in and shower.

I thought I was lying to her at first,but I'd no idea how calm she made me until I was away from her.

No!!

This wasn't happening!

Every time I got close to someone, they screwed me over.

Everyone except for Moose and Carlene and a few others.

She'd do the same thing...

She'd be a problem, a pain in my ass...

Then a pain in my heart when she let me go.

Sex and studying...that's it.

That was it.

No promises, no surprises...

I didn't even believe myself.