Page 4 of Penalized Love

“That guy in the blue shirt wants to fuck you,” Selene says, having noticed our silent exchange.

“Selene!” I reply with wide eyes, my actions slightly delayed due to what I’m consuming.

“What? I’m just saying what we’re both thinking.”

I hadn’t been thinking about that, but that isn’t the point. Should I say what I’ve been thinking? All it takes is a millisecond before it slips out of my mouth. “He’s cute,” I admit.

“Excellent. Maybe I can get him to come over.”

Before I can process what is happening, Selene’s already waving over the cute stranger across the room. The all-too-familiar sensation crashes over me like a wave I can’t escape. I can’t help but wish for the floor to open and swallow me whole.

The guy with the dark blue shirt and jeans makes his way over as I turn and look in the opposite direction. My heart rate picks up, and I take another big swig of beer to gain some more liquid courage. I hate that I can still see him out of the corner of my eye. When he’s finally standing in front of me, it’s hard to not notice how attractive he is up close. His strong jawline, bright green eyes, and the smirk on his face all make me want to fold like a lawn chair.

“Hey,” he says, his eyes locked on mine. “I’m Asher.”

“Hi,” I squeak out. Smooth. “I’m Isla.”

“And I’m Selene,” myformerbest friend and now mortal enemy chimes in. “Nice to meet you, Asher. Are you a student here?”

“Yeah, well, I will be in a couple of weeks,” he replies. “How about you two?”

I freeze, unsure of how to respond.

“We’re starting here this fall too,” Selene lies effortlessly. “Just moved into our dorm yesterday.”

I nod along, trying to look casual as I take another sip of beer. I can’t stand still because of the alcohol and because Asher might find out we are lying.

“Cool,” Asher says with a smile. “Which dorm are you going to be living in?”

Crap. Although my father has been a coach here for as long as I can remember, and I know parts of this campus like the back of my hand, my brain stops once more.

Luckily, Selene saves us again. “Oh, we’re going to be in Thompson Hall. How about you?”

I try not to react to her lie. Thompson Hall is the co-ed freshman dorm on the east side of campus. I know this because my dad has complained about the rowdy freshmen living there for years. I bet if I’m admitted to Crestwood, Dad will do everything in his power to make sure I’m not placed there.

“Nice. I’ll be in Clarkson once the school year starts,” Asher replies. “So what are you planning to study?”

“Photography,” I blurt out before I can stop myself. It’s not a total lie because I do love taking photos. However, right now, it’s more of a hobby than anything. I have my first big gig in a couple of days.

Asher’s eyes light up, surprising me slightly. “That’s awesome. I’d love to see some of your work sometime.”

It takes everything within me to keep my mouth from falling open. He wants to see my work? I force myself to clear my head so I can reply. “Oh, um, maybe. I’m still learning.”

“I’m sure you’re great,” he says with a warm smile that makes my stomach flutter. Or maybe that’s the alcohol.

Selene clears her throat. “Well, I’m going to go mingle. You two chat!” She winks at me before disappearing into the crowd.

Great. Now I’m alone with this cute guy who thinks I’m an incoming freshman. What could possibly go wrong?

“So,” Asher says, leaning in closer so I can hear him over the music. “What made you choose Crestwood?”

I take a big gulp of beer to buy myself time as I try to calm the loud thumping of my heart. Or maybe it’s the bass from the music. “Oh, you know. Good programs that fit my interests. Nice campus.” I’m rambling now, praying he doesn’t ask for more details because I can already see where this is going.

Asher nods. “Same here. Plus, the hockey team is awesome. Do you follow hockey at all?”

My heart skips a beat. Of all the topics he could bring up, it had to be this one. “A little,” I say carefully. “My dad’s kind of into it.” That is an understatement.

“Cool. Maybe we can catch a game together sometime this season,” Asher suggests.

---