Page 22 of Five Summers

While I swipe the screen on my e-reader, I sneak a glance in his direction. Jade is practically grinding on him, in front of the entire school. But it’s me he’s watching, not her.

Does Jade honestly believe he cares about her in the slightest? Or is she doing it because he’s Xander Williams? Just like I did.

Perhaps she does it to gain more admiration from others. She's the type who craves approval from others. I notice it when she taunts me and looks around for reactions.

But that’s not me. I don't care what people think and I won't make that mistake with Xander again.

All I can say is that Jade is totally clueless if she thinks she's got some special spot in Xander’s heart because of what she does. Xander doesn’t care about anyone but himself. Can’t she see that he’s just using her to get what he wants, just like he did with me? One blowjob with him was enough for me to learn my lesson. And I will not make the same mistake twice. She’s either as dumb as she looks or she just doesn’t give a damn. Xander may shine like the sun, but his selfishness casts a shadow darker than the night.

As Ace walks over to Xander, I lift my head to watch them, taking in the sight of their easy camaraderie. Before taking a seat beside him, Ace gives him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. With a sudden motion, Ace pulls Jade onto his lap, prompting her to emit a joyful squeal. Despite Jade grinding on Ace's lap, Xander's gaze remains focused on me.

Ace leans over and says something to Xander, then shoots a quick glance in my direction.

Wait, did Xander spill the beans about what I did to him? Is that their deal? That they share stories about their sexual conquests?

My throat gets tight and my heart starts racing as nerves flood through me. That fucking dickbag did. He straight up told him. Because why the hell would Ace be staring at me when he doesn’t even know I exist? I stash my e-reader into my bag and get ready to leave. Who else did he tell?

In an instant, I'm on my feet, ready to flee and hide from the watchful eyes around me.

Each guy I pass deepens my anxiety, fueling my belief that they’re aware of what I did to Xander.

I bolt out of school, feeling so relieved when I finally get in my car. I have to get the hell out of here.

Chapter eight

Xander

Jade's lap dance did nothing for me. That’s usually her way of wanting to hook up. But for some reason, my dick didn’t want to play. It was only when I looked across and saw the feisty princess who gave me the best blow job of my life that my dick started to react. I grew rock hard as I watched her, the memory of her warm mouth still fresh in my mind. I’m pretty sure Jade thought she was the reason I was hard.

Yesterday I fucked Ebony Wilson in the girls’ bathroom, but while I did it, all I could think about, was the sensation of Poppy’s mouth on my cock. My release came swiftly, and Ebony didn’t have a chance to put on her usual fake theatrics.

Even though Ace and I share everything. I never told him about the blow job I received from Poppy. For some reason, I couldn’t tell him I’d found the first-place champion. If he finds out she’s great at giving head, he’ll be all over that. And trust me, once he experiences the sensation of Poppy's mouth on his cock, every other blow job pales in comparison. He’ll just keep coming back for more, like the way I’m craving it now. And for some odd reason, I don’t like the idea of sharing her.

Poppy’s mouth was something else. She told me she’d never done it before. But I think that’s bullshit. Who gives a blowie so skillfully like that their first time? If what she says is true, just imagine how much better it will get with some practice.

For two days now, I've been constantly thinking about how to convince her to do it again. Yeah, I might have pulled a move on her the other night, but I don’t think it would be so easy for her to do it again. When I saw her on her knees after we finished, a strange mix of emotions washed over me. Every touch, every look, every word from her made my heart race with newfound excitement. A flood of unfamiliar emotions washed over me, all because of her. What I was feeling didn't sit well with me. I can’t explain it, but the vulnerability in her eyes beckoned me to explore the depths of her emotions. I can see the pain in her eyes. It's as raw as mine. And like me, she holds onto the silence, keeping her thoughts and feelings hidden.

Maybe that makes me a twisted fuck, but I had to get out of there before I did something stupid because of the way I was feeling about her.

It’s late when Ace drops me off at my house. Later than usual. We were so invested in refining our sound that we didn’t even realize how much time had passed.

As we pull up to my house, Ace turns down the music. In the silence of the dimly lit street, the occasional flicker of the streetlights adds to the already ominous atmosphere.

"You should have just stayed at my house," he says, his tone filled with regret, as his gaze lingers on the house. Ace knows all too well that my father's temper can change in an instant.

I turn my head and follow his gaze.

The house is all dark and quiet, with no signs of life.

“I’m sure it will be fine. The asshole is most likely passed out already.”

My eyes move down the street, focusing on the house that is just two doors down. Even though it's getting late, I can still see some lights on in the house from the front windows.

I push open the passenger’s side door and get out.

With my pack slung over on my shoulder and my guitar in hand, I bid Ace goodnight as I quietly close the passenger’s door.

He slowly drives down the street, the sound of the engine barely audible. Normally, he races down the street. When he drops me off like this, late at a dark house, he just vanishes into the night, without a sound. He doesn't want to draw attention to me, fearing my drunken father might still be awake.

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