Page 119 of College-Virgin & Dark Bully Next-Door

Sky

Bonnie won’t leave me alone about the nickname I gave Ash. I can’t believe I said it in front of her. It keeps me blushing and avoiding conversation all through dinner. Ash is asked no less than six times why he hasn’t taken his shirt off and gotten in the pool, but he just says no one wants to see all the bruises he gets from fighting.

Which works until we’re on his boat with tubing all ready to go. We’re lucky there’s a lake so close to home and that there’s a public launch for it. The big circular tubes are tied to the boat, just waiting for people to get in. Bonnie and I go first after putting on life vests. Ash gives me a kiss good luck, keeping it G-rated since my parents are around.

I squeal as Chase jacks up the speed and Bonnie and I bump into each other. She yells over the waves. “Let’s make a bet!”

“What kind?” I holler back.

“If I win, you explain the nickname. If you win, I won’t ask again until I leave for school!”

“You’re going down!”

We slam into each other over and over again until I manage to steer into her while turning, which tumbles her out of the water. She doesn’t come up for a second, and I start to worry when a wave takes me out.

I gasp, drinking some lake water before I come up, sputtering and rubbing at my nose. I shove my hand high up in the air, waving. Bonnie gets picked up first, then I haul myself onto the boat. Ash helps me up and brushes my soaking hair away from my face.

“You’re cute when you’re waterlogged.”

“Shut up,” I huff. I point at Bonnie. “I won!”

“I know,” she giggles. “I’ll ask again in two weeks.”

“Come on.” Chase pats Ash on the shoulder. “Like old times. An olive branch.”

I sigh and take off my life jacket, even though I’m not supposed to. I lay back on one of the seats, resting my head in Bonnie’s lap. Ash glances at me and arches an eyebrow. I nod once.

He shakes his head. “Alright, Chase. Like old times.”

He hands me his sunglasses, then takes his shirt off. I hear Bonnie gasp as she takes in his bruise covered body – a mix of hickeys and punches, except that one that definitely shows my teeth. I shake my head and cover Bonnie’s mouth.

She points, and I glare at her. “Dad’s patience is hanging on by a thread. I already got chewed out for my marks. Don’t point out his.”

Giggling, she zips her lips. My mom takes the opportunity to sit next to me and watches Ash and Chase get on the tubes. Thankfully, the life jacket covers the worst of my damage. Mom nods.

“Ash is good for you.”

I narrow my eyes, but being angry is so exhausting. I just bite my bottom lip as Dad cranks up the speed. I have a feeling he wants to dump them both out. Mom continues. “He’s mature enough for you and is a good balance for you. Outgoing and talkative and supportive.”

“Yeah,” I murmur. “He’s a good one.”

“I’m glad you have him.” Mom pats my hand. “Things are going to be okay, honey.”

I hesitate to accept that, but something in me actually believes it. “Yeah, it will.”

“We’re still taking those baby steps, I know, but I’m here if you ever need to talk about anything, okay?”

“Yeah… okay.”

I’m not sure if I’ll take her up on that offer anytime soon, but it feels kinda good that she offered. A flicker of hope fans in my stomach, and instead of putting it out like I usually do, I allow it to grow. Maybe someday, we’ll have that loving, mother-daughter relationship again. Just maybe.

I watch Ash kick at my brother’s tube as they both smile and give each other shit. Warmth spreads across my skin, something better than the sun. More hope. I’m hoping I can have it all. A best friend I don’t lose through four years at college. A brother I can still count on. Parents who’ll actually stick it out while I’m gone and a boyfriend who won’t hurt me.

Ash loses the fight, and we pick him up. All of us go multiple times until even Mr. Warren and Dad get out on the water. Chase drives the boat a bit slower until he’s told to speed up. Bonnie cheers with Mrs. Warren while Ash cuddles me against him, letting me lay between his legs with my back against his chest. I rub his arms around me and look up at him through his glasses.

“I really like you, Ash,” I murmur.

He lowers his head. “Well now that you said that, the magic’s gone. I loved you most when you hated me.”

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