Page 55 of College-Virgin & Dark Bully Next-Door

“Do you want me to come over? Screw it. I’m on the way.”

“Bon, I’m okay.”

“And I’ll make sure you’re better. Just give me like an hour, and I’ll be there, if that,” she insists. “I deserve some fun, and you deserve some company.”

Company itself is currently falling over my fence. I stare at Ash, then shake my head quickly.

“Why are you shaking your head like that?” Bonnie asks.

“Sorry, thought I saw a cardinal.”

“See, you’re clearly in need of fun if you’re hallucinating birds. And I deserve some pool time. Win-win.”

Ash sets his towel down at my feet and rubs up my leg. I hold the phone steady, trying so hard not to give anything away. “An hour?”

“Or less, why?” She looks me over. “Do you plan on inviting someone else over? A boy, maybe?”

“No.” I roll my eyes.

“You should tell me if you’re seeing someone, Sky. I’d be happy for you. You should see someone! Give the male population a chance – other than the worms that try to be men,” she insists.

I kick at Ash and shake my head. “Who would that be, Bonbon?”

“The Warren brothers, obviously. Moldy dicks, remember?”

Ash quirks his thick brows at me, humor dancing in his eyes.

“Ugh, you need soda and wings A.S.A.P. I’m on my way. Love you!”

Bonnie hangs up, and I push at Ash again. He chuckles. “You said you liked it when I rubbed your legs.”

“You heard Bonnie. She’s coming over.”

“In an hour.” He motions to the pool. “You don’t want to swim with me?”

I hesitate. I know he wants me to be more open about things, but I don’t like being open. It’s not like I have giant walls up or anything. And Ash is so good at jumping fences, I bet he can climb walls, too.

“It’s a simple question, Sky.” He takes off his shirt and dives into the pool. He pops up, spits water at me and flashes that stupid boyish smile. “Yes or no.”

I slowly take off my cover-up and slide into the pool. The cool water laps at my skin as Ash lays on his back, floating. I watch him and swim in a wide circle around him, staying out of reach. He rolls over after my third lap and tries to hide his amusement.

“You look like a shark, Sky.”

“Are you here to swim or see me?”

“Both.” He stands and runs his hands through his hair.

“To try for a repeat of … of Monday?”

“I still have a dislocated finger,” he reminds. “Is it a crime for me to like spending time with you?”

“Yes.”

He offers me his wrists. “Then slap on the cuffs.”

I walk to him and wrap my hands around his wrists. Even touching him like this makes me nervous. Ash just stands there. I tighten my hold on him, then swallow and pull his arms around me.

“Hi,” he murmurs against my damp hair. “Miss me?”

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