Chapter 2
After ending the call, Kelsey headed back in campus.
Her first class that morning was an advanced sports medicine elective she shared with Jason Kelsey had already completed all her required dance curriculum, but she’d picked up a few extra courses–partly to enhance her future career options, and partly to spend time with Jason.
Now she couldn’t stand the thought of seeing him, but her perfectionist instincts wouldn’t let her skip class
Kelsey was still the first to arrive. Shortly after sitting down, a wave of dizziness hit her. Last time she’d taken emergency contraception after so went without protection, she’d run a fever for three days straight.
She was resting her head on her arms when someone suddenly grabbed her elbow. Before she could react, she was pulled behind the classroom curtains.
Startled, she looked up to find jason. Without a word, he forced his lips onto hers, his hand immediately sliding under her skirt.
When his fingers made contact, he paused, then broke into a smirk.
“You didn’t shower?” His voice was low and cocky. “What, couldn’t bear to wash me away?”
Kelsey’s face burned with humiliation and anger.
“Get off me! 1–Ihan a fever!”
Jason hesitated, pressing a hand to her forehead–she was definitely burning up.
But he didn’t stop. “Kels,” he whispered, his voice dropping to a husky growl hear when someone has a fever, they’re extra hot inside. I’ve never
Kelsey frome, taking a second to register his meaning. Her fare flushed an even deeper red as she started to push him away, but suddenly the sounds of students entering the classroom filtered through the curtain
Holy shit, are those feet under the curtain? What the back
Jason finally stopped
“Such a buzz,” he muttered with exaggerated disappointment before pulling back the curtain and stepping out.
As soon as he appeared, the guys in class started whirling.
“Who’s getting busy before first period? Of course it’s Stan and Harbour!“
“Stan, that was like two minutes tops. Not your best performance, bro
Jason grimmed and tossed his textbook at them.
“Fuck off. That was past the appetizer–you assholes interrupted before the main course.”
The boys erupted in bughter.
“Appetizer. Got it
“Is it just me, or has Harbour’s rack gotten bigger since she started hooking up with Stan?”
“That’s the magic of good handling! Our boy Stan knows exactly what to do with those hand–hockey skills for the wa
By the time Kelsey had straightened her clothes and stepped out from behind the curtain, she heard all their crude jokes.
Her face went pale
Jason didn’t even try to stop them, just sat down and focused on his phone.
Between the guys” obcious beering and the girl whispered judgments, Kelsey felt tears welling up.
17-11
Almost inve with You Before That Cruel Summer Took Everything
Five days
kept telling herwell.
Just five more days, Kelsey, and this nightmare will be over.
When the bell rang, Kelsey immediately tried to leave.
But Tyler announced they were heading to an off campus party at his lake house, and Jason grabbed her hand, giving her no choice but to come along.
When they walked through the door, the first person Kelsey saw was Hannah Russell.
Unlike Kelsey’s minimal makeup and practical style, Hannah was the type who always looked camera–ready. Even in a crowded room, all eyes naturally gravitated to her.
Kelsey felt Jason tense beside her.
Derek muttered under his breath, “Who the fuck imited Hannah?”
“Whatever, we’re already here Let’s just have fun.” Tyler replied
The group settled in, and Tyler suggested playing Truth or Dare. The empty bottle spin first to Jason.
Everyone hooted and hollered.
“Stan! When and where was the last time you hooked up with someone?” Derek called out.
Jason flicked his lighter casually, smirking. “Yesterday. The boathouse by the lake.”
The room erupted with theers and howls.
“That’s our boy! Absolute savage Bryce shouted.
“Seriously? Tyler chimed in “Harbour looks so innocent–never wears makeup, always in those boring leggings–but she’s actually down to get dirty
in the boathuruse?”
Crude Laughter filled the room. Kelsey’s hands clenched into fists. When she looked up, she caught Jason stealing a glance at Hannah.
On the second round, the bottle landed on Hannah
The room quieted slightly unil Bryce, already drunk, shurred loadly.
“So Hannah, you were Stan’s girlfriend before Harbour. Did he ever take you to his special boathouse too?”
— The Cr
