“SHIT!” I called out a little too loud.

Grace flinched at my words and took a jolting step back.

“I’m sorry, I just,” I paused for a moment and ran my hands through my hair. “My grades are all ready in the tank and I needed to get a decent grade on this paper. My basketball scholarship is on the line.”

I’d fucking read the book if I had the time, but I don’t, and now I’m screwed.

“Um,” Grace started to speak and I looked up to see a sympathetic look on her face. “I can help you if you’d like.”

She was serious. I could tell. She wouldn’t lie. Girl’s like her didn’t lie.

“You’d do that?”

She shook her head yes, and stepped closer to the table. “We’re closing in about an hour, so I could help you tomorrow if you want. I don’t have to work tomorrow.”

“It’s due tomorrow,” I interjected.

Her cute little nose scrunched up tight when she said, “Well shoot.”

I had to laugh at her. Her words were adorable and delicate just like her.

“Just say it. I want to hear you say it.” I laughed.

“Say what,” she said.

“Shit.” I smiled big. “Come on little Gracie.” I teased. “Say it.”

She rolled her eyes. “What? You think I can’t say it.”

“Nope. You’re innocent little mouth has never said those words.”

She shook her head. “You have no idea what my mouth has said,” and her eyes grew big at her confession. It was as if she couldn’t believe she’d said it.

“What are you guys talking about?” Kennedy said.

“I’m just corrupting your girl here.” I admitted.

“Don’t listen to a single word that comes out of his mouth. He’s filled with useless information and shit.”

Grace smiled.

“Grace here has kindly agreed to help me finish my paper for my lit class.”

“Oh really.” Her voice was exaggerated.

“I don’t know when I’ll have the time.” Grace said. “Didn’t you say it was due tomorrow?”

“Yeah, but I can come over to your place after you get off work tonight.”

“Uh.”

I thought about the words and realized that she’d probably be uncomfortable. Maybe I pushed her too quick.

“Unless you have plans. In that case I’ll just be up until sunrise, no big deal.” I let the guilt settle in.

She let out a sigh. “Let me just call my aunt and make sure she doesn’t mind.”

Yes! She was easily persuaded. I didn’t even have to stick out my lip. It was my chance to be alone with her, even if all we were doing was studying. Plus, I was going to ace this paper for Lit class.

“Be right back.” She called over her shoulder as she walked off.

I watched her as she walked away. I wished her skirt had been a little tighter so I could see a hint of what her body looked like. There was no way of knowing with that garbage sack she was wearing.

Kennedy leaned across the table and in a hushed but aggravated tone she said, “What the hell are you doing?”

“Getting some much needed help with this paper.”

“Bullshit. I know your intentions involve more than studying.”

“I’m not going to deflower her. I’m going to get an A on this damn paper, and I’m going to stare at her while I do it.”

“God you’re such a douche Jackson. She’s an innocent girl who doesn’t need your kind trying to persuade her otherwise.” Her jaw was clinched and there was an evil look in her eyes.

“I’m glad you think so little of me. Damn Kennedy. I know she’s different. I’m not going to cross any lines with her, so please just shut the fuck up about it. I really have to pass this class. My scholarship is on the line. She’s willing to help and I’m taking it. Even if I did have to twist her arm to do it.” I said in anger.

I could see her facial expression ease up. “Well,” she faltered. “Just don’t do anything stupid.”

“I won’t. I have a girlfriend.”

“Yeah. Right. Girlfriend.” She rolled her eyes as she walked away.

She really thinks so little of me, and I guess she has good reason. But it pisses me off. I wouldn’t mess with some innocent girl just to get my kicks. This paper meant basketball or no basketball.

9

Grace

“What was I thinking?” I whispered to myself as I walked up to the phone behind the desk. A boy. Coming to my house. One little pouty whine and I agreed, like and idiot. I liked to help people, and I felt so sorry for him. His pitiful story about his scholarship sucked me right in. But what if he was lying? Would he lie to me? I mean I didn’t even know him. I didn’t know what his intentions were or if he was telling me the truth.

“Stop it.” I quietly said to myself. He’s Kennedy’s brother. It would be harmless. He really needed my help.

I picked up the phone and dialed the number to Aunt Darcy’s cell. She answered on the first ring.

“Hello.” She said.

“Aunt Darcy.”

“Hey Grace. Is everything okay.”

“Uh, yeah.” I paused for a minute. “Do you remember me telling you about Kennedy’s brother Jackson. He was the guy whose coat I wore home yesterday.”

“Of course. The crush.”

I could hear her smiling on the other end of the line.

“Yep, that’s the one.”

“What about him?” She asked.

“He has a paper that’s due tomorrow that he needs help on. I kind of told him that I would help¸ but that was before I realized that it was due tomorrow. So I was wondering if he could come to the house for us to work on it.”

“A study session huh.”

“Yes. If that’s a problem I can let him know.”

“Oh honey it’s not a problem. I don’t mind at all. You are eighteen. I told you this was your house and you could do as you pleased.”

Aunt Darcy was always so nice to me, and I loved her for it.

“I know. I just didn’t want to bother you.” I replied.

“No bother at all dear.”

“Thank you. I’ll be home soon.”

“Can’t wait to see the hottie,” she teased.

“Oh dear.”

“No worries. I won’t embarrass you. I swear.”

“See you soon.” I giggled.

“Bye dear.”

I hung up the phone and took a deep breath. This would be the first time I’d ever had a boy in my house, also the first time being alone with one. Well, besides my dad and brother. This was big. My heart was racing. I had to keep telling myself that this was no big deal.

I walked back to the table where Jackson was buried deep inside his books. He didn’t even hear me walk up.

“Jackson.” I called out his name.

“Shit,” he called out. “I didn’t know you were standing there.” Shit must’ve been his favorite word.

“Sorry.” I apologized.

He waved his hand as if not to worry.

“I spoke with my aunt and she said it’d be fine for us to work on your paper.”

I saw his shoulders sag in relief. “Awesome. Thank you. You don’t know what this means to me.”

“You’re welcome. I have to get back to work. I have lots of stuff to do before we close.”

The next hour flew by. I checked out the last few people and finished off my checklist of things to do. Kennedy finished putting the last of the books back and we walked out together, with Jackson following us.

“Why don’t you ride with me to drop Kennedy off at home, and then you can show me where you live.” Jackson suggested.

I wanted to politely decline, but I really had no reason. I nodded my head and followed them to the car. Once the door was unlocked, I slid myself into the back seat and fastened my seat belt.

“How are you liking things so far?” Kennedy asked from the seat in front of me.

“I’m adjusting I guess.” I looked up from my hands to see Jackson glance back at me.

“You should come hang out with me and my friends sometime.”

I wondered if she was talking about the same friends who looked at me like I had two heads the other night at the movies. If that were the case then I’d pass.

“Or the two of us could just hang out.” She said, when I hadn’t replied.

“Sure. Sounds like fun.” I smiled. “Is it just the two of you guys or do you have more brothers and sisters?” I asked turning the conversation to them.