Chapter Four

I came home to an angry-looking Emma. Shit! I totally forgot about our plan to go to the mall.

"Before you say anything, I got a job and I had coffee with Mr.brown eyes," I said in a rush, hoping it would divert her, and I was indeed right.

"Oh my god, tell me everything, did you kiss? What did he say? Are you meeting him again?" she got up from the couch and pounced on me before I could even sit my ass down.

"Woah! Slow down, let me at least breathe," I chuckled and sat down on the couch and she sat down beside me.

"I just happened to run into him and he invited me for a cup of coffee. We just hung out," I replied casually so that it didn't seem like a big deal.

"Well, go on." She urged me with curiosity sparkling in her eyes.

"Well nothing, we said our goodbyes and left." I shrugged and started playing with the ends of my worn-out tanktop. She wasn't convinced and narrowed her eyes at me, suspiciously. God, I could never keep anything from this woman.

"Alright, he gave me his number and told me to call him." I smiled shyly, not meeting her eyes and she screeched in delight.

"What are you waiting for? Call him." She clapped her hands excitedly, ready to play matchmaker.

"Not gonna happen," I said in a firm tone.

"C'mon, I haven't seen him yet but from the way you react I can see he has got your attention so why don't you put yourself out of misery and give him a damn call," she rolled her eyes and fell back on the couch.

"He might be a fuck boy for all I know. He is just looking for some fun." I replied quietly, thinking about all the girls fawning over him.

"Well if that's the case, even you aren't ready for a relationship, Why don't you have some fun? With him," she winked her eyes in a suggestive manner and I gasped.

"I cannot believe you are even suggesting it. That's a horrible idea and you know it." I gave her a dirty look and she giggled at my response.

"Hey I just want you to be happy, however, that's achieved. You should definitely get laid to know what I'm talking about, my sweet little virgin." She teased me, making my cheeks go red in embarrassment and I smacked her arm.

"Let's go out and have some real fun." I tried to change the subject before she could tease me any further.

"Yes ma'am." She was more than ready to go and we both left the house shortly.

After what seemed like three hours of endless shopping and fun, we were exhausted and tired. Once we reached home, I headed straight to my room, and took a mini nap. The loud ringing of my phone woke me up. I answered groggily not seeing the caller ID.

"Hey, Ashley," I recognized the voice immediately.

"Chad??" I sounded surprised.

"Yeah, it's me. I was hoping if I could come by and hang out." He sounded hesitant.

"Uhh... yeah sure, I'll text you my address." I was still sleepy. He must have thought I was not interested but I was actually surprised. How did he get my number? I don't remember giving it to him. Maybe he got it from some application forms or student portal. I didn't read much into and brushed it aside.

"Okay, see you then." He cut the call and I texted him the address. I freshened up a bit and went downstairs. About 15 minutes later, I heard the doorbell and got up from the couch to answer the door.

"Who is it?" I could hear Emma from her room.

"Just a friend from college," I shouted back and she came rushing outside, giving me a look. I immediately understood what that look was. I introduced him to Emma before she could assume that this was Jake.

"Emma, Chad. Chad, Emma." I smiled and heard Emma relaxing next to me. I gave her a puzzled look.

"Oh thank god, nice to meet you Chad. I heard you were her new BFF," She eyed him in a playful angry manner.

"Stop it, Emma." We both laughed and he chuckled nervously.

"Alright, I'll leave you guys alone. Have fun."

"Why don't you join us?" Chad spoke up, adjusting his specs.

"Oh, I don't want to intrude," she waved her hand and gave him a small smile.

"I don't mind, please do join us," he gave her a friendly smile and I was happy that he was comfortable with Emma.

"Okay, let's do this." She seemed excited and we circled around the couch.

"So, what would you like to do Chad? We could watch a movie or something. You can pick the movie." I sat down, letting out a sigh.

"Alright, but you are gonna regret letting me choose the movie," he warned us beforehand.

We had a great time and I completely enjoyed his company. I came to know that he was in a long-distance relationship with a girl named Tracy and he was totally in love with her, I could sense it from the way he spoke. We ordered pizza and all three of us ate hungrily. After chatting for a while, he left at around nine.

Later that night, I went to my room and fell back on my bed, thinking about what Emma said earlier about having fun. It wasn't such a bad idea. But was I that desperate? No, I can't do that. I could fight this attraction or whatever I was feeling towards Jake and I was going to. I felt determined and focused on completing my pending college work. After feeling satisfied with work, I decided to call it a night and fell asleep.

Soon it was Monday, I had two or three classes each day and mostly it was over by noon. So I was able to balance my class and job. After I came back from college, I changed into a white t-shirt and track pants and headed out for work. I was excited as it was my first day. The old lady, Grace was happy to see me and started to teach me how to do pretty simple stuff. Since it was a weekday, it wasn't crowded yet and I had time to figure out what to do.

"Ashley, dear," I stopped serving and turned around at the voice of Grace.

"Your phone has been ringing for a while, why don't you take a break? It's not even crowded."

"Okay, Mrs.Willow." I gave her a small smile and decided to take a break.

My heart fluttered on seeing the name on the phone. It was Jake. But I wasn't gonna pick up the call. I have made up my mind. I convinced myself that this was for good and put my phone on silent. The rest of the day went pretty much quickly and I started to walk home from work when I got a text from him. 'Heyy.' I tried my best to shut him out of my mind and didn't reply to his text.

Once I reached home, I made myself dinner as Emma wasn't there, she must be staying at her boyfriend's. I ate my ramen noodles quietly with my thoughts bugging me. Why would Jake want to talk with me again? Did he like me or Was I just another number to him? Ugh...I hated myself for being attracted to him. I didn't wanna take a chance with my heart again because I have had enough of that shit. I sighed and went to bed, hoping not to run into him again.

The next day, after my second class, I had some free time and decided to check out the library. It was huge and one could easily get lost through the maze of rows. I always wanted to have a bookshelf of my own and was going through the books in awe. I was lost in my own world.

"Done avoiding me." I literally jumped hitting my back against the shelf of books.

"Jesus Christ, You scared me, Jake." I held my hand against my heart.

"Why aren't you picking up my calls?" He looked at me confused, scrunching his eyebrows. He looked so damn cute. Okay, focus Ashley.

"I-- I was busy. I had to work." I stuttered, trying to come up with some lame excuses.

"Do I make you nervous?" he tried to hide his smile and came closer. I could feel my heart beating fast and I thought it would jump out of my chest.

"No, now if you could please excuse me I have some studying to do." I tried to escape him in a hurry.

"Wait," he caged me with his arms and locked his eyes with mine. I swallowed hard and felt myself gazing deeply into his beautiful eyes.

"You feel it don't you? Why are you trying to escape me? Unless you already have a boyfriend" He looked genuinely curious. Damn, He smelled like fresh mint and coffee.

"I--I didn't mean to escape you." I stuttered, embarrassing myself again.

"I know we don't know much about each other but I meant what I said that day. I really enjoyed spending time with you, Ash." He grinned, showing his dimples. Dear Lord, How could I say no to this?

"We can be friends if that's what you want but trust me we can never be just friends," he smirked and moved closer, and if I had moved one inch, our lips would have touched. My breath hitched and I noticed how tall he was.

"I'll be waiting for your call." He moved a strand of hair from my face and placed it behind my ear, setting my entire body on fire. He finally stepped back, letting out a breath and walked away. Fuck. Was it too hot inside the library or was it just me? I was already thinking about calling him. Why does he have this effect on me? I groaned in frustration.