Page 25 of Learning to Love

You're mine, remember?

I scribble back.

I was his first!

He sticks his tongue out at me.

I hate him!

I put my hand over my mouth to keep from howling. Jake is so cute. I put my other hand in his and squeeze it. I scribble one last note before turning my attention back to the Professor.

Mr. Rochester ain't got nothing on YOU, baby!

He gives me that award-winning smile and puffs out his chest with pride. This class is more interesting than Bio. That may or may not be because of the stud sitting beside me, no offense to my second favorite, Jaxon. When I'm with him, I feel exhilarated and every cell in my body sits on high alert. I'm having the time of my life with him.

We walk out of class, and someone picks me up from behind. I squeal. Only one guy is that strong! Toby has come one week early! "Toby put me down this instant!"

He does, and I turn around and give him the biggest bear hugs! I want to cry, he feels like home. An overwhelming feeling of homesickness overtakes me. I remind myself to call my family a little earlier than usual tonight.

"I'm so glad you're here! Sasha, Toby. Toby, Sasha! Two of my best friends all in the same state!"

Sasha smiles up at him. "Nice to meet you, Toby. I've heard some pretty crazy stories!"

I don't have to look over to feel Jake's stare. I'm not sure how I should introduce him. I'm stalling. This is nerve-wrecking!

"Yeah, like that time Dani fell off of her bike and said that I pushed her!"

"You did push me, you moron!"

Everybody laughs, and I turn to make the other introductions. I smile over at Jake, and he takes that as an invitation to come over to where we're standing. He wraps his arm around my waist and plants a hard kiss on my lips. It takes me a minute to recover. If I fall, Toby just proved he could catch me.

Toby's reaction is priceless. If his eyes get any more bulged out, I'll worry that he's having a heart attack. "Toby, this is Jake. Jake, this is my cousin Toby."

Realization dawns on Jake's face. He hadn't remembered what Toby looked like. He was jealous and had staked his claim on me. Omg! Maybe he is obsessed?! I start to feel hot in all the right places. What is wrong with me? Jake reaches out his hand, and Toby shakes it. Toby speaks first. "I'll only say this once. You break her, and I'll break you."

Jake doesn't take offense. "I'll kick my own ass if I ever hurt her."

"We will be great friends then."

I introduce him to Dallas, and the jocks say goodbye because they have to head to football practice. We make a plan to meet up later for dinner at whatever restaurant I pick out. That's what Jake told everyone anyways. I smile because I love how he gets bossy where I'm concerned.

We walk to our dorm room, and Sasha makes us all grilled cheeses. She's an expert on these tasty sandwiches. She tells me the secret is to have more than one type of cheese in the mix. She also adds a little garlic powder. It's amazing.

Toby licks his fingers. "Are you sure you really like this Dallas dude because I'm totally available?"

Sasha laughs and flips her hair. While I know Sasha is a one man kind of woman, Toby has a way with ladies of all ages. They all love him, and he can do no wrong. "I mean, I could give you my grilled cheese recipe, but then I'd have to kill you."

"I'd die a happy man."

I pinch him. "Shut up, flirting with her, you weirdo!"

He winks at her, then pinches me back. "You're a total spaz."

"Ouch! I would say your Mama, but we both already know that's true."

"Shut up!" He laughs. "So, what's up with lover boy, and why haven't you told me about him?"

I blush. "It's not that I didn't tell you. It's just that I haven't told you yet. This is all so new, and we've only really started getting to know each other this week."