Perfect for You(16)

“Ash was humiliated, you know. The guys gave him a hard time, and if he’d hit that guy, he would’ve been benched.”

“I know. I talked to Noah. It won’t happen again.”

“It better not. We have a real chance this season, but if Ash’s head isn’t in the game because he’s worried about you running around with some other guy…” He doesn’t need to finish the thought. I get the message: Jackson’s watching me.

“I know this is so not cool in guy world, but I love Ash.” Maybe admitting that will get me somewhere with Jackson.

“Then do Ash and everyone else a favor.” He leans toward me, his beer breath slamming into my face. “Act like it.”

I nod because I don’t know what else to do. He walks back inside, leaving me alone to think about the new football-player-sized shadow I’m going to have until I prove I’m worthy of Ash.

Ash steps out onto the deck. “I saw Jackson come back inside without you. Everything okay?”

“Yeah. He’s a good friend. He’s got your back.”

Ash moves toward me, placing his hands on my hips. “He gave you a hard time.”

Nothing I don’t deserve. “No.” I shake my head, but he’s not convinced.

“Meg.” He leans down, forcing me to meet his eyes.

“Really, I’m fine.” I wrap my arms around him. “Better than fine actually. I get to spend the night next to the most amazing guy I know.”

“Should I be flattered or worried about how many guys you know?” He’s only teasing, but my stomach clenches.

“You’re the only guy I know who matters right now.” Why did I say “right now”? Luckily, Ash doesn’t question it. He meets my lips with his.

The rest of the evening goes smoothly. We play darts with Grayson and Tucker who are getting along really well. Grayson even admits she likes video games—at least playing video games with Tucker. Around two in the morning, Jackson throws in some movie featuring an underdog football team—go figure. Of course the entire team wants to watch it, so the rest of us give in.

Ash and I cuddle up inside his sleeping bag. I left mine in the car, having no intention of using it. It’s strictly for show to appease my parents. Ash puts his arm around me, and I rest my head on his chest. Yes, I can get used to sleeping like this. I breathe in his scent and playfully run my fingers along his abs. He’s ticklish, so he laughs and laces his fingers though mine to stop me from doing it again.

“No fun,” I say, faking disappointment.

He rolls onto his side, cradling me in his arm to keep me from falling backward. “I think we can find another way to have fun.” He raises my chin, bringing my mouth to his. If most of the couples around us weren’t doing the exact same thing, we’d probably be getting pillows tossed at our heads. My left leg moves forward, settling between Ash’s legs, and my arms worm their way around him. I can’t get close enough.

“You’re killing me,” Ash says, pulling away slightly.

“Sorry, you seemed like you liked it.”

“I do. Too much. Believe me, if we weren’t in a room full of people I wouldn’t be stopping you. More like the opposite.”

I kiss him lightly before lowering my head back to his chest. I’ll behave. This is Ash’s night. I’m just happy to be with him.

Liz walks into the room and gives Ash a flirty wave. Seriously? I’m right here. I’m lying in his arms. Now I see the difference between Stacy and Liz. Stacy didn’t go after Derrick. Liz, on the other hand, definitely has her eye on Ash. This is war, freshman. I refuse to lose another guy to a younger girl.

I roll onto my side, grabbing Ash’s shirt in my fist and pulling him closer. My lips meet his, and my hands trail up his chest until my fingers are on the back of his head, making sure he can’t pull away—not that he’s trying to. My leg snakes between his again, and we’re so close I can feel his heart beating. There’s not a single part of him that wants to stop me now. So much for being good.

I have no idea if Liz is still watching us or if she found her sleeping bag, and I don’t care. She’s not worth thinking about. I put all my focus on Ash, on making him know he’s the most important person to me. When we finally pull away, I see Jackson staring at us. He gives me a slight nod, obviously approving of the way I’m giving Ash all my attention.

Ash turns to see who I’m looking at, but I take my finger and pull his face back to me. “It’s only Jackson. I think he and I have reached an agreement.”

“What kind of agreement?” Ash kisses my neck, making me moan.

“If you really want an answer, you should stop doing that. I can’t think when you kiss my neck.”

“Sorry.” But the smile on his face shows he’s not sorry at all, and neither am I.

“Jackson and I agree that you’re amazing.”

“Jackson thinks I’m amazing? Did he say that?” Ash laughs, a cute, little boy kind of laugh.

“Not in that way. I mean, I don’t think he wants to go to prom with you or anything, but—” Ash puts his finger up to my lips.

“Since neither of us would look good in a dress, I’ll stop you there.” He pulls me close. “Jackson’s legs aren’t anywhere near as sexy as yours.”