hey all! long time no see for this story! sorry, sometimes writes block sucks. hope you enjoy this chapter! xxx
Riley's Pov:
"Mind getting me another core power?" Thomas asked me, as he mopped sweat from his tanned brow with a small gym towel.
"You hit it pretty hard today," I shyly complimented as I handed the drink over and accepted his cash, pushing the bills into the appropriate spots in my drawer.
I'd started a job at the campus gym a few weeks ago, thanks to the fact that I was only able to attend Virginia Tech on a working scholarship. Had I started the program a month earlier, I'd probably be restocking textbooks or something in the campus library, for I didn't like to put myself in social situations on purpose. However, after the frat party incident, I allowed myself to indulge in my growing crush on Thomas and chose the gym, in hopes that I'd see him more often in an organic way.
"So you were watching me?" He asked with a smirk as he studied me with his mischievous, blue eyes.
Thankfully my plan had worked almost too well and I was finally able to control my blushing, otherwise his question would have burned my cheeks bright red. As it was, I had to make a conscious effort keep my eyes away from his tight body, especially his ass.
"I keep an eye on everyone, in case they need help. It's my job," I offered innocently in response. Technically, that's what I was meant to be doing but when Thomas was here, I could barely tear my eyes away from his rippling, dripping form. I wished for the hundredth time that I could fuck him but I knew my thoughts were hopeless and pathetic.
Thomas pouted a little as he brushed his dark, sweaty curls away from his eyes, "I'm just a job to you," he teased.
I shook my head and adjusted my glasses as I tried to hide my smile, "I don't hang out with the other customers," I offered, pointing out how, in the three weeks since the party, I'd hung out with him and his friends, at least, twice a week.
"So I am special," Thomas answered with a grin.
"Whatever helps you sleep at night," I teased, not wanting to let on how much my feelings for him had grown in such a short time.
"You wound me," he replied before tossing his, now empty, protein shake container at my face.
Before I could react, another hand suddenly filled my vision, stopping the bottle from hitting my glasses.
"Is Smith picking on you again?" Fred, one of Thomas's fraternity brothers, asked, as he smiled happily at me.
"We were just talking," Thomas answered in my place, sounding annoyed.
"Of course, but if I were talking to Riley, I wouldn't dare throw something at his pretty face. It might leave a scar," Fred replied as he casually caressed the side of my face, making my glasses go askew, causing me to flush in confusion.
Fred had been giving me a lot of attention in the past two weeks and I wasn't sure how to feel about it. On one hand, I wasn't used to guys openly flirting with me, especially while I was at work, and I liked the attention. He was also very handsome, with blonde hair, green eyes and a very fit figure, though he had a lot less muscle than Thomas did, and I was flattered that he would notice me. On the other hand, I was sure Fred didn't actually mean any of the flirtatious things he said, since he talked this way to everyone that worked here. Besides, I didn't actually like him in a romantic sort of way, so it really didn't matter.
"I-it was just a plastic bottle," I stuttered at his touch, unsure how to react so instead, I focused on fixing my glasses.
"True but it still might have caused some damage," he purred, forcing me to keep eye contact.
"I-I don't-" I started, feeling flustered.
"Hey Ry, I'm gonna hit the showers... we still on for tonight?" Thomas interrupted gruffly, clearing my thoughts and I turned out of Fred's grip.
"Of course! Are we going to Heather and Maggie's or the coffee shop?" I asked, needing the study date more than any of them as my first midterms were coming up fast.
"Probably coffee, I think Maggie is working so we can start as soon as her shift is up," Thomas answered, before heading towards the showers without any of the banter he normally would have teased me with.
I frowned at his departure, wondering if I'd done something to upset him.
"So, when do you get off?" Fred asked, bringing my attention back to him.
"In an hour," I answered, wondering why he wanted to know.
"So you want to hang out or something, after work?" He asked, as he looked me up and down, causing me to blush nervously.
"I have to study at five, so I don't think-"
"That sounds like enough time to me," Frank interrupted as he checked his watch.
"Enough time, for what?" I asked, confused as to what he wanted to do that would take less than an hour.
"Listen Ry, I think you're a pretty cute piece and, if Smith isn't gonna tie you down despite your obvious crush, maybe you'd like to blow off a little steam with me? It doesn't have to be anything serious," he continued with a little smirk, making me wonder if he somehow knew how I'd thrown myself at Thomas a few weeks ago.
"What?" I asked, unable to comprehend anything as I burned red.
"I think you're really cute and I'd like to fuck you," Fred stated, smiling at my confusion as he spoke.
It was a testament to how touch starved I felt that I instantly considered his words. My body ached to be held close, to be desired, and though I didn't see Fred as someone I'd ever want to date, the idea of being wanted, even for a few moments, was too overwhelming for me to decline in that moment.
"No strings?" I quietly asked, as a blush continued to paint my cheeks.
"I'll be back when you get off," Fred answered, grinning as he left me to deal with another customer.
*******
