Spring Fling (Tower Lake University #1)

Chapter 1

SELENA

I’m losing my v-card tonight. I promised myself I would. This year’s supposed to be all about having sex, playing soccer, and graduating—that’s it.

Knowing that by the time I walk across that stage at our commencement ceremony, I won’t be a virgin anymore? Just the thought makes me nervous. And excited. And kind of turned on too.

“Selena Michelle Alvarez, kinesiology major and sex goddess.”

Ha, I wish.

Let me take a step back. Of course there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being a virgin. I’ve happily been one for twenty-one years. Now, I’m simply ready to try this one thing I’ve never done before.

So many songs, movies, and books seem to be about sex. I guess part of me wants to know what all the fuss is about, you know? Kissing is nice. And fun. I wonder if sex is nicer? And funner?

No one would expect this of me, of course.

I don’t date, I don’t drink, and I don’t party.

I’ve always been the perfectly reliable student-athlete, not allowing any distractions in my life.

That was me in high school and that’s still me at Tower Lake University.

I’ve never even had a boyfriend. And, I’ve only ever kissed one guy.

Since I’m at TLU on a soccer scholarship, I’m not about to mess with that. I train hard, study my butt off, and never go out. Except...there was this one time back in freshman year when I did go to a party. One that the team captains insisted was mandatory.

That’s where I met him.

He was tall, with an athletic build, and his face! I’ve never seen anyone look as good as he did. But none of that compared with the sound of his voice: low, alluring, mesmerizing. I was floating on a cloud of lust listening to him speak. I would’ve done anything he asked. In fact, I did.

“Want to go upstairs?”

“Yes.”

He took my hand and led me up to someone’s bedroom. I know it was reckless, even dangerous, to go off alone with someone I didn’t know. But, something about him made me feel safe.

I did things I’d never done before. Kissing. Touching. After only meeting him that night, I was ready to go all the way.

But then he ruined everything by turning out to be such a huge jerk. Ugh. Anyway, I’m at work, I shouldn’t be thinking about that night or that guy.

The clock alongside the menu tells me I can take my break in ten minutes. Or once the afternoon rush dies down, whichever comes first. Roar Coffee is always super busy at this time. I don’t mind though. It makes my shift go by faster.

The door chimes. I look up as my brother Samuel steps through. He’s wearing his letterman jacket and a huge smile. Someone’s in a good mood. I don’t blame him. Hitting a walk off homerun the night before will do that.

“Hey, Sammy.”

“Hermanita!”

Little sister, ha! I’m one year older. He only calls me that when he wants something.

“Sammy Alvarez!?” someone yells and people look up. Instantly, the whole place is buzzing with excitement.

Students and faculty forget their drinks, homework, everything to greet my brother with chants of “Awesome walkoff!” and “Good game!”

He high-fives everyone within reach before stoping at the counter. “Hey bro, can I borrow your car?” he asks me.

The door chimes again. When I glance towards the musical sound, the smile on my face drops. It’s him. Grayson Rhodes.

“Didn’t I ask you not to bring him here?” I mutter under my breath.

“Aren’t you supposed to be the nice one?” Sammy counters with a teasing laugh.

I roll my eyes, then look away. A few more of their teammates come in one right after the other, but Grayson Rhodes is the biggest draw.

People congratulate him on pitching a great game.

It was a shutout against the hated Blue River Bears, only allowing one hit and giving up one walk, but no runs.

Girls ask for his autograph. Two take pictures with him.

I try to ignore everything happening away from the counter.

“Selena?”

“Samuel?”

“Your car?”

“Sure,” I reply, refocusing on my brother. “Pero, I don’t have the keys on me.”

“They’re at your apartment?” Sammy shakes his head in disbelief. Shoulders drooping, he turns to the door, “You were right, Gray. Looks like we’re taking your car, man.”

The guys are friendly, joking and laughing. Only one keeps his distance and that’s fine by me.

After I make drinks for most of the baseball team, they’re off. Taking all the noise with them. A shy freshman comes up to the counter after they leave.

“Do you want a refill?” I ask her.

“Yes, please.” She nods her head, handing me her mug. “Um, so...is Sammy really your brother?”

I get asked this question more than any other. Probably because there’s enough differences between us that most people say we don’t look alike.

Where Sammy’s tall and looks like Papá, brown eyes and all, I’m the opposite in many ways. I have Mamá’s green eyes and I’m way shorter. What we do share is our golden brown skin and chocolate brown hair, both which we got from Abuelita Celeste.

This little freshman can’t know any of this, of course, so I smile at her. “Sammy is my brother, but I’m older. And he recently broke up with his girlfriend,” I add since I usually get asked this question as well.

Blushing, she thanks me and returns to her table where a group of freshmen await the news.

“Double Shot Espresso for Vivian!” I call out.

Bellyache by Billie Eilish plays in the background while I start on the next order. I love this song despite the fact that it reminds me of that night.

I spent months trying to figure out what happened, analyzing what I did wrong, and coming up empty. It’s why I don’t let myself think about it anymore. Doesn’t matter that his hands were so careful, doesn’t matter that the urgency of his kiss and the words he spoke had my body burning for more.

All I know is one second he asked for permission to undress me, which I gave him despite being nervous. Somehow he could sense my hesitancy. He went slow, as if trying to ease me into what we were about to do.

The next thing I know, he was kicking me out of the room. I didn’t understand. I guess I still don’t.

“Jade Mint Tea for Erin!”

The whole thing was mortifying though. I decided right then and there that I wasn’t going to bother with guys or sex or any of that stuff while in college. And I haven’t. The aftermath isn’t worth it.

I’ve never told anyone about that night. Not my friends or primas or teammates. Only me, him, and whoever he’s told know.

Anyway, after that embarrassing first attempt, now I feel ready. I want to have sex.

That was the plan when my senior year began in the fall, but we’re one week into the spring semester and well, I haven’t had sex. Yet.

Jessica, my best friend, says I’m too picky. “Sel, I don’t know what your problem is, there’s so much hot ass on campus.”

She’s right. There are a lot of cute guys. That’s not the reason though. I simply haven’t found the time. Jess doesn’t buy it, but it’s the truth. With my kinesiology coursework, the soccer season, and two jobs, I don’t have a lot of free time for hook ups.

Believe me, it’s not like I don’t want to have that kind of fun. However, unlike a quarter of the student population here at Tower Lake whose last names are on buildings and libraries, stadiums and training facilities, my parents can’t afford to pay for my classes if I fail one.

My phone alarm goes off. Jess scheduled it so I wouldn’t forget about tonight.

We’re doing main character shit!!

6:15 PM

I can’t believe I’m doing this, but I am. No excuses. No staying in to read my romance books, no going to the gym to workout. Because tonight, I’m having sex. But first, I need to finish my shift.