Campus Crush

By Ashelyn Drake

When you’re looking for love, you have to be willing to break the rules—and the coeds of Timberland College are doing just that.

Campus Crush is a boxed set of five steamy companion novellas: Nothing To Tell, Romancing the R.A., Behind Closed Doors, Rushing Into Love, and Looking For Love.

Follow these couples in one book as they go to great lengths to find love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ashelyn Drake
• Release date: Feb 19, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311345981

Ashelyn Drake

Ashelyn Drake is a New Adult and Young Adult romance author. While it’s rare for her not to have either a book in hand or her fingers flying across a laptop, she also enjoys spending time with her family. She believes you are never too old to enjoy a good swing set and there’s never a bad time for some dark chocolate.

Book preview

Campus Crush

Campus Crush

Ashelyn Drake

Kelly Hashway

Contents

Nothing To Tell

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Romancing the R.A.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Rushing Into Love

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Looking For Love

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Epilogue

Also by Ashelyn Drake

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Copyright 2013 Ashelyn Drake

All rights reserved.

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This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual places or people, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. No part of this book may be reproduced, copied, or recorded without written permission from the author.

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The author acknowledges the trademark status and trademark ownership of all trademarks mentioned in this book. Trademarks are not sponsored or endorsed by the trademark owners.

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Cover Design © Redbird Designs

Cover Photo © Bigstockphoto

To those who have found love in the face of all odds

Nothing To Tell

Mike and Fallon’s Story

Chapter One

Hooking up would be so much easier if I could just walk up to a girl and say, You have a sweet ass. I’m not sure why girls don’t go for that. It’s a compliment for one, and it also shows I’m honest. But girls would rather be told they have nice eyes or some crap like that. Who the hell cares what color a person’s eyes are? Not me. I’m an ass man.

I lean farther out my window and stare at the quad littered with girls in short shorts and tank tops soaking up the rays between classes. One major perk to being an R.A. is getting this prime room location.

Don’t be one of those guys who hangs out his window and hits on every girl that walks by on her way to class.

I bow my head. What’s up, Mindy?

Nothing. Just finished a class and thought I’d stop by to say hey. Her bag hits the floor with a thud. Feel like watching a movie or something? I’ve got some time to kill before my next class.

I’m already watching the best movie there is on this campus, but Mindy isn’t about to let me continue to enjoy the view from my window. I turn around and sit on the windowsill. Not really feeling like a movie.

Okay, what gives? My bed creaks as she slumps onto it and pats the mattress. Sit down and talk to me.

What are you my shrink now? I cross my arms. No way am I telling Mindy I haven’t been laid in months. It’s embarrassing as all hell.

All part of the best friend package. Now spill.

I push off the window and head to the door. Sorry. Got a class. Feel free to stay and hang out though. I grab my messenger bag and step into the hallway.

Don’t think I don’t know you’re full of shit, Hannigan! Mindy yells.

I can’t help smiling. A few years ago, I would’ve said it was impossible for a guy and a girl to be just friends. But Mindy and I click. We get each other, and it’s not awkward. Sure I’m not going to discuss certain things with her, but I know she’s got my back and I’ve got hers.

I press the button for the elevator and jump when the doors swing open immediately.

Hey, Mike. Andy’s hair is soaking wet, which means he just came from swim practice.

Hey, man. Tough practice? Why anyone would play a sport in college is beyond me. Who wants work on top of classes? No, thank you. It if doesn’t wear a skirt, I’m not putting in the effort. Hell, I even tried to major in female studies, but my advisor basically told me I was full of shit and to stop wasting my parents’ money. How come girls can be feminists, but the second a guy goes pro female he’s just trying to get laid?

You didn’t hear a word I just said, did you? Andy claps me on the shoulder. Already tuning everything out in preparation for a boring lecture or what?

Yeah. Something like that. I laugh.

After the elevator lets Andy off at his floor, I realize I never hit the lobby button—not that I have anywhere to go. Anywhere but talking about my feelings with Mindy isn’t an actual place.

I decide on the coffee cart. Caffeine is almost as good as sex. No, wait. It’s not. I order a large and skip the cream and sugar. Mindy keeps saying real men drink their coffee black. Maybe she’s right. Maybe I need to step it up and show I’m a real man. I step to the side of the cart and take a sip. Wow, that’s bitter! Two girls walk by and scowl at me. Way to man up, Mike!

Hey, Mikey. Ace’s hand comes down heavy on my shoulder. Huge party tonight at my house. You’ve got to come.

He means his frat house. Drunk girls aren’t exactly my type, man.

You don’t know what you’re missing. Seriously. Drunk is the best kind.

Away from Timberland, Ace is a decent guy, but something happens to him when he steps on campus. It’s like his brain checks out and all that’s left is this drunken party guy.

I don’t know, man.

He grabs my shoulders. Come on, Mikey. Come for an hour. That’s all I’m asking for.

If we hadn’t grown up together, I’d blow him off. Fine, but I’m only promising one hour.

Sweet. He smacks my shoulder again and takes off.

Medium French vanilla, please.

I turn at the sound of the voice. How I heard her over the hundreds of people filling the quad, I don’t know. But she’s perfect. Her long, almost black hair cascades down her back. She’s wearing the shortest jean cutoffs I’ve ever seen and a white tank top that she has rolled up at the bottom. My guess is she’s sunbathing between classes.

As she takes her coffee and turns toward me, our eyes meet. I can’t even smile. I’m paralyzed with how insanely gorgeous she is. I’m talking supermodel gorgeous. How have I never seen her on campus before? Her dark brown eyes linger on mine for a few seconds as she squeezes past me. All I do is stare like a fucking idiot. She smirks and keeps walking toward the middle of the quad where she sits on a blanket.

I lose her in the crowd of people so I dash back up to my room, praying that Mindy is gone so I can stare at this amazing girl. The elevator takes too long so I hit the stairs, taking them two at a time. My coffee sloshes over the lid and onto my hand, but I don’t care. I rush to my door, which is closed. Mindy must be gone. I open it and run to the window. The girl is still there. Center stage. Damn, I love my view.

She’s lying on her back with her head resting on her bag. Her sunglasses are on, and I can see the wire of her iPod snaking across her chest. Lucky wire. I don’t have a clue who she is, but she’s definitely never laid out in the quad like this before. I would’ve noticed, and no way would I forget a body like that. She’s pure perfection. Way out of my league. Maybe Ace is right. Maybe I’m destined to end up with a drunk girl at a frat party. Guess I’ll find out tonight. But for now, I’m enjoying the view.

The music is blaring so loud, which wouldn’t be bad if the song didn’t totally suck. Andy and I exchange a glance as we head to the DJ booth.

Mikey, you came! Ace clasps my hand and pulls me in for a one-armed hug.

Yeah, but if you keep playing shit like this, I’m not staying long.

Ace pulls away and motions to the guy with the iPod. Put on some real music. He turns back to me. Damn freshman. If his dad wasn’t a legacy, I never would’ve let him in the frat. He motions to the keg in the corner. Let’s get you boys some drinks.

Andy rolls his eyes. Frat parties aren’t exactly his scene, but he’s a good friend so he tagged along.

Ace hands me a red plastic cup filled with beer. Just from the smell, I can tell it’s going to be awful. I’d bet it’s Natty Ice or something equally cheap and disgusting. At least it’s cold. I slug it back like a shot, hoping to avoid the taste and just feel the effects.

Ace whoops. Mikey’s ready to party!

Before I can tell him the real reason I chugged the beer, a blonde girl rubs up against my right side. What a coincidence? I’m ready to party, too. She smiles, showing off a mouthful of braces.

What the hell? I’m here. The beer tastes like piss, so maybe dancing will lift my spirits. We start grinding to the music, which thankfully is tolerable now. The girl slugs back three beers in about twenty minutes. She can either hold her liquor or this is her first frat party and she’s fucking clueless.

You’re not drinking much, she says, slurring her words together.

I think you’re drinking enough for the both of us.

She smiles, clearly missing the insult. Do you know you have dimples?

Yeah, she’s drunk off her ass. No, really? I try not to roll my eyes, not that she’d notice. I’m pretty sure everything in this place is spinning inside her head.

She laughs. You do. Right, she leans toward me with her pointer finger extended, here. Her face turns pale, and she lurches forward at me.

I back up just as her beer comes hurling back up and onto the front of my shirt. She. Fucking. Puked. On. Me.

She covers her mouth. Oh my God! I’m so sorry. She lowers her hand and offers a smile, and I’m so beyond disgusted because her braces are coated in vomit.

I turn without a word and march over to Andy. With one look he motions to the stairs. I’m done with frat parties and stupid ass girls who think it’s cool to drink more than they can handle.

Mikey, where are you going? Ace yells after me.

Without turning back, I raise my hand in a small wave. It’s not Ace’s fault, but I’m not sticking around to talk about what happened.

You should seriously take that shirt off, Andy says once we’re outside. No offense but you smell like shit.

No way am I pulling this shirt over my head, so I grab the neckline and pull, tearing it off in my best Hulk impression. I fling the shirt on the ground next to the garbage cans that are overflowing with empty beer cups, and we walk back to campus in silence.

As soon as we get to the dorm, I head for the shower and scrub all memory of the evening off my body. When my blood pressure finally returns to normal, a face pops into my mind. Her face. I lather my body as I picture her long dark hair and smoldering brown eyes…those tiny shorts and the way her shirt showed off her midriff. Just the thought of her sends my heart racing, not to mention what it’s doing to other parts of my body.

One thing is certain: I have to find out who this mystery girl is.

Chapter Two

Mindy is waiting for me outside my dorm the next morning before our Social Psychology class. A pretty and very well endowed girl is standing next to her, so I assume it’s one of her friends.

I step toward the girl and give her my best smile. Hey, Goldilocks. I’m Papa Bear.

The girl scoffs and walks away. Mindy laughs. What was that about? I mean, Papa Bear? Really?

What the hell? I thought she was a friend of yours.

Mindy shakes her head. Nope. She was waiting here when I showed up. You totally scared her off.

I don’t get it. You wouldn’t mind if I called you Goldilocks, right?

No, but I have blonde hair. That girl is a brunette. She motions down the pathway a bit to where the girl is standing, still waiting for someone in my dorm.

No. Really? I look more closely at the girl. What do you know? She is a brunette. Huh. How did I miss that?

The shirt barely covering her double-Ds is yellow. Maybe your eyes never made it past that. Mindy smirks as my eyes lower about twelve inches to the girl’s chest. Yup. That must be what happened. Oh well. No loss anyway. I’m holding out for Mystery Girl.

Mindy nudges me and starts walking toward class. If you need a wingman, I could help, you know.

I turn and raise my brow at her. Do you even know what a wingman is?

Yes, and I’d be a hell of a better wingman than some frat guy. Mindy never did like Ace or any of his friends.

But you’re… My eyes drop about a foot to where the top of Mindy’s chest is peeking out above her tank top. Well, you have tits.

She opens her mouth wide and covers it with her hand. What? I do? Her acting skills suck, but I’m guessing that’s on purpose. No shit, Sherlock. Girls have boobs.

"That’s exactly my point. It’s called a wingman for a reason."

She raises her eyebrows. And how did your frat party go last night?

You heard about that, huh? My stomach churns at the memory. I can still smell the puke, and I swear I’ll never hit on a chick with braces again.

Andy filled me in. Did you really walk back to campus shirtless?

What do you think? That chick spewed all over me. I smelled like sewer.

That’s why you need me. I wouldn’t have let a girl like that get near you.

What do I have to lose at this point? If I want to land Mystery Girl, I’m going to need some inside information. Mindy might be able to get that for me. If I sent Andy to find out about Mystery Girl, she’d probably take one look at his perfect swimmer body and throw herself at him. I sigh. Fine. You can be my wingman—wingwoman or whatever—but if you suck at it, I’m firing your ass.

Ooh, does that mean I’m getting paid to do this?

Only if you help me get laid. I smile and nudge her ribs with my elbow.

You are too sick for words.

Class is as boring as ever. I thought Social Psychology might be interesting, a kind of why people act the way they do, but Professor Monotone could make winning the lottery sound dreadful. Mindy and I hit the Student Union after class. She eats her typical bagel with strawberry jelly while I scarf down an omelet and hash browns. I know I have to confess about Mystery Girl, but I’m afraid Mindy’s going to get all female on me. Talk about how sweet it is that I have a crush and then tell me I’m a perv for watching her out my window and picturing her while I shower.

What’s on your mind? I can practically see the wheels spinning. She breaks off a piece of bagel and pops it into her mouth.

I’m only telling you if you promise not ride my ass about it.

She leans over the table and looks deeper into my eyes, like she’s trying to read my mind or something. This is about a girl. Who is she?

I don’t know. I saw her for the first time yesterday, in the quad.

Please tell me it wasn’t while you were watching from your window.

I glare at her. No. I ran into her at the coffee cart. She doesn’t need to know any more than that.

Did you talk to her?

I shake my head. I couldn’t think of a single thing to say.

She taps her finger on the side of her Styrofoam coffee cup. How can we be best friends, yet you turn into a babbling idiot around other girls?

Because I’m not trying to get in your pants. I thought that was obvious. Hell, I’ve farted around Mindy. That should say it all right there.

She reaches across the table and smacks my arm.

What? I’m being honest. Why is that a bad thing?

"You’re too honest. Some things are better left unsaid."

I thought friends were supposed to be honest with each other. Do you really want me to lie to you? She can’t argue with that logic.

She rolls her eyes, but doesn’t protest. Ever think to just say hi?

Hi—yeah, that’s genius. Don’t know how I didn’t think of it. Some wingman she’s going to be.

Look at you. She gestures up and down my body. You’re the epitome of tall, dark, and handsome, yet you keep striking out. You can’t keep hitting on girls. Say hello and let the girl take over from there. You need to find someone assertive who will stop you from acting like a complete doof.

Did you really just call me a doof? What are we in second grade?

I’m calling it how I see it. If you really want to find a girl, then stop trying to just hook up. You’re better than that. Mindy knows me too well. Sometimes I wish there was an attraction between us. We’re comfortable with each other. It would be so easy to be with her. I mean, she’s hot, but she’s Mindy. She’s more like a sister to me than a dating prospect.

Who says I’m only looking to hook up? Not that I’d turn it down right now, at least not with Mystery Girl.

Guys looking for more than just sex don’t use cheesy lines.

I lower my eyes and poke at a mushroom in my omelet. The Goldilocks thing was pretty bad, wasn’t it?

Awful.

All right, so tell me what to do.

She looks around the Student Union, and her eyes land on a table with two girls. Neither is really my type. They look like they’re studying for one. And two, I’m kind of thinking they might be lesbians because they’re huddled pretty closely together. Closer than friends close.

Okay, see those two? She nods in their direction.

"Are you seeing those two? Because I’m kind of thinking they’re together."

Really? She squints as if trying to read the word lesbian tattooed on their foreheads. How do you—? She stops when the brunette reaches over and strokes the redhead’s thigh. Oh.

Yeah, not even the most romantic line in the world is going to work on them.

Mindy glares at me and shakes her head. There’s no such thing as a romantic line because lines aren’t romantic.

Whatever. You know what I mean. This is pointless. I should be out on the quad looking for Mystery Girl and taking my chances on my own.

What about that girl? Mindy motions to the brunette heading for the door.

Not bad. Nice ass. Looks pretty fit, too. She’s leaving.

So go hold the door open for her. She practically pushes me out of my seat. Go!

I try to casually run, which is impossible, but the girl’s almost to the door. I got that! I say, reaching for the door and pushing it open for her.

She eyes me. Thanks. Instead of walking through the door, she turns and scans the Student Union. Where did you come from?

Shit. I look like a friggin’ douche, just like I thought I would. Mindy is so dead. I see her at the table, giving me a thumbs up.

Is that your girlfriend? the girl asks.

What? No! She’s my best friend, and she sort of put me up to this.

The girl furrows her brow. So you didn’t want to get the door for me?

Well, I thought rushing over here would make me look pathetic. I motion to my arm, which is still holding open the door. Which I’m kind of thinking is exactly what I look like.

She laughs. You’re cute.

Well, that’s a welcome change to girls glaring and running off. Thanks. I pause. Can I say you are too, or will that offend you?

I’m never offended by a compliment.

That’s what I say! I let go of the door since this girl is obviously not going anywhere any time soon. I don’t get why I can’t compliment a girl’s… My eyes lower to her chest, but I quickly raise them again.

She takes a step back. Yeah. Well, I’m on my way to class. She motions to the closed door, so I reach out and open it again.

I nod because I’ve blown it and no words are going to change that now.

Mindy walks up to me. What happened? It looked like it was going well, but then— She smacks my arm. What body part did you comment on?

Damn her. I didn’t get the comment out. I stopped myself.

No, you stopped the words, but I’m sure your eyes filled in the rest for her. You couldn’t see her ass, so I’m guessing you stared at her boobs. Am I right?

I don’t want to talk about it. I walk out of the Student Union and head back to my dorm.

Did you at least get her name? Mindy asks.

Crap! I didn’t even think to ask. Not exactly.

Mindy pats my shoulder. You’ll do better next time.

Better with what? Andy asks, jogging up behind us.

He and Mindy keep talking, but I’m tuned out because Mystery Girl is sunbathing in the quad. Today she’s wearing black shorts and a green tank top. Her shirt is rolled up again, showing off her stomach. God what I wouldn’t give to lick those abs. She sits up and looks in my direction, but I can’t be sure if she’s looking at me behind her sunglasses. She pulls her earbuds out and smiles. Okay, maybe she is looking at me. I smile back.

Mindy drapes her arm across my shoulders, which makes Mystery Girl cock her head. Crap, she must think Mindy’s my girlfriend, just like the girl from the Student Union thought.

I shrug Mindy’s arm off and back away from her. What are you doing? You are totally ruining my game.

Mindy’s head jerks back and she laughs. What game?

Yeah, man. You have no game. Andy laughs and claps me on the back.

Screw them. I’ve got plenty of game, and I’m about to show this hottie once and for all. I turn back toward the quad, but she’s gone.

Chapter Three

I can’t believe I blew my chance with Mystery Girl. All because Mindy had to touch me. Maybe she’s half my problem. Maybe girls just assume I’m with Mindy and that’s why they always shoot me down. They think I’m the dick who hits on other girls when he’s already in a relationship. That settles it. I’m firing Mindy as my wingman and setting some boundaries as far as touching in public.

I’ve spent my day in the quad, hoping Mystery Girl would reappear. So far nothing. I’m not sure how she got away so quickly. I only turned my back for a minute. This sucks big time. It’s almost dinnertime, so I hit up the coffee cart for a frozen mocha thingy Mindy always gets. I won’t admit it to her, but they’re awesome—like heaven in my mouth.

I’ll have what he’s having.

I recognize Mystery Girl’s voice behind me. Before my nerves can get the best of me, I say, I’ve got that and hand the guy enough money to cover both drinks.

Thanks. I didn’t think there were any gentlemen left on this campus.

I take a deep breath before turning around to face her. My throat closes on me the second I take in her form up close. I’m about to become a babbling idiot, but I remember what Mindy said. Hi. Let’s see if that really works.

Hi. She smiles at me and then looks around. Where’s your girlfriend?

I knew it! Damn Mindy. She’s not my girlfriend. Best friend, actually. And former wingman.

A guy with a female best friend—you don’t see that often. Unless… She studies me for a moment, her eyes lowering to my crotch, which I’m sure is giving me away. Nope. Definitely not gay.

Here you go, the coffee cart guy says, handing Mystery Girl her drink.

Thanks. She smiles at me and starts to walk away.

This is it. I can’t just let her go, so I follow. I take it you don’t have any male friends.

She sips her drink, licks her lips, and lets out a little moan. Mmm, that’s good.

Holy shit. The things I want to do to this girl.

She eyes me as if she knows what I’m thinking. Actually, I have quite a few guy friends.

Weird. Why’d she question Mindy and me then? Unless she’s interested and just wanted to make sure I wasn’t already taken. Just friends though, right?

Right. She bumps my arm with her shoulder. See you around.

What? I replay our conversation in my head, but I can’t find anything I did wrong. Wait. At least tell me your name. I turn on the Hannigan charm and give her my best dimple smile. Please.

It’s Fallon. She turns away but glances over her shoulder at me. That’s all you’re getting. I open my mouth to protest, but she cuts me off. For now.

All night Fallon is the only thing on my mind. I ignore Mindy’s calls and Ace’s texts about another party. I even go to bed early just so I can hurry up and get this day over with. I want to wake up and see Fallon.

My first class is cancelled because the professor had a bad allergic reaction to shrimp, according to the note on the lecture hall door. Sweet! That means I can head to the quad and look for Fallon. I try not to run, but I’m too excited to take my time.

She’s on her blanket in the middle of the quad again. Does she ever go to class? Her black halter-top is pushing her boobs together. Damn, that’s going to be hard not to stare at.

Hey, I say, but she doesn’t budge. I realize her earbuds are in and she can’t hear me. She must have her eyes closed behind her sunglasses, too. I sit down next to her and gently tap her hand.

She jolts to a sitting position and yanks the earbuds out. Crap, you scared me.

Sorry. I said hi first but you didn’t hear me.

She looks around and hastily pockets her iPod. What are you doing here?

Saying hello. Did I misread her yesterday? I could’ve sworn she was flirting with me, but she looks terrified of me now.

Oh. She smiles. Want to go for a walk?

A walk? It’s not exactly on my list of top ten things to do with this girl, but whatever. Sure.

She leaves the blanket and heads toward the volleyball courts. She doesn’t say anything, just walks me over to the locker rooms outside the courts. I realize she doesn’t even know my name, so I say, I’m Mike, by the way. I didn’t get a chance to tell you yesterday.

Uh huh. She pushes me back against the locker room door. My first thought is holy shit but then

Reviews for Campus Crush

[beverlyjean-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Ah, the college years. Study. Make new friends. Fall in love. Experience disappointment. Party. Just another day in the life of thousands of students as they leave home to get an education, often in more than classwork.CAMPUS CRUSH, a new adult book by Author Ashelyn Drake, consists of four novellas about friendship, love, and making the right choices. In each story we see the pressures and challenges new students face in college, not only in their classes, but also in their personal lives. Take Mike who just wants to be honest with a girl but knows they expect flattery rather than honesty. His best friend Mindy, yes, a girl, tries to offer advice. He’s not buying. He’s also hung up on this beautiful mystery girl. In each story we see characters from the other stories since they’re all attending the same college. They’re trying to “grow up.” They’re no longer in high school. New worlds…um..guys await. There’s Noelle, soon to be a freshman, and Andy, a sophomore RA (Resident Advisor) also a swimmer with a hunky body. Julia and Darren make another hot couple, as do Mindy and Ben. A lot of the action takes place in the bedroom. Sometimes people are disappointing, and not quite what one thought they were.Ashelyn Drake has a knack for creating characters with distinct personalities. They make mistakes. They laugh. They cry. They’re human. CAMPUS CRUSH should appeal to readers that are experiencing some of the same situations as Noelle, Julia, and Mindy face. I hope they don’t think hopping into bed with the “love of their life” is necessary though. Yes, I believe in marriage first. Readers should enjoy the ups and downs of college life and maybe even can relate to the characters in the stories.###