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Then she caresses my biceps, then grips them and pulls me onto her. The sensation of her hot skin against mine is electrifying. Even better is the feel of her soft breasts against my chest.

Fuck, I groan.

I roll onto the bed and pull her on top of me. Our hands explore everywhere we can reach, like we’re impatient to know each other’s bodies.

I’m so into making out with Andy that when I hear a click, it doesn’t even register until a woman giggles and the overhead light comes on.

Andy yelps and dives under the covers. I sit up and see Lloyd—of course. He’s got his arm around a woman and both of them look surprised. Not as surprised as us, though.

Oh, sorry, man. I didn’t know that you were using our room tonight. I’m already pissed, but then Lloyd hesitates, as if I might offer to leave and give up the bedroom to him.

All my frustrations with him boil over. I shout, Get the fuck out!

He leaves without even turning off the light, so I have to get up and turn it off. When I turn back to the bed, Andy is already putting her bra on. Shit .

You don’t have to go. They’re gone now, I plead.

I know, but…that kind of killed the mood. Anyway, we should get back to the party. Dawn texted me wondering where I am.

She bends to search for her top. I watch the jiggle of those soft breasts I was feasting on moments ago, and sigh.

Andy looks up at me. Are you mad at me now?

Mad? No, why?

Because we’re not— She motions towards the bed.

Of course not. Everything still feels like a test with Andy, so I choose my words carefully. I don’t care what we do, I just like being with you.

She arches a dark eyebrow. Really? So, if we never had sex, you’d be okay with that?

Maybe I’d say something after a couple of years, I joke.

Andy laughs, then asks, What did he mean by ‘our room’? I thought this was your room.

As we dress, I pour out everything that’s been happening with Lloyd. It feels good to vent, even though I sound like a whiner.

She shakes her head. Is Lloyd even paying rent here?

I’m not sure. I think he chips in for groceries, but it seems unfair to charge him to live in the laundry room.

Her voice rises. You know what’s unfair? He’s taking advantage of your good nature to use your bedroom to hook up whenever he wants. He needs to find his own place.

I’m surprised at how upset she is about this. But it also feels great to have Andy on my side.

It’s not a big deal, I protest, even after all my bitching.

Andy shakes her head vehemently. Have you told him that you need a good night’s sleep before a game?

Yeah. But whatever I say to Lloyd goes in one ear and into outer space.

Jack, you’re here because of hockey. That means you could lose your scholarships if you don’t play well and keep your marks up. You have to get a good night’s sleep.

I release a breath. Yeah, I know.

She softens her expression and takes my hands in hers. You’re a super nice guy. You’ve been so kind to me when I’ve needed help.

That’s different, I wanted you to like me, I point out.

Andy nods. Yes, but you never did it in a creepy way, like ‘Now that I’ve helped you, you better put out.’

What? Of course not, that wouldn’t be right. Hoping for sex isn’t the same as expecting it, is it?

However, there’s a line between being a nice guy and a pushover. You need to stand up for yourself. She makes a face. I know, because it happens to me too.

You certainly don’t seem like a pushover to me, I admit.

Maybe not. But I do things because I think I’m supposed to. I have an overdeveloped sense of duty, she says.

What do you think I should do? I really want Andy’s take.

You have to talk to him in a way that shows you’re completely serious.

I hesitate. I’ve been trying, but it hasn’t worked.

She frowns. Maybe you should talk to your roommates first. If he’s this much of a jerk, he’s probably bothering them too. Then you’ll have more conviction. She smiles up at me. You’re being too nice. And that’s from a Minnesotan.

I’m going to take that as a compliment. But even my coach complains that I need to be less of a nice guy out on the ice.

We’re still holding hands as we leave my house and go back to the party. The music is cranked and it’s a lot more crowded than when we left. We find Dawn in the kitchen with Emily. Both of them eye us up and down.

Damn. How did you find privacy in the midst of all this craziness? Unless you’re an exhibitionist now? Dawn asks.

Andy flushes. Don’t be silly.

Well, you can get back to bumping uglies. Just wanted to let you know that Emily and I are taking off.

Andy’s gaze darts between her friends and me. I’ll go with you. Is that okay? she asks me.

Of course, I say, though I wish tonight had ended on a better note. It’s not about sex, more about being in control of our night. Maybe a party wasn’t the best idea for our first date together.

As I’m getting my coat on, Andy protests that I don’t have to walk her home when her friends are with her.

I want to. I’d rather be with you than here, I insist.

Emily sighs. You’re adorable, Jack.

So, the four of us walk together in the cold night air. I’m happy to have a chance to clear my head anyway. Andy and I walk behind Dawn and Emily, who are chatting animatedly about the party. Emily seems infatuated with Big Z, like every other woman on campus.

Andy has been oddly quiet ever since we left my room. Again, I wonder if I’ve blown things somehow. Then she slips her warm hand into mine and everything feels right again.

We walk both Emily and then Dawn to their places, and finally Andy and I are alone again. We stand outside Humphrey Hall.

I had fun tonight, Andy says.

Really?

Yes, it was great. She goes up on tiptoe and kisses me. I capture her in my arms and hold her tight. Her body curves into mine like she belongs there.

Andy smiles up at me. So, tomorrow’s our big date, right? Can I get any clues about what we’re doing?

Nope. Told you, it’s a surprise.

How will I know what to wear? she pleads. Andy’s not into surprises, she’s too much of planner.

I like what you’re wearing tonight. But anything casual is fine.

She nods. Okay. 10:00 AM tomorrow, right?

I nod, but I’m still having trouble letting go of her. Andy doesn’t seem to be in a hurry to leave either, but finally she pushes away.

Good night, she calls over her shoulder, then disappears into her residence.

I walk back, but instead of returning to the party, I go home. After the game and the party, I’m tired, and I want to have enough energy for tomorrow.

However, when I open the door of my room and flip on the light, tonight’s previous roles are reversed. Lloyd and the woman from earlier are now in my bed.

Dude. Can you give us some privacy? Lloyd asks.

I back out of the room, then stop. Everything that happened tonight flashes through my mind—how Lloyd interrupted us, Andy’s disgust at him taking advantage of me, and my own insecurities.

I step back in. No. You need to get out. I turn towards the woman, averting my eyes politely even though she’s not undressed like Andy was. I’m sorry, but this is my room, and Lloyd has no right to use it. He has his own room.

He laughs at me. C’mon, Sinc. We only came in here because I saw you leave. Too bad that you got stuck with some cock tease, but don’t take it out on me. Then he turns his back on me. The woman watches us warily, looking like she’s ready to bolt.

I was angry before, but now that he’s insulted Andy, I’ve had enough. I march over, grab Lloyd’s arm, and pull him up off the bed. He yelps in protest, but I’m beyond caring.

Lloyd, get the fuck out. I’m going to bed, in my bed, in my room. Never use my room again, got it? And we’re going to have a house meeting about why you’re still here when you were supposed to be gone weeks ago.

There’s a lot of bitching from Lloyd as they leave, but I don’t bother replying. Now that my adrenaline rush is over, I feel satisfied that I finally stood up to him. Andy’s already a good influence in my life, and I can’t wait until tomorrow.