Free Changing Tunes by Heather Gunter, Raelene Green Page A

my way. “I’m well aware the roles have been reversed here. I’m acting like a girl. I just don’t normally do one-night stands, and I like you. I know we don’t know each other, but there’s just something about you I want to get to know better.”
    He’s sweet; I’ll give him that. I can’t do this relationship thing, and even if I did, he’s not someone I could see myself with. Don’t get me wrong; he’s nice. There’s no denying that. Everything he’s stated reinforces my perception that he’s a good guy. I would ruin and taint that sweetness in a heartbeat, and I couldn’t bear it. Unconsciously, pair of chocolate-brown eyes flash through my mind, followed quickly by the handsome face they belong to.
    “I’m sorry. I really am. Call me a bitch, that’s what I am.”
    He sighs, “You’re not a bitch, and I’m not going to call you that. I’m just sorry you feel that way. ” He smiles a small smile, “You’re a cool chick, Ashley, and hot as hell.” He says, shaking his head in memory.
    “Thanks, Joe, and good luck. I’ve got to jet.”
    I leave him sitting there and move to the door, opening it and walking away. The moment it’s shut I lean against the doorframe, breathing heavily. I’m surprised this even happened. I wasn’t expecting this turn of events, and the truth of the matter is I am a bitch. I just hurt a perfectly good guy. What the hell is wrong with me? I’m so messed up and damaged. I’m no good for anyone, not even the best pair of chocolate-brown eyes I’ve seen, especially not him.
    All of a sudden, the apartment door across the hall opens, and out walks the one person I was just thinking about. I’m sure my mouth resembles a frog trying to catch a fly; no doubt the shock is plastered across my face. Here I stand, with just a cami and jeans on, holding my shirt. I know what this looks like, and I feel my cheeks get hot.
    Zeke…
    Great, now I’m embarrassed.
    “Ashley? Are you okay?”
    I clear my throat and stutter a little, “Yeah, I’m fine. Do you live here?”
    He looks me up and down, noticing my frazzled hair and the fact I’m holding my shirt in my hands. I’m glancing left and right, anywhere but at him.
    “Ashley…”
    He says my name with such reverence I can’t avoid his gaze anymore. When I finally meet his eyes, there’s a question in them. But before I can say anything, he puts two and two together.
    “So, you know Joe? He’s a nice guy.”
    My embarrassment reaches an all-time high. I watch Zeke watch me. He looks good. His converse, dark jeans and navy blue tee shirt. His hands are in his front pockets and he’s rocking back and forth, clearly uncomfortable.
    Nervous, I force myself to stop chewing on my lips and respond, looking anywhere but at him. I don’t want to see the disappointment, or judgment.
    “I just met Joe tonight.”
    “Ah, well, I won’t keep you, then. I’ll see you in class next week. Have a good rest of your night.”
    I finally glance back at him. I don’t see any of the things I was expecting, only a tinge of sadness.
    “Alright, see you next week.”
     

 
     

     
     
    I haven’t been able to get Ashley out of my head. No matter how hard I try. It’s like she’s already made a place for herself in my heart. For whatever reason, I care. I can’t explain it. I guess you could say I’m curious about her.
    To say I was shocked beyond belief when I saw her, leaning against Joe’s door, would be a grave understatement. At first, I thought something was wrong, but the more I watched her, the more I knew they weren’t just friends. I noticed the embarrassment etched across her face, not to mention her avoidance of any eye contact.
    I know people do it all the time; one-night stands. I’ve been there, and done that, but now I’m a grown man, and I can’t do that shit anymore. I’m not judging her; it’s just the thought of another guy’s hands all over her makes my blood boil. I have no rights to her;