Series: Peach State Stepbros Series by Riley Hart
Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 92311 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 462(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 308(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92311 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 462(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 308(@300wpm)
“To pass?”
No, to get head.
Not that that’s even going to happen.
But do I want it to happen? And if I do, would he—
He’s straight, so get that out of your head.
And if he’s not?
What do you mean if he’s not? Stop thinking like that.
“You aren’t looking at this the right way,” Ash says, not for the first time since we started our study sessions. “You know how you said math and science came easy to you? I was the opposite. I had to learn how to study. These tests I’ve been giving you…”
“Yeah?”
“Typically, a teacher will come up with something like five to ten problems to cover the material, and there will be variations of those with similar issues designed to trip you up, but those are covered in the homework and tests, so if you understand the concepts and those particular tricks they’ve singled out, you’ll do fine, right?”
“I get that.”
Why does he have that grin on his face?
“When you asked for help, I studied your homework for the first test, the study guide, and the actual test. Then I studied the homework assignments in the book that cover this test period, and I’ve been following the homework you’ve had and determined what I believe will be the variations he’ll have for the next test. Are you following?”
“Is this an oral practice test?”
He chuckles. “No. The first time you took the practice test I gave you, you got three out of ten. Last one you got six, and this one seven. That tells me that since we started, you’ve learned how to solve four more of the types of problems you’ll encounter, and we just need to home in on the ones you’re still not getting. And from my assessment, I think I see the tricks you’re falling for, so I’m confident this is very doable within a week.” Ash reaches over and pushes up on my chin to close my mouth.
“Ash, you’re a genius!”
“Damn right. Now stop doubting my nerd superpowers.”
“Thank you, God of the Nerds. I’m very appreciative that you’re willing to use your powers to help a lowly mortal like me.”
“Happy to give you that little push you needed. Now let’s stop talking tests and get back to figuring some of this shit out. I got a Scruff date in an hour, so start learning faster.”
I know he mentioned it for a laugh, but I’m glad to know he’s getting out there and having some fun. And his explanation of his clever tutoring process—that I’ve apparently underestimated—fills me with confidence. I can actually imagine acing this test. Holy fuck, what will Atlas do if I win?
I can’t celebrate prematurely. I need to get to work, so I listen carefully as Ash walks me through where I’ve fumbled on the practice test. His explanations sure make a lot more sense than they did when we started, but I’m skeptical. What if I’m just kidding myself? Then I guess a C is better than an F, and I’m Atlas’s servant for a night.
No. I won’t settle. If I go down, I’ll go down fighting.
After Ash and I finish up, he takes his swivel chair with him down the hall to his room.
I toss my shirt off and fall onto my bed. Just need to relax.
As I check my phone, I notice an Instagram notification. A DM from Atlas. We started chatting on Instagram shortly after Mom’s birthday party. He must’ve noticed I was active earlier.
Atlas: Shouldn’t you be studying?
Me: Just finished my study session with Ash. Hope you’re stretching those masseter muscles. I throw in a tongue emoji to really dig it in. Now stop stalking me on Insta.
I start to put my phone down, when it buzzes.
Atlas: Is there somewhere else you’d prefer to be stalked?
Now he’s got me laughing.
Me: If you want another boner, I suggest you check out last summer’s lake pics.
Atlas: I can do my own stalking, thanks.
I know he’s not actually drooling over my photos, but I kind of wish he were.
What a fucked-up thought to have.
We have such a strange relationship. After our wrestling match in my old room, I thought things might be awkward, but now we just tease each other about giving each other boners. It’s so fucking us, it’s scary. Our relationship has always been a wild, unpredictable mess. One minute we’re fighting or goading each other, the next I feel like he’s the only person in the world who sees beyond my facade—this performance I put on to make everyone think I’m all right.
I’m not all right, though, and neither is he. We’ve always known that, and even when we’re giving each other hell, we’re always there for each other, sometimes just needing a wrestle to get out all our rage.
I set my phone down and eye my nightstand. For some reason, I lean over, slide it open, and retrieve Atlas’s shirt.