17

"He got you a puppy!" Rose squealed in our dorm as I showed her pictures of Jasper.

"Yep! And he's so adorable!"

"Too bad you can't keep it here," she frowned, "he really is cute."

"Right? He's probably using it as a tactic to get me to see him more often since he has my dog," I teased.

I stepped into Hayden's class and noticed I was the only one in there for the first time. Weird.

Hayden walked in a few seconds later and winked at me while setting his papers down. He had on a white cuffed shirt with a dark emerald green tie that matched his eyes... Wow, I was swooning hard today!

"You look nice Mr. Blaze," I blushed and continued with getting my things out.

"As do you, Dasha," he winked again and checked out what he could of my outfit.

I had worn a lilac body con dress with a black clenched belt and leggings since it was a bit short. It wasn't revealing but it definitely showed off my assets and curves.

"How's Jasper?" I grinned.

"Good, he had to sleep with me because he kept crying," he frowned, "I think he missed you."

"I'll have to go home this weekend then," I winked and looked down at my papers as more people walked in.

"Perhaps," Hayden muttered under his breath and smiled as students began filing in. "Welcome class! I assume everyone is ready for their test this coming Monday?"

There were some groans and grunts as no one really answered.

"Well I'll take that as a maybe. Tonight I'll have a review like always at the coffee shop at seven. So unless something comes up, I should be there."

When he said that I noticed a tinge of worry in his voice and my head shot up quickly. What was wrong?

"But make sure you study since this is your final for the semester and all, it's going to be a huge portion of your grade. I'm assuming those who are continuing their second semester of history know I'm also teaching that class along with another teacher. So in case you didn't care for my lectures you can go to Miss Helsing down the hall."

No one said anything as he began diving into a lecture about what we were wrapping up on. Medieval ages and weaponry.

I couldn't get my mind to focus about the lecture as I tried to think of what might be wrong. Had I done something wrong? Was it Jasper? No he would've told me...

When the bell rang, I shot up from my desk and quickly left the room while sliding my phone out.

'Babe what's wrong? Dash <3'

I continued walking to my second class as my phone buzzed.

'I'll tell you later. Has to do with family...'

'Okay baby, I'm sorry :('

There was no doubt in my mind that I was coming over tonight to make sure everything was alright.

At lunch Sean and Ty were discussing about their game and how we should attend it tonight.

"I will if the review is cancelled," Rose answered.

"Cool, what about you Dash?"

"I'll stop by for a little bit yeah," I smiled as they whooped and high fived the other.

"Boys," Rose rolled her eyes.

"That's so not what you said last night," Sean echoed as Rose's face went red and I spat out my water.

"Dasha!" Rose screamed and erupted into laughter as I coughed a few times and dried my eyes. These guys would be the death of me.

"Can you please leave us out of your sex life!" I pleaded.

"Because yours is far more interesting isn't it?" Tyson teased.

"It's definitely juicy," Rose winked as I shot her a look.

"Why won't you tell us who you're with Dash?" Sean stopped me later as I was walking towards the library.

"I just can't say," I murmured as he frowned.

"But Rose knows."

"I'm surprised she hasn't told you already," I muttered and felt my phone vibrate.

Sean grabbed my shoulder gently, "Dash, I'm just looking out for you. You know that right?"

Sighing, because I knew I wouldn't get this conversation over with fast enough, I said, "it's who you suggested was a player."

"Blaze?" He quirked an eyebrow.

"Yep," I pushed back a strand of my hair as Sean looked floored.

"Wait really?"

"Yeah, is there a problem with that?"

"No, I just... I thought you wouldn't go for a teacher."

"Well... I mean if you were a girl, you would understand why," I began.

"Hey," he threw his hands up, "as long as your happy. I'm happy for you. But if he disrespects you, I'm getting him fired."

"Fair enough," I nodded and knew in the back of my mind it wouldn't happen.

"Hayden?" I called as I let myself in. He had given me a key the past week which spoke more volumes than he realized. I was now able to come and go into his home when I liked. My heart couldn't seem to comprehend how much this meant to me that he really trusted me with this.

"Jasper!" I cooed as my puppy came rambling up to me with his whole back end wagging.

I picked up my five pound puppy and nuzzled his nose. His eyes were slightly open as he licked my finger and whined.

"What's wrong baby?" I cooed and kissed his wet nose.

He wriggled out of my grasp and teetered tottered his way over towards the stairs. This pup was still getting used to the whole balance thing, and it was so cute!

He plopped his butt down and whined as he looked at me then at the stairs. My poor baby couldn't climb the stairs!

Fighting back a laugh, I picked him up and carried him up the stairs. He probably wanted to get to Hayden but wasn't able too.

"Hayden?" I called gently as I set Jasper down and knocked on the door.

"One second," he said quietly as I heard something being moved and whatnot.

Once the door opened, Jasper barked and wagged his butt as he tried to get Hayden to pick him up.

"Baby what's wrong?" I picked up Jasper as I took in his red eyes and distraught face. "Why are you crying?"

"My grandmother died," he rubbed his eyes and let me into his room as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

I put Jasper on the bed and went over to hold Hayden as he stood paralyzed to the floor.

"Baby, I'm sorry," I whispered and buried my face in his chest as he shook gently and held me tightly.

"When did you find out?" I kissed his hand gently.

"This afternoon," he sighed and wiped his eyes, "just sucks because I was close to her and all... Sorry," he apologized weakly and kissed my hair. "Thanks for being here."

"Well I knew something was up when you didn't reply to my text," I kissed his cheek and looked at him. "Hayden, I'll always be here for whatever you're going through."

"I know," he pulled me closer, "I'm so lucky to have you. You have no idea."