Love doesn't have to be hard

Chapter 4: Trying to sort out my feelings

So, the last week has gone by pretty fast. Zed and I went to dinner and for a walk. It was nice, and he is so sweet. 

Yet, Hardin still shows up at my dorm and says things like how he has missed me and then acts as if I don't exist around his friends. 

Zed doesn't care who sees us. He ran into me the other day outside Soto's class and was so confused about the assignment, so I agreed to be his study buddy. 

We were in the coffee shop with Steph when Hardin walked in. He walked over and kept trying to talk to me alone. I told him he could say whatever he wanted to say in front of Zed and Steph, but he refused and walked away. 

It was so funny because while I was trying to go over the assignment with Zed, he kept staring at me with his beautiful gray eyes.

It was actually kind of cute the way he kept looking at me, even tho his attention should have been focused on the book. 

He asked me to go to the bonfire with him. He said he had never been, had heard Landon and me talking, and wanted to go with me. 

So, we are going to the Bonfire on Friday together, and Landon's girlfriend Dakota will be in. I was invited to join their family for dinner before.

Landon even opened the invitation to Zed if he wanted to join us. I'm not sure if he is going to join us or not. He doesn't know that Landon's mom and Hardin's dad are a couple. 

My mom came to school the other day all mad and upset because she found out Noah and I were no longer together. She was going on and on about making a huge mistake. 

I simply told her it was my life and my mistake to make. She finally shut up when Steph, Tristan, and Hardin came in. She just gave me a look like there are boys in this room. 

We left and went to eat. Then she dropped me back off and went home. Thankfully, everyone was gone by the time I got back. 

Landon and I are studying together at the library in an hour. I change clothes and get ready to meet him when no other than my least favorite person comes into my room.

"What are you doing here? You know Steph is gone, and I am meeting Landon to study."

"I just came by to see how you are. I was wondering if you feel like going to get something to eat with me?"

"No, I don't feel like it. Hardin, I am so tired of you saying one thing when we are alone and then you act completely different when we are around people. So, go sleep with anybody you want; just leave me alone."

"Aww, is Tessa upset at me? Thank you very much! I am still sleeping with whoever I want. I just enjoy your company; I don't want to sleep with you. One day soon, you will be begging me to take your virginity so you can scream my name." He ran his fingertips up her arm, and she shivered.

"See, you crave my touch. Does Zed make you shiver? Does he raise your pulse rate? Does he ignite the fire inside of you that I do?" 

"I don't crave your touch. Anyone would shiver; it's a natural instinct. Yes, my pulse rate beats very fast when I'm with Zed. We haven't kissed yet, but I'm sure when we do, it will ignite a fire deeper than you did. I'm done with your games, so leave me alone."

"We will see Theresa, we will see. You know you are enjoying the chase. Just like I also know you want me as much as I want you."

"Keep dreaming, Hardin. Anyway, it was nice chatting with you. Let's do it again in four years. Have a nice life, and stop showing up at my dorm." She ushered him to the door by his arm and shut it before he could say anything. 

She grabbed her bag and books and walked to the library. She found Landon, and he could see she was upset.

"What's wrong, Tessa?"

"Hardin won't leave me alone. He keeps coming to my room and saying crap, then acts like it's all in my head around his friends or really anybody. I just want him to leave me alone."

"Can't say I blame you. Have you told him that?"

"Yes, but he doesn't seem to listen or understand."

"Well, just stick to it; eventually, he will get tired and find someone else to bother. So, is Zed joining you for dinner?" 

"I hope so. I haven't gotten a definite answer as of yet. I will text him and ask while we study. She texted Zed, and then they worked on their assignments for the next week. 

Zed responded back and apologized for it taking so long. He was working and couldn't get to his phone with greasy hands. He said he would love to join us at Landon's for dinner before the bonfire. 

Landon and I finished and decided to grab some dinner in town. We went into this little diner and sat down. We ordered and were laughing when Hardin and Molly walked in.

Zed and Jace walked in a few minutes later. Zed walked straight over to our table and sat down beside me. 

"Hey, Tessa, I didn't know you would be here. Did you finish your assignments?"

"Hey, and we did. How was work?"

"It was work, but I love fixing cars. Nothing like getting your hands greasy and fixing a problem. My favorite part is rebuilding an engine."

"That's great. Hi, Landon. Sorry, I didn't mean to be rude by ignoring you."

"Hey, and no problem."  

"So, are you meeting them?"

"I was, but I would prefer your company to theirs." She smiled, and they sat there and talked until their food arrived. Zed ordered his dinner, and then he joined them while they ate and laughed. 

Zed could see Hardin staring at them from their table. Molly sat like his little pet, acting like he wasn't being rude. 

Zed paid for both of their meals and then walked her out to Landon's car. He opened the door for her and hugged her. She waved, and they left. He stood there until they were out of sight and walked back in.

"You really think you are going to win, don't you?"

"Look, Hardin, I really like her and want this bet to end."

"I'm sure you do. You are so afraid of losing."

"I'm really not afraid of losing. I am going to tell her about the bet before anything happens between us. Are you willing to do that?"

"Hell, no, I'm not going to tell her. Go right on ahead, then when she's heartbroken by your betrayal, she will run straight into my arms."

"Look, man, you have already lost. She doesn't even want to be around you. We have been on a few dates, and I am not just trying to win a stupid bet; I really like her."

"I'm sure you do. So, what are your plans this weekend with the lovely virgin Tessa? I know you haven't even kissed her yet. I have kissed her and touched her, so I'm already ahead of you."

"I wouldn't be bragging. I will kiss her when the time is right. She just broke up with her boyfriend, and I don't want to rush her." 

"Well, as they say, the best way to get over one is to get under another," Hardin laughed.