Page 5 of Hostile Exchange
His eyes slide to the right, and he begins to nibble on his bottom lip. “Ah…” he begins before clearing his throat. “You have to understand how much $5000 is to someone like me. My classes and books are covered, but I had been planning to use that money to cover our bills each semester. That would have allowed me to only need one job at most, meaning I’d have more time for the girls and school.” Taking a deep breath, he meets my eyes. The intensity there warns that his next words are probably going to hurt.
“I knew that losing was a possibility. I also knew how many of the applicants also needed that money. I wasn’t necessarily mad that I lost. I was absolutely livid because I lost to Reese Kensington, heir to Kensington Global, a multimillion dollar company. You didn’t need that money, but you took it anyway.”
This time, I’m the one that looks away, the shame from that day resurfacing. My hands find their way into the silky strands I’ve already gotten used to playing with. “You have to understand how much appearances mean to my father. I nevereven wanted to apply for that scholarship. Like you said, I didn’t need it, but Father insisted that winning a scholarship based on volunteerism and social impact would be good for my image. I’m sure you’re now aware that what my father wants, he gets.
Evan
Reese is pulling on his hair hard enough that I begin to get concerned about ending this body swap with a bald head. I reach out and gently pull his hands away. My hands linger on his wrist even after they come to rest on the table. I rub circles with my thumb until he meets my eyes. “I learned a lot this weekend. I’m sorry for assuming you were just this asshole rich boy.”
His smile doesn’t meet his eyes when he responds. “I am kind of an asshole rich boy, but not exactly by choice. I don’t want to be this person, but I have to do as my Father says.”
“Can I ask you a question, now?”
“Only seems fair that you do.”
“You’re twenty one years old, a grown man. Why don’t you just move out?”
“Because of who my dad is, I don’t qualify for financial aid. I’m not exactly smart enough to be able to balance work and school. I did try and talk Father into letting me live in the dorms, but I knew the answer before I even asked. He’d never let me live anywhere he couldn’t have complete control over me. I have to get a degree which means I have to go along with his rules until graduation. Those rules include staying at home and dating Kenzie, who is his business partner’s daughter. Six more months and I’ll finally be free of him.
His explanation makes a lot of sense, but not completely. “I’ve seen the sketch books under your bed. You’re incredibly talented. You could have a career in art, without a degree.”
Once again his gaze slides away from mine. “Not getting a degree is not an option. There’s too much at stake.” His answeris irritatingly vague, but he’s allowed his secrets. “What are you going to do about football practice?” The attempt to change the subject is painfully obvious, but I give him the out.
“No worries there. You’ve spent enough time in my body by now to know how terribly unathletic it is. One perk of being a walking hazard is that I’ve gotten my fair share of injuries. I know exactly how to fake an injury that will have me sitting out for at least a week.”
Reese blinks at me a few times before he bursts out into laughter loud enough to draw the attention of the people surrounding us. I pull my hand away from his wrist, not wanting anything to get back to his dad, that would result in an actual injury for me. He reaches for me briefly before taking in our surroundings and pulling away as well.Why does the loss of his touch make me sad?
Chapter Six
Reese
It’s been a week since Evan and I switched bodies. In this time, we’ve stopped snapping at each other as much as we usually do. I have a new respect for him. His jobs really fucking suck, but without them, he and his sisters would be homeless. Apparently he’s in school on an academic scholarship. I never would have pegged him as a smart guy, but he’s had to do his own homework, because I can’t even begin to understand all the math.
His sisters and best friend, Bianca, have been the absolute highlight of this week. We ended up telling them what was going on. Evan couldn’t stand not being around his sisters, and it took Bianca all of one hour to notice something was off with me. I’m sure he needed them a little extra after putting up with my father. The break from him has been so nice, but I feel guilty. I’ve noticed the stiffness in Evan’s movements. He doesn’t know all the little things that set William off like I do. I tried to tell him all of them, but it’s a pretty exhaustive list, with new things added daily.
If you had asked me last month,would I ever find myself crushing on Evan Matthews, I would have called you crazy. The more I learn about him, though, the more attractive he becomes.I feel like a perv every time I shower. I’ve found myself taking the time to admire his body in the mirror, more and more. He’s thinner than me, more of a swimmer’s build versus my bulky football build, but still defined. His dark hair and pale skin make his icy blue eyes stand out. It’s taken all of my willpower not to watch myself jerk off and imagine it’s him.
He plops down beside me on the bleachers, and I discreetly try and adjust myself. Apparently I’m not that discreet though, because he smirks, leans in, and whispers in my ear, “Need some help with that?” I groan, head dropping back.
“Must you? We’re in public, for Christ’s sake,” I grumble.
“We don’t have to be. We’re both done for the day, and you don’t have to work.”
My gaze snaps to his face.Is he serious right now?“Wait… for real?”
“Why not, when will I ever get the chance to fuck myself again?”
“You’re an actual freak.”
“Don’t I know it. But fine. If you won’t fuck me, maybe I’ll go see if Kenzie is free. Never fucked a girl before.”
He wouldn’t dare.But as he takes off towards the locker room, likely to shower off the sweat from practice, I begin to doubt. I jump up and race after him. When I catch up to him, he’s standing in front of the sink, his practice jersey nowhere in sight. I stalk towards him and grab his arm, forcing him to face me.
“Leave Kenzie out of this.”
He grabs onto my face as he growls out, “And if I don’t?”
“I guess we’ll finally have to see which of our bodies would win in a fight.”
