CHAPTER 58: FIRST RIDE

Alex gripped the steering wheel, the engine purring beneath him like a contented predator. The streets were quiet this morning, sunlight glinting off the hood of his sleek, metallic gray sedan.

For the first time in his life, he was driving to college in his own car. Every turn of the wheel, every slight vibration beneath his fingers, sent a thrill through him.

This was a dream... one every boy in their class had fantasized about but few ever achieved. And today, that dream was his reality.

He had already dialed Danny, Mike, and Sarah earlier, instructing them to wait in the campus parking lot.

He grinned, imagining their faces.

Little did they know, the ’surprise’ they were waiting for wasn’t a small prank or gadget... it was this.

His car.

The closer he got to campus, the faster his pulse raced. Parking lots that usually seemed mundane now felt electric, buzzing with anticipation.

He spotted his friends waiting near the parking lot entrance, chatting and laughing, but their heads snapped up the moment his car glided into view.

Danny’s brow furrowed, a curious smirk tugging at his lips. "Hmm... that looks... fancy."

Mike squinted, leaning slightly to get a better look. "Yeah... someone’s been borrowing daddy’s car, huh?"

Alex chuckled, his confidence soaring. He eased the sedan to a smooth stop a few feet from them, the engine humming softly.

He stepped out with deliberate style, one hand brushing the roof lightly, the other slipping into his pocket. The sunlight glinted off the polished metal, highlighting the car’s sharp lines.

"This... is mine," he said, voice calm but carrying the thrill of the reveal.

Danny’s jaw dropped, eyes widening. "Wait—what? That’s yours? No way!"

He took a step closer, circling the car like a kid inspecting a prized toy. "Bro... this is insane. Dude, you didn’t even warn us! This is... wow!"

Sarah grinned, arms crossed, shaking her head in mock disapproval. "I knew you were showing off eventually... but this? Bold move, Alex."

Mike’s expression shifted from disbelief to admiration. "Man... that’s yours? Dang... I didn’t see that coming. Gotta say, I’m impressed."

Danny couldn’t resist; he practically dove into the driver’s seat. "Gotta feel it... gotta feel it!" he exclaimed, fingers grazing the steering wheel. "Oh... man. This is smooth! Let me take it for a spin!"

Alex laughed, shaking his head but stepping aside. "Careful, man. Don’t scratch it."

Sarah leaned casually against the hood, smirking. "You’re letting them drive it first? Bold move."

Danny started the engine, a satisfied grin spreading across his face. "Oh, yeah... this is everything I imagined. Smooth, sleek... this is the dream!" He revved the engine lightly, the hum filling the lot like a symphony of power.

Mike climbed in next, adjusting the seat with exaggerated care. "Let’s see if it handles as well as it looks," he said, turning the wheel slightly. He took it for a small circle around the lot, exhilaration lighting up his face.

Alex watched, a warm pride swelling in his chest. Seeing his friends so excited, so impressed... it was worth every second.

When they returned, Danny slapped the roof lightly. "Dude... I’ll never look at my dad’s car the same way again. This thing feels next level."

Mike nodded in agreement, eyes sparkling.

"Yeah, man. You’ve officially won the parking lot today. I’m jealous, but honestly proud of you too."

Alex stepped closer, fingers brushing the hood lightly. "Glad you guys like it. Think of it as... a small preview of how this semester’s going to be."

Danny laughed, clapping him on the shoulder. "Taste? Bro, this is a feast!"

The four friends stood there, circling the car, inspecting, laughing, joking... the sun bouncing off the polished surface like it was celebrating with them.

For Alex, this wasn’t just a car... it was freedom, achievement, and a spark of pride he’d never forget.

And as he watched Danny and Mike take turns pretending to race, joking and laughing, he realized this was exactly the kind of memory worth holding onto... the thrill of success, friendship, and the first taste of something truly his.

***

By mid-morning, the lecture hall was a dull haze of monotone voices. Notes were half-written, eyes half-focused.

Alex, Danny, Sarah, and Mike exchanged knowing glances, some barely stifling yawns. The minutes crawled.

As soon as class ended, Alex slipped away, weaving through the hallways until he reached Tisha’s office.

Alex slipped quietly into her office, the door clicking softly behind him. The afternoon light filtered through the blinds, casting golden stripes across the polished floor.

Tisha was seated at her desk, one leg tucked under her, her body relaxed yet still showing traces of the previous night’s... encounter.

Her eyes flicked toward him, a mix of mischief and lingering ache.

"Hey..." Alex said softly, letting the word hang between them.

Tisha smirked faintly, wincing as she shifted her weight. "You’re late," she teased, though her voice betrayed softness. "I’ve been... surviving," she admitted, a small groan escaping.

Alex crossed the room in long, confident strides, closing the distance between them. He leaned down, pressing his lips against hers in a deep, lingering kiss.

She melted into it, her hand brushing against his chest, the memory of their previous madness still fresh in her every nerve.

As the kiss broke, his fingers trailed downward under the edge of her skirt, brushing softly against her inner thigh. A faint whine escaped her lips.

She flinched, a soft gasp escaping. "Alex... careful," she murmured. "I’m still... a little sore from last time."

"I just... want to make sure you’re okay," he said, voice low and steady.

She exhaled slowly, a shiver running through her at the touch. "You... you’ve got some nerve," she whispered, almost to herself, though her eyes betrayed amusement and something more.

She shifted, attempting to stand. Her legs protested faintly, a soft groan escaping as she adjusted her weight. "Ugh... I told you... you ruined me. I can barely walk straight."

Alex immediately stepped closer, hands hovering just in case she faltered. "No rush," he murmured. "We can take it slow. You matter more than anything else."

Her fingers twitched, brushing the desk for balance. "You always know what to say," she whispered, a small, breathless laugh escaping.

"I mean it... only when it’s you," he replied, thumb tracing her wrist, eliciting a faint shiver.

Her eyes fluttered open, glimmering with amusement and longing. "You’re impossible," she breathed. "Do you even realize the power you have over me?"

"Maybe I do," he said, voice teasing, "because you trust me enough to let me."

She exhaled, a soft laugh mixing pain and desire. "Dangerous," she murmured, "absolutely dangerous."

Alex leaned closer, close enough to tease, but not crowd. "Dangerous isn’t the word... irresistible, maybe. But only with you."

Tisha closed her eyes briefly, leaning slightly into him. "Fine... but if you make me fall again, you’re taking full responsibility," she warned, her voice soft but playful.

He brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, thumb caressing her wrist once more. "Deal. But only if you promise to forgive me eventually," he said, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.

For a moment, they simply stood there, the quiet of the office wrapping around them like a cocoon.

Every subtle movement... her shifting weight, his hovering hands, their playful smirks... spoke louder than words.

Finally, Tisha sank back into her chair, though her eyes never left him. "Okay... you win," she whispered, the faintest smile tugging at her lips.

Alex grinned, a mix of pride and tenderness. "I just want to make sure you’re truly okay."

She laughed softly, fingers brushing her hair. "You really are something else, Alex..."

He tilted his head, a teasing, warm smile spreading across his face. "And you... unforgettable," he murmured, letting the moment linger... intimate, charged, and theirs alone.

***

Afternoon – Sports Ground

By mid-afternoon, Alex, Danny, Sarah, and Mike wandered toward the sports ground, the sun casting long shadows across the field.

A few students practiced casually, tossing balls and jogging laps, but they moved with an energy that hinted at idle curiosity... and maybe a bit of anticipation.

Danny nudged Alex. "Wonder if anything interesting is happening today... feels too quiet."

Sarah shrugged, arms crossed. "Probably just another boring afternoon. But hey, at least we have your new car to talk about."

Before Alex could respond, a ripple of movement caught their attention.

Marcus and his entourage emerged from behind the bleachers, walking with the confident swagger of people who assumed they owned the space. His eyes immediately found Alex.

Marcus slowed slightly, a mocking smile curling his lips. "Well, well... look who’s finally decided to show off those muscles," he said, stepping forward, voice loud enough for everyone nearby to hear.

"What’s the goal here? Impressing the girls, or just trying to look tough?"

Alex tilted his head slightly, the corner of his mouth lifting in a subtle smirk. "Funny... I always thought muscle was supposed to scare people like you, not impress them."

His tone was calm, almost teasing... but there was a quiet steel underneath it, a clear signal that he wasn’t intimidated.

Marcus’s eyes narrowed. "Oh? Scare me? That’ll be interesting to see. Maybe we should test it... see if it’s all for show... see if all that muscle actually helps you play football."