Page 13 of Ice Me Out

There was one photo he took after a workout that quite possibly triggered me to ovulate despite my birth control. He was shirtless, showing off a well-muscled body that could only come from countless hours in the gym and a well-balanced diet. His face was slightly red from exertion, and his smirk screamed, “Eat your heart out, ladies.” No pun intended. His brunette hair clung to his forehead from sweat that eventually dripped down his sculpted body, over the ridges of mouthwatering abs until it found its final resting place in the waistband of his athletic shorts.

“I bet he could bench press me easily,” I mumbled absentmindedly while chewing on the drawstring of my gray Summit University hoodie. I was mid-chew when Hart responded.

HarttrickXIV: Sorry for the late response. I just got out of practice.

“Don’t fuck this up, V,” I whispered to myself before responding.

AnGray3000: It’s fine. I’ve been studying. So… my bio didn’t run you off?

HarttrickXIV: Not at all. I actually sought you out because I read a one-star review about you.

I smacked my lips in slight annoyance.

AnGray3000: Are you referring to NoHighBodyCountz??

HarttrickXIV: That’s the one. He was pissed.

AnGray3000: That’s because I told him to SMD before he blocked me like a pussy.

I cracked a smile when he sent me a string of laughing emojis.

HarttrickXIV: He deserved it. But seriously, I appreciated how straightforward you were. You made your expectations and boundaries clear. I’m sure you weeded out a bunch of dickheads.

AnGray3000: Those were my intentions.

HarttrickXIV: Is this your first time doing something like this? Being a sugar baby?

AnGray3000: It is. Is this your first time being a sugar daddy?

HarttrickXIV: It is.

AnGray3000: If you don’t mind me asking, what is your reason for signing up for Sugar Rush?

HarttrickXIV: I don’t mind. I’m tired of the random women and the bullshit that comes with it.

AnGray3000: Bullshit like what?

HarttrickXIV: I’ve had some women try to sell bullshit stories to the media for their 15 minutes of fame or a quick payout. I caught one woman trying to film us having sex without my knowledge. I had a boyfriend show up to one of my games and try to kick my ass for sleeping with his girl. I try my best to stay away from women who are taken, but if they say they’re single, then that’s good enough for me. I don’t do deep dives into the lives of my one-night stands.

HarttrickXIV: I want one woman that I can chill with who doesn’t want commitment. This arrangement is meant to give me a sense of security. Is school the only reason you joined Sugar Rush?

AnGray3000: Those are valid reasons, and yes, school is my only reason. I attend Summit University, which is highly competitive to get into, and it’s even more difficult to secure a scholarship. I did get a scholarship that covered housing for all four years. My dad agreed to pay for my tuition. A week before the semester started, he confessed he couldn’t pay my tuition. He had other obligations. My alternatives were limited. It was too late to apply for student loans, and getting a job would be pointless because I wouldn’t be able to work enough hours to cover tuition and maintain my GPA. My roommate put me onto Sugar Rush. You’re my first real bite since I signed up in August.

HarttrickXIV: That sucks. I know what it feels like when your father lets you down.

I raised a brow.

AnGray3000: Daddy issues?

HarttrickXIV: No issues. He’s just a piece of shit.

AnGray3000: I’m sorry.

HarttrickXIV: No need to apologize. My life is infinitely better without him in it. And yes…I did get therapy.

I chuckled.

AnGray3000: I love to hear it. May I ask you some logistical questions?