It was the autumn of 2012. My first semester of college, my first time truly on my own. I was freshly eighteen and thoroughly enjoying my newfound independence. It was a Friday afternoon, just a few weeks into the semester. Classes had wrapped up and I quickly returned to my room, eager for my run. Fortunately for me, I had scored a single and had all the privacy I could want. Tossing my bag on the floor and setting my keys on the desk, I proceeded to change into my running gear. Off came the oversized sweatshirt, the skinny jeans, and the low-top Converse. Soon I found myself standing before my mirror, studying my body.

I was definitely a late bloomer; always rail-thin, more boyish than feminine. Over the past few months, I had noticed soft curves had begun to appear along my hips. My breasts had grown some, now about a B-cup. I noticed my small, pink nipples were hardening in the cool air as I pulled a sports bra on. Even with the recent development I still frequently went braless because, well, why not? I had always been awkward about my body, keeping it covered up even when I didn’t have anything to show off. As I pulled a pair of running shorts on, I noticed how long my legs looked in them. Granted, pushing 6’ as a girl already made me a bit leggy.

“What people must think when they see me, the Amazonian, hurdling down the sidewalk,” I chuckled to myself. Slipping into my running shoes, I pulled my long, dark blonde hair back into a ponytail and headed out the door.

***

Even though it was still September, the Vermont air was beginning to cool. I shuddered slightly as I stepped outside my residence hall, quickly finding myself distracted with pulling up my running playlist on my phone. I didn’t even notice him until I found myself falling backward on my ass.

“Shit, are you okay?” A callused hand was grasping mine as I felt myself lifted up, coming face to face with him. “I tried to get your attention, but it was too late, I’m really sorry for bumping into you.”

The initial shock finally wore off and I was able to register who was talking to me. His dark red hair was slightly tousled, not too long but not too short. He actually towered over me, he had to be at least 6’ 4”. He had a strong jawline with a few days of scruff. His lips looked soft and teased at a dazzling smile, but it was those eyes. So intelligent, so mischievous, so blue! I could feel my stomach flutter and my knees turn to jelly, how cliché is that?

I mentally kicked myself for the rom-com bullshit, and also because I was becoming painfully aware that I still hadn’t answered him. “Erm, I’m okay, really! I shouldn’t have been walking and messing on my phone.”

God damnit, why are you like this? I could feel myself turning red, a warm flush spreading across my face and chest, “I mean – are you okay? I didn’t hurt you or anything, did I?”

I could feel his eyes study me, really taking me in. He seemed to be deep in thought before he laughed, ‘Nah, you’re good. I’m Lincoln, by the way.”

I blushed even more, internally screaming at my own awkward self as I replied, “I’m Calamity, but most people call me Cal.”

“Calamity… like, Calamity Jane?” Lincoln cocked his head to one side, “That’s different.”

Shrugging nonchalantly, I retorted, “Guess my parents just didn’t want me to blend into the crowds of Sarah’s and Ashley’s that roam this campus in hordes. Besides, it could be worse…”

Lincoln raised an eyebrow jokingly, “Oh yeah, how’s that?”

A devilish look swept across my faced, “They could’ve named me Lincoln.”

Lincoln laughed and rolled his eyes, “I’m wounded! And to think I was going to ask for your number.”

I could feel my jaw drop, any sense of calm, cool collected-ness I thought I had was gone. “My-my number? Me?”

Lincoln nodded, that sweet, welcoming, open smile back on his face, “Yeah, you seem cool. Maybe we could hang out at some point?”

Smiling, I nodded, “Give me your phone.”

After a couple more minutes we had swapped and confirmed numbers. I realized it was getting late and really regretted having to bail, “I’m really sorry, I need to get my run in before it gets dark.”

Lincoln nodded, “No worries, I’ll let you get to it. Have a good run, Cal… I’m looking forward to hanging out again.”

***

I’d spent the entire run thinking about my encounter with Lincoln, that socially anxious part of me agonizing over every minute detail. By the time I’d made it back to my room I was convinced he’d never contact me and had expected this fact.

Stripping off my running clothes, I slipped into the adjacent bathroom to shower. Standing under the shower head, I relished the way the hot water soothed my sore muscles. Rubbing body wash all over me, I found my hand slowly tracing further down my abdomen. It’d been a while since I’d last masturbated, and I realized just how much I’d like a release.

My fingers slipped between my legs, finding my clit. In slow, gentle circles I teased my clit, thinking back to the tingling I’d felt between my legs when Lincoln had looked at me. No one had ever had that effect on me before, and I was craving more.

I felt my breathing pick up as I begin to rub my clit faster, my other hand gently pinched my nipples. A moan escaped my mouth before I bit my lower lip, fighting back whimpers in case someone could hear me on the other side of the wall. My legs spread apart as my fingers ventured further, slowly entering my pussy, the palm of my hand still pressing against my clit.

As I got closer to cumming I rocked my hips gently, my fingers moving faster as I felt my orgasm build up. All I could think about was Lincoln and how it would feel for him to touch me, for him to be the one making me cum. Within a couple of minutes, I felt my muscles tense before a wave of pleasure crashed over me; my pussy clamped around my fingers as I cried out in elation.

My legs suddenly felt weak as I leaned against the shower wall, waves of post-orgasmic pleasure still rippling from my core. Eventually, I worked up the energy to leave the shower, wrapping a towel around me as I re-entered my room. I glanced at my phone and noticed I had a text… from Lincoln!

Hey Cal… really hoping you didn’t give me a fake number… A friend is throwing a party tomorrow night. Would you want to come? Maybe we could hangout a bit before?

I smiled, biting my lip as I replied.

Hey Lincoln… That sounds like fun. What time?

I set my phone down, wondering what I was expecting to come of this. Yes, Lincoln was attractive, and he’d definitely affected me in ways no one ever had before. But a small part of me was afraid to get hurt. This was all new territory for me; I’m introverted and content with being on my own. I’d never had a relationship before, and I wasn’t even sure that’s what Lincoln was interested in. I shook my head at the thought of a relationship, I shouldn’t be getting ahead of myself. He probably wants to be friends and nothing more.

My phone chimed; another text from Lincoln.

I was thinking I could pick you up from your hall around 7? We could get a coffee beforehand?

I finished drying off and slipped into bed, relishing the cool sheets on my bare skin. I settled back against my pillow, typing back.

Sounds good. I’m in Harris, just message me when you’re here and I can meet you in the lobby.

Cuddling up in my blankets, I felt myself slowly drifting off as my phone chimed again. Rolling over, I glanced at the screen.

It’s a date.

Well fuck…

To be continued…