After Chapter 54 – Complimented by mistake.

Previously: Someone put something in her something.
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Samantha: This chapter picks up right where we left off, with Tessa laying in Hardin’s arms. She begins to worry about her shower the next morning, and I think about the glorious wonder that is dry shampoo. Invest, Tess! Problems solved! She’s worried a frat boy will walk in on her but Hardin assures her that the door locks and he’s going to accompany her (whether she wants him to or not). She decides that she wants to get the shower over with now then and they put on their pants! Tessa sans panties because she’s a Naughty Girl now (not to be confused with a Slutty Girl).

Marines: Slutty girls say words for anatomical parts and sex acts instead of pointing and mumbling, in case you were confused.

Samantha: Hardin assures her that they have all the bathroom amenities, even spare underwear from Ghosts of Slutty Girls Past and Tessa worries he has a creepy panty collection. (M: Fair.)

They arrive at the bathroom and Hardin starts stripping down because they are obvs going to shower together (whether she wants to or not). Tessa protests and Hardin totes doesn’t see what the big deal is, since they’ve already been naked together. She holds firm so Hardin gains an edge to his voice, because women who demand that their boundaries be respected are the worst. She gets in the shower and Hardin legit pouts because when he’s not being an asshole he’s being a child. She considers letting him come in anyway but doesn’t want him to think he can always get his way. You know, like you do when you’re parenting a toddler.

Then Tessa thinks about how they should have just stayed in her room but how Hardin probably wouldn’t be as affectionate with Steph around. Yeah, cause I’m just drowning in all the affection he’s dripping. (M: Pouts and edges is all I’m picking up, but idk.) Tessa gives us the absolutely scintillating information that she prefers one towel for her head and one for her body before getting out cause it’s Hardy’s turn. She marvels at his beauty and then regrets not showering with him. She tells him that she has made the autonomous decision to go wait in his room so, naturally, he tells her “No, you’re not.” She demands to know what his problem is and he tells her that with 30 guys living in this house she will not be wandering around unsupervised.

You know what could have been appropriate here?

Tessa: Hey, I’m going to go wait in your room.

Hardin: Hey, with all these boys living in this house it makes me nervous to have you be alone here. Would you mind waiting until I’m done showering?

Tessa: Let me think about this new information you’ve provided me and make another autonomous decision.

*end scene*

Mari: *cries in consent is beautiful* *cries because it was wonderful* *cries for its literary merit* *cries because it did not happen and we must keep reading trash*

Samantha: Tessa pushes further, wanting to understand why he’s pouting about not getting to shower with her.

“‘I just don’t like being told no.’ His voice is low but much softer than it was moments ago.”

Yeah, nope. Ruuuuuuun away. I know you’re worried about predators out there in the frat house but there is a definite predator here in this bathroom. (M: Damn. A+) Also, IDGF if his voice “softens” that changes not a damn thing, Anna Todd.

She tells him that she’s not like the other girls (gag) because instead of heeding the warning, she’s feeling jealous. Women, amiright? Hardin agrees that she isn’t and then Tessa switches to admiring how hot he looks. They leave the bathroom and run into the creepy dude from that party who tried to assault her in a bedroom. He leers at her. Classic 50 Shades tactic of making Hardin bossing her around seem okay cause he was right. WE AREN’T NEW HERE, TODD.

Hardin tells him to get away from her and he does cause even this asshole can identify the crazy in Hardin’s eyes. They go into Hardy’s room and he offers to beat up Creeper Guy, but Tessa begs him not to. IDK, maybe this book would be more interesting if we could break out the Throat Punch tag. They get ready for bed and Tessa asks to wear his shirt because it smells like him. He tells her that she’s beautiful and Tessa thinks this:

“I get the feeling he didn’t mean to say the words out loud, which makes my heart swell even more.”

I mean. I think that it would make me happier if the guy sincerely wanted to compliment my beauty but that’s just me.

Mari: Definitely not better to get complimented by mistake. Definitely. 

Samantha: Tessa tells him that he’s also beautiful and then they playfully bicker a bit about what time to get up the next morning (6:30 if you’re interested.)

They rush around but make it back to Tessa’s room in time for her to get ready. During all this Tessa has to randomly prevent Hardin from pouring cold water on Steph’s head to wake her up? Ohhh…..kaaaaay.

They head over to the café and Tessa worries what Landon will think about her bringing Hardin. At the café they part ways, with Hardin kissing Tessa before he leaves. Landon’s jaw comes unhinged in shock and Tess is feeling awkward cause she’s not really into PDA. Hardin probably is, of course.

Mari: Nah, he just did it to shock Landon some more, even though this is the 27th time they’ve shocked Landon by being together and Landon should stop being shocked now.

Samantha: You’re doing shock wrong, Landon.

 

Next time on After: Tessa gets called to the principal’s office in Chapter 55 .