The Nerd Jock Conundrum

Troy: Of course I fell for a football jock. But Jackson and I are polar opposites. He's popular, confident, and as hot as hell in a tight T-shirt. Me? I'm just a scrawny, awkward nerd. Another point of difference: he's straight.

As if my crush on him isn't bad enough, Jackson is assigned to be my partner on a year-long project, and I have no choice but to spend time with the hottest guy on campus. Bummer. But the attraction is intensifying. We're on a collision course. I shouldn't be leaning in . . . I think I'm going to kiss him.

Jackson: Sweet. I got partnered up with the biggest nerd on campus. If I play my cards well, a passing grade is guaranteed. Troy's all shy and awkward; a classic nerd. But there's more to him than he's showing. And it's making me curious.

I want to see him come out of his shell. I know he would be better off if he let his guard down. I want to be his friend, but he thinks I'm just another dumb jock. Except, I see him looking at me the way I could never look at him.

Am I sending the wrong message? Is he falling for me? He's leaning in fast . . . He's about to kiss me. And I'm not even ducking.

Contains mature themes.