Cover of The Deal (Off-Campus, #1)

Off-Campus, #1

The Deal

by Elle Kennedy


Genre
Romance, Contemporary, Sports
Year
2017
Pages
437
Contents

Chapter 22

Overview

Hannah decides that sleeping with Garrett, without romantic pressure, might help her reclaim the part of herself damaged by past trauma. Garrett refuses to treat her request casually and pushes until Hannah reveals that she was drugged and raped at fifteen and has been unable to orgasm with a man since. Her confession deepens their trust, and Garrett's decision to help marks a major turning point in both Hannah's healing and their relationship.

Summary

Hannah wakes up in Garrett's arms and realizes that, unlike the last time, she wants to be there. After reflecting on the previous night, she admits that seeing Devon shook her more deeply than she wanted to believe, forcing her to confront how much the rape still affects her. Because Garrett does not want a relationship and their chemistry is undeniable, Hannah convinces herself that sleeping with him could be a low-pressure way to reclaim her sexuality.

She wakes Garrett, kisses him, and bluntly asks if he will have sex with her, suggesting that they do it that night. Garrett is stunned and immediately suspects that she is still drunk or joking. When Hannah insists that she is serious, Garrett refuses to accept the proposition at face value and points out that she previously insisted their kiss meant nothing and that they were only friends.

As Garrett keeps pressing for the reason behind her sudden change, Hannah grows defensive and embarrassed. She argues that attraction should be enough, but Garrett can tell her request is tied to something deeper and stops her from fleeing the conversation. When he demands the truth and gently tries to reassure her, Hannah breaks down and admits that she feels broken and wanted Garrett to fix her.

Hannah then confesses that she lied at Beau's party: she was the girl who was drugged in high school, and the boy who did it raped her when she was fifteen. She explains that although she has survived the trauma, it left lasting sexual damage, and she cannot orgasm with a man. Hannah says she hoped that fooling around with Garrett might help her reprogram her body, and when the admission overwhelms her, Garrett holds her, tells her she is not broken, and finally agrees to help her.

Who Appears

  • Hannah Wells
    Reveals her rape trauma, asks Garrett to sleep with her, and seeks help reclaiming her sexuality.
  • Garrett Graham
    Refuses Hannah's proposition without understanding it, comforts her confession, and agrees to help her heal.
  • Devon
    Hannah's rapist; his recent reappearance intensifies her fear and motivates her request to Garrett.
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