Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 72060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
“What are you reading?” Angelica’s friend, Luna, asks.
“Oh, um, a romance.” I have trouble meeting her eye.
It’s not that I’m embarrassed to be reading a romance. I didn’t feel that way when Everly first approached me, mostly because he seemed genuinely interested in finding books to read, and also, even though he’s cute, he’s not really my type.
“What kind of romance?” Luna asks, and I groan inwardly. It’s uncomfortable explaining romance to people who don’t understand the genre and have preconceived notions about it. Except for Everly, who always asks me for the smuttiest suggestions. Not that all romance is smutty. It’s pretty diverse, really.
“It’s a Victoria Paige book from her Forever series.”
“What’s it about?” She seems interested, so I indulge her by reciting the premise of the book.
“Is there sex in these books?” Luna asks.
“Yep, but in varying degrees from closed door to full-on graphic.”
Her eyes widen. “I’ve been missing out, then.”
I laugh. “It’s really all about the romance for me. I can take or leave the sex.”
Okay, I’m telling a little white lie. I do enjoy all the sexual tension.
“If you’re gay, why do you read straight romance?”
It’s not a bad question. But again, preconceived notions.
“I read all kinds. I’m more interested in the characters and story arc, not necessarily their gender or sexuality.”
“Makes sense.” Luna smiles. “I like that. Maybe I’ll download the first book.”
My gaze snags on a familiar figure walking across the room. Brandon. I lose my train of thought as I watch him sit next to that same guy from the party. Are they a thing now? Or just friends who’ve reconnected?
“Are you okay?” Luna asks.
“Yeah, I…”
She follows my line of sight. “Oooh, do you have a thing for him?”
“No, not exactly.” Except I totally do—or did. “Just acted like a fool and embarrassed myself in front of him.”
“You did not,” Kael interjects. “Stop being so hard on yourself.”
“He’s right,” Angelica pipes in. “From what Kael tells me, you’re a great guy. Give yourself a break. It’ll happen naturally.”
God, I hate that advice. It has never happened naturally for me.
When Brandon’s gaze meets mine, I look away. Not only because I’m annoyed. I just can’t handle the scrutiny after that whole disaster.
When I think enough time has passed, I lift my head, only to find Dex heading our way with Milo.
“You have a nice smile,” Luna says. “You should show it more.”
I didn’t even realize I was smiling. But it makes sense. I’m happy to see Dex.
“It’s easy with friends.”
Dex gives me a one-arm hug from behind. He’s always been touchy-feely, but since our recent conversations, I’m noticing it more—how he interacts, talks, touches.
Which is good since I did ask him to teach me his ways.
God, what am I thinking? I’ve never been an affectionate person, and neither have my parents. On the other hand, I want to be touched so badly that I’m a hot mess.
Dex shoves his butt in between Kael and me while Milo goes to stand in line for food.
“What’s happening, people?”
He’s so friendly, open, and charming that several girls reply to him at once.
My gaze slides back to my book and the rest of my food. I’ve been through enough of these social situations with Dex that I’m comfortable tuning him out.
9
DEX
Austin is in his tune-out-the-world mode at dinner, which is fine, especially with people you feel comfortable around. Others might see it as rude, but I think it’s endearing how he can so easily slip into fictional worlds.
As people finish eating, it’s the perfect opportunity to follow up on our text conversation from earlier in the day. I know he was frustrated at the time, so he’s likely over it by now.
“Hey.” I tap his knee under the table. “Everything all right?”
He looks up from the page he’s reading. “Yeah, of course.”
Well, that’s a non-response if I ever heard one. “Were you serious earlier?”
“At the time, I was. But now it just sounds dumb.”
“It’s not dumb. You have little experience, and I have plenty enough to share.”
I’ll admit, when he’d first blurted it out, I wasn’t sure it was a good plan, given how much I’ve fucked up in the past. But I could also hear his exasperation—or maybe desperation is the better word. It made me feel for him and want to immediately help remedy the situation. Even if I do screw up again. At least this time, it wasn’t my bright idea.
“Except you never close the deal emotionally, only physically.”
“Well, you gotta start somewhere. Maybe I could learn a thing or two in the process,” I huff out. “But you started it by bringing up Dildo Baggins.”
“Jesus Christ.” He averts his eyes as if to double-check no one is listening. “I don’t even know how I meant the whole teaching thing. I’ve watched you flirt and get numbers plenty of times, and I’ve never learned through osmosis.”