Page 45 of Camera Shy

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It could’ve gone worse…

Definitely.

Maybe.

Shit. What is wrong with me? Finn intoxicates me with his humble sexiness. It’s annoying really. He tempts me on purpose, just to prove I’m like every other woman in the world—enraptured by him. But then he adds to the pile by playing the good guy? Concerned about hurting me? Not wanting to be reckless about casual sex? Who is this guy? It’d be easier if he was just a sexy pig. But it’s clear there’s way more to Finn than I realize.

I shut off the hot tub and cover it back up. Finn got a call and left ten minutes ago, abandoning me with a heaping serving of regret. I can’t believe I asked him to teach me sex. I grumble out loud in frustration. I’ve never felt more stupid in my life.

I collect the empty beer bottles from the deck and rinse them before I throw them away. It’s 9:48 on a Saturday night, but it feels more like a stroke past midnight. The pumpkin has smashed. My dress is torn. My horses are rats. The spell is officially over.

Walking past the aquarium in the living room, I wish Cherry a good night. Sweet fishy dreams, my friend. The little red fish, whom I’ve dubbed she, is darting across the tank again, back and forth, back and forth, tirelessly. I’ll see you in the morning, you little spaz.

I’m on the fourth stair when I hear a heavy pounding at the door. What in the world? Palmer? No. The police? Still in my swimsuit, I tighten my towel around my body and head to the front door.

I open it a crack until I realize it’s Finn. Opening the door wide, I see he’s flushed and a little sweaty. He takes a step forward and leans into the doorframe wordlessly.

“Hey,” I say. “Did you forget something? Or did you miss me already?” I tease. He doesn’t match my humor. His brooding eyes are dark. Clouded with something heavy.

“You’re really serious about this?” he asks in a strained mumble.

What is wrong with him?

“You want me to teach you how to have good sex?”

Why be ashamed? My foot is already in my mouth. I should go ahead and swallow it.

“Yes.”

Finn walks through the door, grabbing my hand as he passes. “It’s time for your first lesson,” he grunts as he leads me past the kitchen, to the staircase.

“Where are we going?” Dumb question, I know. Bedroom, obviously. But I’m really nervous.

“Where do you think?” he asks, sounding a smidge on the side of annoyance.

“Bedroom.”

“Closet,” he says over his shoulder as he pulls me up the stairs.

Oh no.

“The big mirror.” Finn tightens his grip around my hand. “I want you to see everything I’m about to do to you.”

12

Avery

I lost my virginity in the back of a Pontiac the summer before college. It was to a boy named Lucas. Thirteen years later, I don’t remember much about the mechanics. I just remember it being uncomfortable, brief, and just about the biggest letdown that year and that’s even after I got my rejection letter from Berkeley. Lucas praised me afterward, telling me we were so hot together, but what we did had nothing to do with together. I got nothing from it.

I was simply a vessel for his release.

I really think the way I lost my virginity cursed me and set the entire tone for my future sex life. Mason was the third guy I’d ever had sex with. Let down Lucas. Quick-to-come Cameron. And last, but not least…mundane Mason. But I loved him, so what was mundane, was tolerable. It was fine. I was fine.

Until tonight.

When the curse is broken.

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