Page 17 of Cedarwood Cabin

“Uhh, no. I’m a virgin…” I whisper, gulping loudly.

He stops kissing me and removes his hand from my shorts, taking a step back as he thinks.

“I’m sorry,” he finally says as I look down. He steps forward and cups my cheek. “No, Flora. I’m sorry. I shouldn't have let it get this far.”

I place my hand on top of his, looking at him with innocent eyes.

“Don’t look at me with those eyes. Knowing you’re a virgin…fuck. I want you more,” he whispers.

I don’t know what I’m thinking. Was I about to lose my virginity to Marty? No. Not outside in the dark.

I feel nervous and let out a giggle. “I think it’s best we go back inside.”

“You’re right. Your father is probably wondering where we are,” he says, his voice tinged with reluctance.

We head back to the bar with Marty entering first. I hang back, wanting to catch my breath before I head back inside.

I sense someone is watching me. I turn my head to the side and see Lyka sitting on his motorcycle. He smirks as he takes a long drag from his cigarette, his eyes locking onto mine.

Did he see me and Marty? Does he get pleasure from taunting me?

I want to know what he finds so amusing. I want to go over there and confront him. As I take the first step toward him, Marty steps outside, calling my name.

I give Lyka one last glance and then turn back to Marty. “Sorry, I’m coming.”

I brush past Marty and step inside as the music pounds through the speakers. From a distance, I can see my father and Nancy near the bar, enjoying themselves.

“Sure you’re okay?” Marty asks, leaning down and whispering in my ear.

“Yeah,” I reply, forcing a smile.

Lyka comes back into my mind and I can't shake the image of him.

His smirk. His fucking smirk.

What is it about him that gets to me?

My father hands me a beer as we walk over to him. “Flora! There you are,” he says with a grin.

“Just needed a breather, Dad,” I reply, taking a sip of the beer.

Marty glances at me and gives me a reassuring nod. Nancy looks between us and catches on, giving me a knowing look. I look down, not knowing how to react.

I just glance around the room again, searching for Lyka, but he’s gone.

The rest of the evening is drama-free. The concert ends and my father offers Marty a ride home.

Nancy and I make our way to the truck and settle into the back seat.

My father and Marty smoke a cigarette about ten feet from the truck. I bite my cheek and anxiety gnaws at me, thinking Marty could be telling my father about earlier.

“I wonder what they are talking about…” I mutter.

“Did something happen with you and Marty?” Nancy asks.

“N—No…” I say. My cheeks flush as I struggle to keep my cool.

Nancy's eyebrows raise. “Flora. You came back with smudged lipstick.” I look up at her, panicked. “Don’t worry, your father didn't catch on. Also, I won't say anything.”

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