Page 99 of The Best Friend Power Play

We finally reach my place, and as soon as we're inside, I lock the front door behind us, keeping the outside world away.

It's just me and Culver now.

"Are you sure you're ready for this?" he asks, gazing into my eyes as his thick fingers stoke the side of my face.

"I am," I reply, butterflies dancing in my stomach.

Yes, I'm a little nervous because this is a big deal. But I'm safe with Culver, and I know in my heart of hearts, he's the man I want to do this with.

We start kissing again before slowly making our way to my bedroom.

I wake up the next morning wrapped in Culver's strong, protective arms. I think back to the last time I woke up like this, and wow, hasn't a lot changed since Fresno?

Haven't I changed a lot since then?

It's wild what a hot girl summer can do for a girl.

I've caught up on all the sleep I missed.

My house is immaculate, and every single item of clothing has been washed and ironed and folded away.

I've been treated to the yummiest of Italian food—so yummy that I don't even care I've gained five pounds.

I've experienced things I've been putting off, like volunteering at the hospital, or that I was afraid of, like swimming in the ocean, or that I've never seen, like the purple carpet.

And last night, I did something that I added as a spur of the moment thing without really thinking it through.

I lost my virginity.

And it was…it was…well, let's just say, that for all his cooking and cleaning and all-around awesomeness, nothing—nothing—can beat the Palladino Edge.

I feel like I'm floating on air. I'm on cloud nine, and I almost don't care whether I have morning breath.

Almost.

I manage to lift Culver's arm without waking him, grab the first thing I can find to wear off the floor, then tiptoe quietly into the bathroom.

I freshen up, brush my teeth, splash some water on my face, and tie my hair up.

When I look at my reflection, I have to do a double take.

I'm glowing.

Never in a million years did I think I'd lose my virginity with Culver, of all people. I'm so happy it was him.

I was starting to feel bad that I'd never had time for love, but now I see that maybe the universe was playing the long game so my first time would be with the man I love and not some starter boyfriend.

When I step back into the bedroom, Culver's stirring. The sheet has slipped down his body, and my eyes roam the landscape of his smooth, muscled torso, taking the scenic route, of course.

I glance over at the clock on my bedside table. It's five past seven, and we don't have to be at the festival until ten-thirty, so there's no need to rush.

He opens his eyes. "Morning."

I settle on the edge of the bed. "Good morning. How'd you sleep?"

"Like a log. You?"

"Same."

---