Page 64 of Embody

“Want my advice?” she asks casually, not even looking at me.

“Um…sure,” I answer as is only polite, even though I think I may be lying. I’m perfectly capable of forming my own opinion of Jefferson. I don’t want to base “us” on everyone else’s perceptions or pre-conceived notions. It might sound silly or premature, but “their JT” isn’t the same person as “my Jefferson.” I just know it.

She shuts the bathroom door, giving us privacy I appreciate, and faces me with a no-nonsense expression. “You’re worried that he’s only intrigued by you because you’re a challenge, and the minute you give in to him, which you want tobadly, he’ll lose interest. Am I right?” She lifts a brow and gives me an empathetic half-smile that ruffles at least one of my feathers.

I barely know Skylar, and feel extremely uncomfortable, but I’m trapped in a bathroom with her and don’t want to offend her, so…what the hell.

“Yeah, sort of I guess. How’d you know that?”

“Because,” she laughs, “I’m a girl, just like you, and don’t we all kind of have that same concern? I held out on Judd forever, knowing every girl in our school was after him. I was scared I’d lose him to some spread-eagle slut that guys have trouble resisting, but that never happened. Not to mention, I know my little brother. His reputation, the persona he puts off, what he’s always wanted everyone to see and think…isn’t the person he really is.”

“So, what’s your advice?” I change my mind and decide to invest in the conversation since she’s speaking highly of Jefferson.

“Test it,” she shrugs. “Give in,but just a little bit,” she holds up a small space between her thumb and forefinger.

“W…what?” I cough, not expecting or prepared for that reply. “I, won’t, I mean,” I suck in a deep, much-needed breath, trying to find the right words. “Won’t that defeat the purpose, send him the message that Iwillgive in soon? Then I really won’t know if he’s here for the right reasons.”

Knew it.Should’ve never opened the door on this talk, ‘cause now I’m more confused than ever.

“Nope. She’s exactly right.” Presley bursts in to join us, giving her input as she shuts the door behind her. “Sorry, I couldn’t help but overhear you guys, since I was listening with my ear smashed to the door and all.” My jaw must drop because she laughs and adds, “Like you guys wouldn’t do the same thing,please.”

Actually, I would never, but I stay quiet.

“Here’s what Sky means,” Presley continues, in a voice I really wish she’d lower. Not telling her that either though. She’s a bit…intimidating. “Give him a hand job or blow job. See what happens.”

I…can’t even,what? I throw out a hand to catch myself on the counter lest I fall on my ass in shock. Who just puts that kind of talk right out there? Where people canhearthem?

“Okay, I can tell by your reaction that you definitely need to start with a hand job,” Presley rolls her eyes and laughs.

“P-” Skylar attempts to salvage the conversation, but Presley’s hand shoots up in the air to stop her.

“Hush, I got this. You’re married to theoneguy whose dick you’ve ever seen. You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about. I, however,” she proudly puts a hand on her chest, “can offer sound advice as a single gal who has dated several guys. Give him a hand job, then nothing else. I meannothingelse, for alongtime. This serves many purposes.” I almost snicker at the “scholarly” quality her voice and speech take on. Almost. “Not only do you get to literally size him up, see if he’s packing enough for you to want to stick around, but giving him a lil’ somethin’ somethin’ then holding out will either hook him for good or send him running in sexual frustration to someone who will hand him the whole enchilada. Either way, you’ll have your answer. Problem solved,” she crosses her arms and grins.

The door flies open once again and a scowling Brynn grabs my hand. “You’re both idiots,” she hisses at her sister and cousin. “Bellamy, ignore everything they just said and do whatyouwant. Be yourself, that’s what caught his eye in the first place.” She starts dragging me out but stops to turn back and give them one final tongue lashing. “And Skylar, just,ew. When someone starts talking about your brother’s penis and orthe sizeof it, for God’s sake,leave the room!”

 

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