Page 8 of Merry With A Milkman

Once upstairs I glance around the large apartment before she pushes me down on the couch. Settling with her legs crossed so she faces me, she clears her throat.

“This is something very few people know about me. I thought about waiting to tell you but we had such a good time tonight. I want more good times with you. Much more. That’s why you need to hear this.”

I catch one of her hands mid-movement. “I’m listening.”

Her lips press together for a moment then she leans toward me. “Rhone, I’m a virgin.”

five

Tegan

Even with the wine fueled fuzz in my brain, I knew I’d shock Rhone with my admission. I didn’t want to wait to tell him. Need him to know. As I watch his mouth open and close, I bite back a giggle. He looks so much like a fish out of water.

“Tegan?” Releasing my hand, he sits back.

I rest my hands on my knees, clutching the fabric of my skirt. This moment felt easier when I’d played it out in my brain. In real life, I wonder if I made a mistake.

No. I won’t believe that. What I’ve done, what I’ve said tonight is no mistake. He’s the one and deserves to know.

“Rhone, yes I’ve had too much to drink but I know what I’m saying. And why I’m telling you this tonight. Let me get this out. I don’t want anything from you tonight. Just listen, okay?” I pause before I ramble too much and wait until his half-smile lightens the confusion lowering his brows. He nods once.

A deep breath calms the nerves dancing in my chest. It feels like my future depends on this singular moment. “As long asI’ve known about sex, I’ve known I would wait until I met ‘the’ person who I would call mine.

“It really hasn’t been that difficult. Oh, don’t worry. I have a strong sex drive. One that I’ve always taken care of myself. My, uh, toy drawer has a nice variety.”

He chuckles and reaches toward the coffee table to tug the glass candy cane from the dying flower arrangement. He strokes one finger along the thick curve. “I see this one hasn’t made it to your drawer yet.”

“That’s just a decoration for the flowers.”

“Uh huh. If you say so.”

Good thing I don’t blush easily otherwise his knowing expression would make my cheeks blaze flaming red. He strokes the clear red and white striped toy and I can’t tear my gaze from the smooth movement of his long fingers. Finally, I find my voice again. “How do you know?”

With a sigh he places the candy cane on the coffee table. “My last relationship.”

The sinking of my heart nearly makes me regret my decision. Catching the inside of my cheek between my teeth, I wait for him to continue.

“She had a variety of toys, too. Sometimes we played together so I’ve got an, uh, a working knowledge.”

No matter what the answer does to my soul, I have to know. “Rhone, why aren’t you still together?”

He winces and his expression tightens. I hit a nerve but it’s too late to take back my words. After a long moment he says, “Seems that while I was deployed her toys weren’t enough to keep her satisfied. Turns outIwasn’t enough.”

“I’m so sorry.” I am. Sorry that he went through an obviously painful breakup. But I’m not sorry because now he’s here with me.

“I’ve put it behind me. Haven’t been serious about a woman since then.”

“Until me?” Dear god, please let him say yes.

There’s no hesitation. “Until you.”

“Good. Because you’re the man I want to destroy my official v-card. There’s never been anyone I’ve wanted to share the moment with until you. You feel… right. I’m glad I waited for you.”

“Tegan, I… we… you’ve been…”

“Oh, I don’t mean right this minute, Rhone. Yeah, I’m buzzed and my decision making is probably impaired. There’s no way you’d know if my consent is real. I don’t want anything dulling my senses when we’re together. I want to remember every touch, every feeling, every emotion. Everything you give me.”

He casts down his gaze. “You honor me.”

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