Page 48 of Quiet Longing

His eyes flickered between mine. “Sure.”

“Do I ever make you feel uncomfortable? Like, when we’re around each other, do I come on too strong?”

He looked confused. “Come on too strong?”

Embarrassment swept over me. “With the flirty stuff, I mean.”

Understanding dawned, and his eyes widened a little. “No, I don’t think so. I, um …” he trailed off, his brow furrowing before he continued, “I like it.” He swallowed thickly. “When you flirt.”

Instantly, my face warmed. “Oh,” I breathed. “Good. I just don’t ever want you to feel awkward.”

His hand on my hip moved a few inches higher, the touch sending shockwaves through me. “I definitely don’t.” A pause. “What’s brought all this on?”

I hesitated to tell him about Aidan’s comment since I didn’t want to cause trouble with his friends. “It’s nothing. I just worry about these things sometimes. Silly, really.” I looked away, and his other hand came to my chin, tilting it towards him.

“I can tell there’s more you’re not saying.” His blue eyes were probing.

I blew out a breath. “Seriously, we should keep quiet in case—”

“Charli, out with it.”

Something about his low, authoritative command had me blurting, “It was Aidan. He said something about us, and it made me paranoid because Derek insinuated something similar.”

Rhys’ expression darkened. “What did he say?”

I frowned, worrying my lip. “He just acted like I was some seductress out to steal your innocence. He said I used him coming for me in the pool as an excuse to put my hands all over you.”

His expression clouded further, his body stiffening. “He’s such a dick.”

“I think he’s just jealous that I like you better than him. He obviously noticed we’ve been spending a lot of time together.”

Rhys studied me a moment, seeming interested in my statement about me liking him better. “Right,” he said at last, and I had no idea what he was thinking.

“Are you okay?” I whispered low. Aidan had come upstairs, and it sounded like he was checking the bedrooms.

In the dark, I saw a small, nervous flutter in Rhys’ jaw. “I’m fine. I’m just a bit pissed at Aidan.”

“For calling you innocent? It’s not a bad thing.”

“He was trying to mess with your head.”

“I don’t think so. Besides, I can hardly judge you for being a virgin when I’m one, too.”

He blinked, staring at me in a strange way. My skin flushed.

“You,” Rhys whispered, his throat working as he swallowed, then went on, “You’re a virgin?”

“Is that a big surprise? I’m only eighteen. It’s perfectly normal.”

“No, that’s not what I …” he trailed off then pressed his lips together before casting me an apologetic look. “I know it’snormal. Sorry. I’m not surprised, it’s just … I guess I hadn’t thought about it. All the boys have had sex. They know I haven’t and like to rib me about it sometimes, so it’s kind of a reflex to get defensive.”

I brought my palm to his chest as I replied very quietly, “You don’t need to be sorry.” I paused then smiled at him. “And I’ll bet your friends have had a lot less sex than they claim. People tend to exaggerate these things.”

“I don’t know. I’ve been going to parties with the boys for years, and they never have any trouble attracting girls.”

My hand on his chest moved up until my fingers curled around his shoulder. “Well, sure, but that doesn’t mean they’re actually doing the deed.”

“True. I’m certainly not an eye witness,” he replied deadpan, and I chuckled.

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