Page 34 of The Grave Robber

With hesitant fingers, she tested the abrasion on my jaw.“Are you sure this is okay? You were hit by a truck yesterday.”

“I was sideswiped by a truck. Huge difference.”

She nodded and grew thoughtful as though making calculationsin her head. Now was not the time for math.

“I’m pretty sure you’re a supernatural being,” she said,completely serious. “That you’re not real and will disappear as soon as all ofthis is over.”

“I have several friends who are supernaturally inclined. Iam not one of them. And I’m not going anywhere.”

She buried her fingers in my hair and covered my mouth withhers. I’d never welcomed a kiss more in my life. My pants tightened as she sankfarther onto my lap. She tasted like cherries and Sprite.

She broke the kiss without warning and looked down at me,her brows drawn. “You have to tell me if I hurt you.”

“That’s my line.”

“Pinkie swear?” She presented her pinkie for me to swear on,and I tried not to laugh.

After wrapping my pinkie around hers, she nodded and asked,“Okay, what’s next?”

“What?” I asked, taken aback.

“Well, we kissed, and…I mean, I know what’s next.” Shelaughed at herself and waved a dismissive hand. “Kind of. I’ve just never actuallydone it.”

“Holy fuck.” I lifted her off me and set her on the bed likeshe was contagious.

She fell back, the skirt of her dress flying over her head.It was a nice image, but…

“Are you…?” I couldn’t even say the words—not out loud. So,I whispered, “Are you a virgin?”

She patted her dress down and looked up at me. “Technically,yes.”

I stood motionless for a solid minute before raking my handsthrough my hair and pacing. “This isn’t possible.”

“Why?” she asked, suddenly self-conscious, incessantly smoothingher dress as though the act were a coping mechanism.

“No,” I said with a breathy laugh. I shook an index finger.“No one who looks like you is a virgin at… Wait, how old are you?”

“I’m twenty-nine, and I’m offended. What does that have todo with anything?” She kept vigil with a chastising scowl as I paced back andforth in front of her.

I stopped as realization dawned. “Wait, is this aI-don’t-want-to-die-a-virgin thing?”

“No.” She stood and started gathering her belongings. “Howshallow do you think I am?”

“Then what is it?”

She faced me, her neck and cheeks a brilliant pink. I almostfelt guilty for my reaction. Almost. “This is ayou-are-the-most-beautiful-thing-I’ve-ever-seen-in-my-life-and-I-want-to-lick-every-inch-of-your-bodything.”

Holy shit, she was direct. After taking a moment to process,I let a grin lift one corner of my mouth. “Why didn’t you say so?”

The glare she fired at me like a scud missile suggested shewas not amused. “I believe I did.” Her blue eyes shimmered with unspent tears,twisting a knot inside my heart. “I said things out loud to you that I’ve neversaid to anyone. And you’re upset that I’m technically a virgin?”

“I’m sorry.” I pulled her into my arms and rested my chin onthe top of her head, but she remained stiff, refusing to yield. I’d have towork hard to make reparations. I’d have to… “Wait.” I set her at arm’s length.“Why are you only technically a virgin?”

Her chin lifted in defiance. “I messed around with PeterScarsdale in ninth grade. We got to second base.”

I didn’t know whether to laugh or laugh really hard. Ididn’t want to offend her any more than I already had. How had this stunningcreature remained untouched for almost thirty years? Then it hit me. Theincident. Whatever had happened to her must’ve scarred her worse than anyonerealized. I pulled her stiff body into my arms again. I would have to treadcarefully. Take this slow. Proceed at a snail’s pace.

“Can we have sex now or not?”

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