Page 47 of Seduction in Spades

“I asked her if she had any money and she said only if I kissed her.”

“Oh my god!” Avery tips her head back and laughs. “You whored yourself out for Gracie Brooks.”

Damn, I love her laugh. I love seeing her like this, carefree and not caught up on labeling this thing between us.

“I was starving, and my sister’s game went into overtime. I asked Gracie for a buck so I could buy Skittles from the concession stand.”

Avery drops the knife and turns to me. “How old were you?”

I look to the ceiling counting back my years. “About eight?”

“You’re such a slut.” She snickers and returns to chopping. “Tell me about your first real kiss. Tongue action.”

I rack my brain for a minute. “I think it was Mackenzie Tardiff.”

“Youthink?How can you not remember such a monumental time in your adolescence? Or were you only eight and a half?”

“I wouldn’t call it monumental.” I laugh. Monumental was kissing Avery for the first time.

“Yet you remember first and last name?”

“We grew up in a small town. You pretty much know everyone your entire life.”

“How old were you when you had your first make-out session with Mackenzie Tardiff?”

I don’t know why she’s asking me these ridiculous questions, and I’ve never talked about previous girlfriends or relationships with a woman before—not that Gracie or Mackenzie were relationships—but if it brings a smile to Avery’s lips and a hearty laugh from her lungs, I’ll take it.

“Twelve?”

“Total slut.”

“And how old were you?”

“I’m not done grilling you yet.”

“Why do you get to ask all the questions?”

“Do you want a free meal?” She points the knife at me, and I hold up my hands in defense. “You answer my questions, you get food. You don’t, well, there’s the door.”

I enjoy this feisty side of Avery. Again, she likes to call the shots, and I have no problem with it. If she wants to control this conversation, I’ll let her. But when it comes to her safety, I’m in charge.

“It smells too good to pass up. Next question?”

“First time you did the nasty.”

I nearly choke on my wine. “The nasty?”

“Sex.”

“Are we talkingnastysex or justsexsex?” Not that I’ve ever done anything too nasty.

Avery bites the inside of her cheek, then slides the chicken into the pan with the vegetables. It sizzles and pops. She turns on the fan above the stove, stirs the food, then answers. “First time having sex.”

“I th—” I stop before throwing myself under the bus. “Courtney Whiteside.”

“Youthinkis what you meant to say.” She points at the cabinet again. “Get the plates.”

I do as she asks and watch as she serves rice and the chicken vegetable stir-fry on top.

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