Page 9 of The First Time
"That's Ethan's line."
It is. And it's true. Mostly. I look Piper in the eyes. "Have you ever?"
"Ever what?"
"Had sex."
"Oh... I... um..." She presses her lips together. Her gaze goes back to the TV. Her hand goes to the remote. She pretends as if she's fascinated by Kathy Lee Gifford interviewing some A-list actor.
Fuck, she's embarrassed she's a virgin.
That's the cutest thing I've seen in forever.
Hell, I don't think I've ever had a virgin in my apartment. Or my hotel room. Or within three feet of me. Not since high school.
Her cheeks turn red. "Stop looking at me like that."
"Like what?"
"Like I'm cute."
"You are cute." I grab the remote so I can mute the TV. My fingers brush hers. There's something nice about it. Sweet. "There's nothing wrong with being a virgin. It's better than having a lot of meaningless sex."
"Oh yeah? Are you going to tell me that the money and the fans are also a drag?" she teases.
"No, but you're a nice girl—"
"Say that again and this—" she holds up her glass of water "—goes on your head."
"You're not the kind of girl who gets something out of blowing b-list celebrities at parties."
"B-list? You flatter yourself." Her blue eyes light up as she smiles. "You really don't know me, Kit. You have no idea what kind of girl I am."
There's something in my chest, this warmth. I want to know Piper. Not just her body—though there is a part of me that wants that—but her.
I can't remember the last time I felt like that about anybody.
Most people aren't worth knowing. Most people will take what they can get from you and throw you away. Most people won't give a fuck about you.
I don't need a pity party. I have three people I can count on. That's a lot better than most people do. Dangerous Noise, that's my family. Mal, Ethan, and Joel are the only people in the world I trust.
Shouldn't be having this conversation with Piper.
But the way she's blushing is too adorable to resist.
I look into her eyes, daring her to stare back. "You can't even look me in the eyes while you say that."
"Because I saw you... it was awkward."
"Not for me." Or it wouldn't have been if it was any other woman walking in.
"Why not?"
"Haven't always felt the need for privacy."
"Oh."
"Are you a virgin?"
