Page 19 of Studious
I nod. “No experience. I barely attract anyone—and if I do, I end up being so awkward and weird that they’re gone before we get past the introductions. What’s your secret?”
“Mostly I just bat my eyes and act helpless, and these big, strong men come to my rescue,” he says. I can picture Shelby sucking on a lollipop or something, sticking his hip out, and having three guys fighting over him.
“Isn’t that a little manipulative?”
“Probably. Ask me if I care.”
That makes me grin.
“My problem is, the ones I like are usually straight or unavailable. But it’s a burden I’ll have to bear. I’m sure with a little help, you’ll get all the boys. Or whoever you’re into,” he adds hastily. “I mean, you were making cartoon eyes at Danny, but I don’t want to assume.”
“No, you’re right. I’m gay.” I sigh. “I just wish it were more than theoretical.”
“You should get Danny to teach you.”
I laugh. “That sounds like a terrible idea.”
“Well, I’m sure he could give you some tips.” He shoots me a concerned look. “But even if you do get some help, don’t go having a personality transplant. I think you’re fine just the way you are.”
“I don’t want to be fine,” I mutter under my breath. “I wanna get laid.”
CHAPTER4
Danny
My cell phone rings, and my mom’s number shows on the display.
“Hola,” I say, leaning back in my office chair and clicking out of an email.
“Mijo. ¿Cómo estás?”
“I’m fine. Busy. Work is good.”
She clucks her tongue. “You work too much.”
“I play, too, Mom.” I bite my lip, grinning at her exasperated sigh.
“You’re at the age where you should be settling down,” she insists.
I huff out a laugh. “Not any time soon.”
“Well, you should at least be dating people you want to introduce to me.”
“I haven’t met anyone in that category. If that changes, I’ll let you know.”
The person I met most recently is our new bookkeeper, Alden, who I spoke with briefly when he started on Monday. I’ve seen him around this week, but I haven’t talked with him again. He’s short and super cute, in a nerdy way, with those big light brown eyes and unruly dark brown hair. He looks like he’s playing dress-up in his suits and ties, although I think there’s a lithe body under the ill-fitting clothes.
Something about him makes me want to protect him from everything bad in this world. He just looks so innocent, and from the first time I saw him, I felt this tug at my heart that I haven’t felt in… ever. Years, certainly. But I’m not gonna pick a flower from my own garden—not gonna fuck anyone from work. Still, there’s nothing wrong with a bit of flirting.
As if reading my thoughts, Mom says, “I worry about you. Being the town flirt is okay when you’re in your twenties, but you’re getting older and need stability in your life. A companion.”
“There’s no way I’m settling down now. I’m still at the age to sow my wild oats.”
“You’ve been sowing wild oats for so many years. You don’t need to do that anymore. You need some meat.”
“Mom!” I say. “Cripes. Don’t be so crass.”
“I’m not crass. I’m only telling the truth. And I just want you to be happy. That’s all a mother wants.”
