Page 39 of Fake Dates and Home Plates
Raising an eyebrow, I ask, “Pull off a heist or make out in a kitchen?”
“I’ve never had sex,” he tells me, an embarrassed look on his face.
“Oh.” I search his face. “Okay.”
I’m not sure what I think about that. He’s a hot as fuck athlete with a gorgeous smile and a heart of gold. He’s funny and kind and one hell of a kisser.
And he’s a virgin.
“Are you saving yourself for marriage?” I ask, leaving judgment out of my tone. I don’t care that he’s inexperienced, not really, but what does this mean for us?
He shakes his head. “I’ve done a few things, girls have done a few things to me, but taking that final step felt like it should be special, not something that just happens at a party or in a rush before someone’s parents caught us.”
The exact opposite of my mentality then. Hell, sometimes the idea of getting caught made sex even hotter. The first time I hooked up with Dakota was actually at a party, in the bathroom.
“Does it bother you I’m definitely not a virgin?” I ask. Not that it matters. If Theo were the kind of guy to hold my past against me when there’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to have sex or physical intimacy with anyone, we should cancel ourrealdate now.
“Not at all. It just means you know what you want, and I have no problem letting you teach me exactly what I need to do to have you falling apart in my arms.” He says it all with a grin.
Oh. I like the sound of that. A lot.
I’ve shown guys where to find the clit and how to properly thrust without jackhammering into my vagina like a construction worker on concrete, but the idea of showing and telling Theo how to make me come has me wet just thinking about it.
“But I’m not trying to have a physical relationship until you’re certain you want everything else with me too. I want the dates, and I want us to share our feelings when we need to. I want us to take this friendship we’ve started building and evolve it into something that lasts.” Theo says it all while brushing my hair behind my ear, never breaking eye contact.
Emotional intimacy used to be entirely off the table. Then, I tried the wholesomething more than sexthing with Dakota, only to feel like an afterthought. And, if I’m honest, maybe I didn’t treat him that well either, because until this moment, I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to think about a long-term relationship with someone I truly cared for.
I’m still young. I have plenty of time to have fun and worry about settling down later. But when I think of it that way, I wonder what that means for what I have with Theo.
We could certainly stay friends, hang out, and keep in touch after graduation. Then, a sick voice whispers in my head that he could find someone else, someone who isn’t afraid of trying with him. It makes me feel ill, because I don’t want to imagine Theo kissing anyone the way he kisses me.
My throat goes tight. “I get it, Theo. I’m willing to try it, starting with our date.”
Theo’s been honest and upfront with me tonight, and I want to share his vulnerability.
“Try and be patient with me, please?” The last word is a shaky whisper as I say it, but he smiles when he hears it. Then, he leans down and kisses me softly.
“I’ve waited years for you to notice me, Henley. At least this time, you did so without throwing up on my favorite pair of sneakers.”
That’s the second time he’s mentioned me throwing up on his sneakers. That night at the diner, I was distracted, but this time, I have to process it.
What?
When did I…
Oh my God.
Senior year of high school. Some guy from the football team dared me to do a keg stand off against him. Beating a guy at any game gives me a high, so I took the challenge and drank way more than I should have just to win.
Afterwards, I stumbled to the bathroom to puke in private, but the door opened, and before I knew it, I was hunched over and spewing my guts.
“I forgot about that night!” My voice is louder than I intended, but I remember I’m supposed to be quiet and lower it. “I’d already taken three tequila shots when someone dared me to do that keg stand. Terrible combination.”
Theo laughs, and for the first time, I really notice it. I see how genuine and not forced it is. It’s not loud enough to draw attention, but it’s a noise I’d love to hear again.
“Yeah, but it was one of the best nights I ever had. After I held your hair and directed you to the toilet, I tried in vain to get the chunks off my shoes. Then, we locked the door and ignored everyone pounding to get in.”
It’s still a blurry memory, but I’m piecing together bits of it. “We sat in there for a long time.”
