Page 105 of The Nicest Thing
I nodded.
"I think I'll do that."
"Good," Baylor said and clapped his hands."Now that that's settled, let's move on.Finn, do you have protection?"
My face went hot."What?"
"You heard me.I only ask because if not, I have a wide selection of condoms you can use.I buy all kinds and sizes."My eyes closed, praying he would stop, but Baylor just kept going."I got used to that at the frat house, didn't want to let my brothers down if they were in need, you know?So?Are we thinking ribbed?Studded?Smooth?Maybe cherry flavored?Glow in the dark?Which one would Rose like best?"
Everyone else snickered, but the sound I made was pure frustration.
"How about—"
"No," I said.
Baylor frowned."No what?"
"Just no.I don't need your condoms.Candy flavored or not."
"I said cherry, but—"
"I'm sure there'll be stores where the conference is being held.If I need them, I can get my own," I bit out.
"Okay, but better to be prepared, right?"
I nodded as if I agreed.
But honestly, I couldn't picture myself bringing condoms on this trip.
Rose might think I only wanted sex from her.
And though yeah, I did.
I wanted more.So much more.I wanted everything.
But the condom talk with Bay was killing me slowly.Chase jumped in then, and I knew it was to save me from more embarrassment.
"So, Romance or Die sounds fun," he said, sounding like he meant it.Along with Emmy and me, he was a big reader."How long is the conference?"
"Three days," I said."And the drive should take about six hours."
"That's a long time," Dex commented.
"A lot of alone time," Seaver added.
I couldn't help but smile.Yeah, that was the thing I was looking forward to most.Me and Rose.No one else—except a bunch of fellow book lovers once we got where we were going.Attending the conference was one of Rose's dreams.I was determined to do everything I could to make sure it was amazing for her.
"It's going to be perfect," I said.
Seaver shook his head."Careful, Finn.Don't jinx it."
"Not possible.This trip is all about Rose, and I won't let it be anything but perfect."
"You want my lucky socks just in case?"
I nearly laughed, but his face told me he was serious."That's okay, Seaver.Keep your sweaty hockey socks."
"Your loss."
