Page 52 of Sex Ed

‘That’s not how tampons work,’ I say, tugging his arms harder.

He stands there, almost in fight mode, waiting to defend himself in case he gets injured again. I hold myself close to him. ‘Salsa’s a little more casual than the ballroom stuff. I’m going to get right up in your grill,’ I say, my face close to his, widening my eyes. He smiles in response. ‘And instead of following feet, you follow hips. Our bodies should just fit and flow together.’

‘Like mating dolphins…’

‘Not what I had in my head but let’s go with that.’

‘I saw it in a wildlife documentary once. The male–’

‘Ed, not the time. What are your hips doing?’ I ask him, watching as they go side to side and back and forth like he’s dry humping my thigh. ‘You’re a science man. Think of a figure-of-eight motion,’ I say, putting my hands to his hips.

‘That’s more of an infinity sign.’

‘Exactly. Hips for life.’

He’s learning for someone who hasn’t done this before or even danced in his kitchen for that matter. It’s like a scene out ofDirty Dancing, isn’t it? Except I’m Swayze. Ed watches some people looking at him and I see that tension return to his body. I put a hand to his cheek to tell him where to look.

‘Look at me,’ I say, drawing him closer so my breath is warm on his cheek. He looks into my eyes and grinds a little more intently into me. He’s getting there. I push him away and pretend to spin. Our arms get tangled, and I try to laugh it off. He pulls me in again, his fingers interlacing through mine.

‘Good,’ I say, looking him in the eye. ‘Slow it down.’

Again, he does exactly what he’s told and dare I say it, I think I may be a little aroused even with the tampon string hanging out of his nose. Is that allowed? It’s nothing more than all the physical proximity and the bumping and grinding. It can’t be anything else. But then I feel something else. I’ve never felt a cock do that before but that’s an impressive skill. It’s buzzing.

‘Is that you?’ I ask him.

He snaps out of the moment to realise what’s happening. ‘Oh yeah, sorry, my phone…’ He takes it out of his pocket to read the message from the alert. ‘Oh, it’s from Caitlin,’ he says, sounding mildly surprised.

‘That’s good?’ I reply.

‘She’s asking if I’m free tonight to help her with something… if I can grab some food and go round?’

I try to hide the emotion in my eyes. I think I might be disappointed, but also can’t help but feel excited to see his eyes shining, to see the happiness registering in his face. It’s a good look on him.

‘I’ll have to go home first, change.’

‘Take out your tampon,’ I suggest.

‘This is true.’

‘You should go. It’s Friday night, that’s an invite. No school tomorrow.’

‘I can get wine.’

‘Exactly.’

‘I mean, is it OK for me to leave? I know you invited me here, I don’t want to bail, but do you need help with anything before I go?’ he asks, looking around.

I shake my head. ‘I have an army of help here, don’t be stupid. GO! Jump in a cab and get yourself sorted. You better text me with details though,’ I tell him, pushing him on the shoulder.

‘Are you sure?’ he asks, his eyes strangely intense.

‘Surer than sure.’ I give him a breezy grin.

He hugs me before he leaves and strides over to a few people to say his goodbyes before heading for the exit. Yolanda looks at me the whole time, staring at me pitifully, but not before making smoochy faces in my direction. I stick my middle finger up at her.

ED

It seems to be a week of firsts for me at the moment. First time having sex, first time giving someone an orgasm, first time dancing in public, first time being punched by an old lady and now the first time someone has ever asked me on a date. That text was not only unexpected but a complete relief. Turns out I didn’t put Caitlin off with my lightbulb gift. She trusted me enough to invite me back into her home and choose a takeaway for the evening.

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