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She holds me a bit longer, riding out the afterglow. Then she stretches up and kisses the side of my jaw, biting it lightly. It’s fucking hot. My hand is out of her panties and on her cute little round ass, cupping it to me. I want her to feel my cock. I want to sink into her so bad right now.

She hugs me tighter. “I’ve never done this before with a guy.”

I’m not sure I understand what she means. Still, I don’t want to break this moment. She’s here, just like my dreams. She’s in my arms, and her hair is against my cheek.

Kissing the side of her face, I whisper in her ear. “I love holding you this way.”

Her body moves, and she pulls back slightly. “I need to tell you something…”

I smile, pushing a damp lock of hair behind her ear. “This sounds serious.”

“Just so you don’t think I know how… I mean, we don’t have much time, so I’m trying—”

“Hey.” I put my fingers over her lips gently. “You don’t have to feel pressured because of time. I don’t want that.”

“But I do.” Her eyes are wide, pleading. “I do want it. I just need you to show me how… I’m not sure exactly what to do.”

My brow furrows. “What do you mean?”

“Ah, this is so embarrassing… Don’t make me say it.”

“Say what?” I’m horny as hell, and still she’s able to make me laugh.

Her chin drops and she says it fast. “I… I’m a virgin.”

8

Noel

Everything goes quiet like I shouted a swear word in church.

Even Akela doesn’t make a noise—not that she ever does. The only sound is the constant churning of the aerator in the middle of the pond, and I feel Taron’s eyes on me even if I don’t look up to meet them.

My cheeks are hot, and I want to die of embarrassment. Naturally, I assumed he wanted to have sex with me. Is it possible I was wrong?

We have been kissing pretty hot and heavy every night this week before I send him out the window, which by the way, takes the strength of Hercules. He did just make me come right out here in the middle of the lake—and oh, God, did he ever make me come…

I shiver. I might be a virgin, but my body is ready.

“Say something.” My voice is quietly cringey.

He only shakes his head. “Okay.”

“That’s it?” My eyes flash to his.

“You’re only eighteen, Noel. You live in this tiny town. I’d be surprised if you weren’t a virgin.”

Pulling away, he takes my hand and guides me to the shallow waters then leads me out to the truck. My stomach sinks to my feet.

“Does that mean you don’t want me?”

“No.” His voice is low and strained, and it’s a thrill in my stomach.

Still, I’m confused. “Where are we going?”

“We need to head back.” He still holds my hand warm and strong in his, and when we stop at the truck, he looks down at my wet dress. “I don’t guess you have a towel or anything.”

“There might be one in the glove box.” I wait, watching him dig around then come back empty-handed.