Page 110 of Collide

I shake my head, but my lips betray me, curling into a small smile.

“Fine. On our date at the aquarium the other night, he, you know…” Taking my two middle fingers, I insert them into a loose fist, mimicking what Alex did to me. “And…you obviously saw what he did this morning.”

“Okay, it’s good you’re taking things slow.” Riley’s eyes are wide, and she nods.

I bite my lip. “Yeah, he said he wants to savor it and own all my pleasure.”

She swoons, dramatically collapsing on the couch and fanning herself.

I laugh at her. For years, I always listened and gasped at recounts of her sexual exploits, cheering her on, scraping my jaw off the floor at some of her more daring pursuits, and now,I’m the one sharing. Even if it’s tamer in comparison, it feels good to havesomethingto share. For so long, my life played in monotone, then Alex burst in like a symphony, and now I feel music in my bones again.

“Babe, you’re telling me not only did he give you anunder-the-seaproduction ofPuppetry of the Pussy, but now that six-foot-something Viking dreamboat is going full hotel buffet on you before noon?” She laughs, giving me a slow, dramatic golf clap. “You’re living the dream.”

“He is hot, isn’t he?” I say, a little giddy.

“Yes! Now tell me—was it Oscar-worthy, or are we talking high school theatre production?”

I bite my lip, hesitating, but then—what’s the point in pretending? I blush, covering my face with my hands. “It was…incredible. I mean, I didn’t know my body could even do that.”

“Do what?” she asks, brow raised, amused and intrigued.

“You know,squirt.” I whisper the last word, feeling the heat creep up to my ears.

“He made youwhat?! Oh, God bless that beautiful man!” Riley squeals, her hair dancing around as she throws her hands in the air like she’s having a spiritual awakening. “He’s a fucking stud and he knows what he’s doing…How does it feel to be God’s favorite?”

I giggle, shaking my head. “You’re ridiculous.”

“I’m just saying, this is big. And I don’t mean his schlong.” She sits up straighter. “Elena, you’re dating Alexander Westerberg. A-list actor. Supermodel. International heartthrob. You’re, like, the envy of half the world’s female population right now.”

The weight of her words settles over me, and I chew on my lip.Dating.It feels too soon to call it that, doesn’t it? And yet, what else is this?

Sensing my hesitation, Riley nudges my knee with her foot. “Look, I know this is all new for you, but babe, you’re hot, he’s hot. Just enjoy it.”

I frown slightly. “Enjoy it?”

“Yes.” She nods firmly. “Try not to overthink things like I know you do. Have fun and collect those orgasms like Pokémon cards.”

I inhale, letting her words sink in.

“Okay, I’ll try.”

“Good…But,” she adds, leveling me with a look, “also take care of yourself.”

I nod slowly. “I know.”

“Do you?” She tilts her head. “I don’t just mean rubbers and birth control. I mean look out for yourself. You’ve never done this before. And I don’t think you’re the type to do casual. Just check in with him, figure out what this is and where you stand.”

I shift uncomfortably. “I don’t know what this is yet, Riley. I just—” I hesitate. “I like him. And I want to see where this goes.”

She studies me for a moment before breaking into a smile. “Then that’s all you have to know right now.”

A warmth settles in my chest. She’s right. For once in my life, I don’t have to have everything figured out. I just have tofeel.

Riley grins again. “Now, I have one last question…”

I arch a brow. “What?”

She smirks. “Have you seen his dick yet?”