Page 48 of Infatuated
So, I do the one thing I think he wants, and pretend what we did was no big deal. After my small display of water works, I don’t need him thinking I’m crazy. Stiff upper lip and all that.
“Wanna go sit by the pond, or go for a hike? I can change into hiking clothes.”
He pinches his brows together. “Um, sure. We can sit by the pond. Want to get into your suit, and I’ll meet you there?”
Perfect. I need a little time alone. “Awesome, see you in a few minutes.”
He leaves, mumbling something under his breath, and I breathe a big sigh of relief. It’s going to be fine. I can do this. The pep talk I give myself is going to have to work if I want to keep seeing him and getting lessons from him.
I change into my bikini and throw my cover up on. I grab a towel and walk to the pond. There are a few people around, including my parents. Mom looks at me with a smile on her face and waves.She knows, doesn’t she?There’s no way she knows I just popped my cherry with the hot cowboy. The memory of what I did twenty minutes prior has me practically panting with need.
Sex isn’t supposed to be good the first time around, but this wasamazing. Bethany told me her first time wasn’t great, so I expected the same. I know one thing. I won’t settle for anyone that gives me less than he’s given me. How long has he been having sex that he’s learned this?
I make a mental note to ask him when he comes down to the water.
I walk to my parents and sit down next to them. I’m a little sore and wince when I sit.
“You okay?” Mom asks as she kicks the water with her feet.
“Yeah. I must have slept funny.”That’s good. A believable lie.I feel like I’m starting to sweat. I’m suffering from massive guilt for giving up my virginity. I shouldn’t. It’s my choice when I lose it. But here I am.
My mom raises her eyebrow but doesn’t say anything more.
“Hi, Lana,” Russ says from behind me, his British accent sending a spike of happiness through me.That damned accent!
“Hi, Russ. Enjoying your time so far?”
He shrugs and sits next to me. Mom discreetly stands up and leaves the two of us alone to carry on a conversation.
“Western riding is different than English, but I caught on pretty quick. So far, it seems nice. We’re planning on going for a hike tomorrow. Would you like to join us?”
I look back and notice my dad speaking with his. “Sure. Where are you going hiking? I’ve been here for a week, so I’ve done some of them.”
His eyebrows shoot up. I guess he didn’t know I’ve been here for some time now. “I’m not sure. My dad said there were a lot of hikes in the area, and he wants to venture out on one. It would be nice to have someone else to hang out with besides my parents and sister.”
Tristan sits next to me and takes my hand. I smile at him and knock my shoulder into his.
“Hey, man, what’s going on?” Tristan asks.
“Aren’t you supposed to be working?” Russ asks in a condescending tone.
Tristan tightens his grip as his jaw tenses. “My parents own the ranch, and I help where I can, but I’m allowed to have some fun. This is my last summer before college. Gotta make the most of it.”
Russ leans back on his hands and closes his eyes, letting the sun warm his face. “I see. Well, could I get your help then? My family is going for a hike tomorrow. Since you work here,” he opens his eyes and glares at him, “part time, would you show us your favorite hike?”
“Sure, I’d love to take you all out tomorrow.” His voice is strained with fake enthusiasm.
“Russ invited me to go, too. I thought it could be fun. You’re the best guide there is.” I give his hand a little squeeze, hoping he understands I’ll be with him the whole time.
“It’s settled then. Dad,” he calls behind us, “Tristan is going to be our guide tomorrow, and Lana wants to come. Is that all right?”
He agrees, telling Tristan to pick the best trail, and my dad smiles at us.
“Lana, do you want to go for a walk with me?” Tristan asks. He stands and extends his hand for mine. I look at my dad, and his stern look tells me I better not.
“I don’t think now’s a good time, Tristan.” I give him a subtle incline of my head back to where my dad is chatting. “He doesn’t look too happy.”
What I really want to say is, “Screw you, Dad. I can hang out with anyone I want to, and you can’t stop me,” but I’m too scared to do that. I don’t like disappointing my parents, and now that I’m no longer a virgin, I want to try extra hard to stay on their good side.