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“I worked as a lifeguard at the Jersey Shore over the summer. Gotta keep in shape for the bab—” He pauses, as if realizing that finishing the sentence could put an end to his current hookup, and hastily says, “Beach.” Whatever. I’m not here for scintillating conversation.
Whatever. It’s nothing I haven’t heard before. “Put me down, you cockwaffle!” I stand corrected. That’s definitely a new one.
“Just be cool.” Right. Be cool. Great advice for clubbing and mugshots.
“The guy’s an ass.” “He apologized and bought us breakfast.” She shrugs. “I say forgive and fornicate.”
I like the way this girl thinks. Her ass may be divine, but it’s nothing compared to her big sexy brain and all the snarky sarcasm it delivers.
Oh, and what about the time B’s piercing got stuck—” “You promised we’d never speak of that again!” I squeal, covering my ears. Because, just no. Hearing that story once was more than enough. “Has it ever occurred to you that maybe you have a tendency to overshare?” “Not even once.”
“He does like to be the center of attention.” Parker nods thoughtfully. “Don’t they have a name for that?” “Exhibitionist,” Vaughn offers. “Nah.” Parker shakes his head. “That’s not the one I’m thinking of.” Vaughn grins. “Narcissist?” “Getting warmer.” “Egomaniac?” “That’s the one!” Parker claps his hands together, crowing in delight. “You think they make a t-shirt for that? We could get him one for his birthday.”
“Ta da!” Quick as a flash, Hales reveals her creation, holding it out like an offering on her upturned palms. It’s clear glass, so it’s hard to make out the detail, but it’s about eight inches long with a rounded head and— OMFG. Is that a dildo? “Please tell me you didn’t make a cock in your glass blowing class.”
She turns to me, a wide grin transforming her pretty face. “I won the unicorn at one of the game booths, but I gave it to Coop because only a guy who preens as much as he does could appreciate such a glorious creature, right?” I snicker. “I think I love you.” “Her name,” Coop shouts indignantly, “is Starlight Twinkle.”
“There’s nothing to do.” Well, aside from sulking and wallowing in shame. “I doubt he’ll ever speak to me again after Saturday night.” The realization hurts more than it should. I reach for my lukewarm coffee and take a sip, letting the dark roast soak into my tastebuds. “Or he’ll pursue you relentlessly because he wants another taste of your sweet virgin nectar.” I choke, coffee halfway down my throat, and spray French roast all over the table. “You cannot say shit like that when I’m drinking!”
I’m splayed out like an offering—one sacrificial virgin coming right up—but
“That’s right, sweetheart. I’m the only one who knows what you need. The only one who knows how you like it.” He cups me, his thumb pressing down on my clit through the thin fabric of my costume. “This pussy belongs to me.” Oh, God. This is better than porn.
Quinn’s curled up next to me, her head resting on my chest. She fits perfectly against me with her hand pressed to my abdomen and one leg draped over mine. It’s like the spot was carved out just for her.
“Dude.” Parker smirks and slings an arm around my shoulders. “I don’t know what’s going on with you lately, but you’re freaking me out. It’s like invasion of the body snatchers or some shit.” He grabs my chin with his free hand and turns my head to face him. “Have you been body snatched? Blink once for yes and two for no.” I blink. Because what the hell? Vaughn smacks Parker on the back of the head. “If he was body snatched, do you really think the aliens would let him tell you?” Parker shrugs.
“It’s going to be okay,” she says, giving me a squeeze. “Karma will get him, eventually.” She pulls back, a sly smile spreading over her lips. “With the clap, if she has a sense of humor.”
“What’s done is done. Cooper needs to come to terms with his issues because no one else can do it for him.” No matter how much I wish I could. “I may be a work in progress, but I will not chase after a guy who doesn’t think I’m worth the effort.”
“What’s that quote?” I whisper. “‘Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.’”
You call yourself a disaster, but to me, you’ll always be a miracle. My smart, beautiful, chaotic miracle. You showed me what it is to love unconditionally, and despite all my faults, you chose me.
