Into the Tide (Cottonwood Cove #1)(5)

Sloane’s hand hit her chest. “No. You. Didn’t. A. We’re best friends. We’re allowed to ask this shit about one another. B. You are a virgin. You have not had sex, and that, by definition, makes you a virgin.”

“Well, she’s rounded second base, or is it third base?” Rina asked.

“Oh, God. Please stop.” I shook my head and reached for my beer. “I’m not against having sex. It’s not like I’m holding out for marriage or anything. I just haven’t felt it with anyone, you know?”

“You do not need to explain yourself to us or to Mrs. Runither,” Delilah said, over her laughter. “You’ll know when it’s right. There’s no hurry. Plus, I didn’t think Jeremy was the right guy for you.”

“Damn, he was easy on the eyes, though. Think of the little running superstar babies you would have had with that guy.” Sloane held up her hand and ordered us another round. I glanced around the bar for Hugh, but I figured he was working at Reynolds’ tonight. Marcy Stevens had worked here for years, and I assumed she was sort of head honcho over here now.

“Jeremy is such a great guy, and I really tried to make that work, but I just didn’t feel the attraction. It was more of a friendship. Maybe something’s wrong with me.” I shrugged. Being a twenty-two-year-old virgin hadn’t been the plan, but trust didn’t come easy for me. And the few guys I’d dated just didn’t feel right. It hadn’t been the way I’d imagined it should be. Unless I was just broken, which was a possibility. Hell, no one would be surprised if that were true. I’d sure tried hard to prove to everyone that I wasn’t, but at the end of the day, the best grades, a national collegiate title—none of that changed the way most people here looked at me.

The sad look in their eyes when they spoke of my mother. Her life taken way too soon. The empathy about the poor little girl growing up without a mama.

The daughter of a drunk.

The gossip mill in Cottonwood Cove had been rampant about the visits my father had received from Child Protective Services at our home over the years.

Apparently, Travis and I were supposed to end up being deadbeats.

And we’d both done pretty damn well if you asked me.

Aside from this pesky V-card that I was somewhat desperate to lose at this point.

“Nothing is wrong with you,” Delilah insisted. The girl had always been my biggest cheerleader. My ride or die. The girl who would keep your secret if her life depended on it.

“I think the pressure of losing your virginity is too built up now. You need to have a fling your first time. No pressure. No expectations. You’re looking at every guy like they have to be a future husband. Just look at them and know they have a dick, and that’s all that really matters at this point.” Sloane laughed so hard, we all gaped at her.

“That’s quite possibly the worst advice I’ve ever heard,” Delilah said as Marcy set down a basket of garlic bread and chicken fingers, and we all dove in.

“Agreed. But, I do think there’s something to what she’s saying.” Rina placed some food on her plate and thought over her next words before she spoke. “Maybe you don’t have to look at them as just a penis. However, the fling idea isn’t a bad idea. No expectations. I think you felt all kinds of pressure with Jeremy because he was all in, and you thought if you did the deed, you’d have to stay with the guy. No, you need a one and done, and then it’s behind you.”

“You guys, I’m not afraid of sex,” I said over my laughter. “I wasn’t looking at Jeremy like he needed to be husband material. Hell, the guy would make the best husband. He’s loyal and kind and honest and sweet. I just felt nothing when I kissed him, and I hate saying that. I tried for a few months, hoping it was just nerves or something, but it wasn’t. And him being a teammate made it even more awkward. I was actually more attracted to that guy I made out with my junior year, Carmine.”

“The one with the tattoos and the cigarette breath?” Rina asked as she fanned her face.

“Yep. The one you guys pushed on me when you came to visit, and we all went out. I mean, I couldn’t stand his personality, but he had those dangerous vibes, and at least I felt something when I kissed him.”

“Damn, I bet he had a big schlong. He kind of radiated that big-dick energy.” Sloane reached for the beer Marcy had just set down and took a sip.

“You can’t tell the size of a man’s penis by his attitude,” Rina said, shaking her head and smiling. “No freaking way.”

“I disagree. There are a few men who just have it. You just know they’re packing, right?”

“Name one.” Delilah raised a brow and crossed her arms over her chest as if the whole conversation was absurd. Which it was, but I loved every second of it.

“Hugh Reynolds. My God, have you seen the hands on that man? I’ll bet women tear at that long hair when they’re in the throes of passion with that sexy god.”

Rina spewed beer across the table and started coughing profusely. I patted her on the back, but we were all laughing so hard, it was challenging to be of help to her.

“I’m not even going to argue with that one. Sorry, Lila. I know he’s your brother’s best friend, but there’s no way she’s wrong about him.” Rina wiped her mouth with a napkin before cleaning up the beer on the table and leaning in close to whisper. “You know how he dated Kara Whooters for a short time?”