Page 16 of Teach Me How

I notice, with some smug satisfaction, that I’ve made him blush. He studies my face. “You didn’t…”

I pause, rolling my eyes. “No, I didn’t. Because fucking Bo over there promised not to tattle so long as I kept my pants on.”

“Oh, thank God.” Skyler sits back, relieved.

The TV is blaring, and everyone is one hundred percent focused on the game. They’re not paying attention to us, but I still keep my voice low.

I squint at him. “Why are you so invested in this?”

His ears turn a brighter shade of red. “I’m not.”

Skyler is a big guy. Before the accident, he was Silver Bend’s best wide receiver. My brother and his buddies are local celebrities. People still stop them in the bar to relive old games. Skyler’s always been sweet to me, treated me like a person instead of a bratty little sister, but he also always felt like a different species. Handsome. Larger than life. And way, way out of my league.

But just a sentence here and there and I’ve got this big boy blushing. I’m feeling buzzed by the power, or maybe that’s the Jack, but it’s loosened my tongue. If I can’t be honest with at least one person, what’s the fucking point? “I expected the cave man act from Bo, but not you, Skyler.”

“I’m just saying you should be careful with a guy like Tyson. He ain’t the marrying type.”

“Well, I’m not trying to get married. Not after that last debacle.”

“What debacle?”

My cheeks color. “With Jonah.”

“Your ex?”

I study a small rip in my jeans. “Yeah.”

“Bo said he dumped you.”

My eyes narrow. “Judas, Skyler. Ever heard of a thing called tact?”

He gives me a lopsided grin. “It’s overrated.” He nudges my leg with his knee. “So, what happened?”

I attempt to shrug nonchalantly, like the words don’t scrape like sandpaper. “He dumped me because he found out I’m not a virgin.”

His head rears back ever so slightly. Clearly wasn’t expecting that answer.

I wasn’t, either.

It’s a humiliating, devaluing way to end a relationship. I instantly regret telling him the unfiltered truth because there really isn’t a good reply. It just sucks whichever way you look at it.

Filled with a frenzy to explain myself, I hurry on. Dropping details like litter. “He’s pretty old-fashioned.”

Skyler’s expression is guarded, his voice flat. “I thought Josh said he’s covered in tattoos.”

“Yeah, well, looks can be deceiving. He didn’t like me to dress too provocatively. Didn’t want me going out.” I pause, beseeching Skyler with my gaze. “I did everything the way he wanted, played the good girl to a tee, and it still wasn’t good enough. You make one little mistake and you’re just out. And you know what, Skyler? Fuck. That. I’m done being controlled by men. And that includes Josh and you assholes. Thank you very much. I want to live my life. I want to make mistakes.”

Pausing for air, my chest heaves a little.

Skyler studies me for a long time. “Just not with Tyson Kyle.”

10.

Skyler

Reese throws her hands up in frustration, growling in an adorable way. I’d laugh if I wasn’t already on thin ice.

But seriously, anyone but Tyson Kyle.

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