Page 56 of The Purest Fake

“I don’t know what the average number of times is for a guy. Look it up on your phone,” she tells me.

Drawing it from my pocket, I do a quick search. “According to available research, the average person masturbates two to three times per week. But it goes on to say that other factors such as age and relationship status weigh in.”

“Looks like I’m finally above average in something besides my height,” she says.

Oh damn. I’m going to tuck that little factoid away until later when I’m home in my room.

“What about you?” she asks. “Don’t hold out on me.”

“Seems like I’m above average too.” She holds her fist out and I bump it with mine.

I can’t believe we’re having this conversation. This is not the direction I imagined this night going.

CHAPTER 15

COOPER

“Idon’t usually talk about such personal things with anyone besides Autumn, but it doesn’t feel awkward to be having this discussion with you. In fact, it’s strangely comfortable. So what’s your plan to lose your virginity?” she asks.

A choked sound slips from me.

Her lips stretch wide in a grimace. “Sorry. Was that too blunt?”

“More like unexpected.”

Her eyebrow lifts. “Really? We just got done discussing how often we masturbate. It seems like any topic is on the table.”

I scratch my forehead. “I guess that’s true.”

“So what’s the plan, Coop? Will you find another virgin and learn together? Or hire an escort to get it over with?”

“Fuck no. I’m not hiring an escort, and finding another virgin my age would be like searching for a tiny diamond in the entire Atlantic Ocean. I’m gonna trust that it’ll happen at some point. Maybe I’ll get drunk and it won’t matter who it is,” I say flippantly, but I don’t mean it. The idea of having sex with some woman I don’t know doesn’t sit well with me.

“You’ve waited all this time, shouldn’t it be with someone you care about?”

“Yes, but I don’t plan on getting into a relationship. Football is my focus, remember?”

“I do remember. But the first time you have sex can be awkward. Why not do it with someone you already know and trust?”

I laugh. “You’re the only female friend I have. Are you volunteering?” I toss out the question like it’s a joke.

Wait. Is she?

“Yes.” She doesn’t wait for me to reply before continuing. “We’re friends who trust one another and get along well. Obviously, we can talk about anything. I already know you’re a virgin, so there’s no need for some awkward pre-sex confession. What do you think?”

Well, that was unexpected.

“I don’t know.”

“You can learn everything about pleasing a woman with me. And, honestly, you’d be doing me a favor because I haven’t had sex in a long time and I miss it.”

Lost in thought, I stare down at the coffee table. Apparently, she’s said her piece and put the offer out there. Losing my virginity is a personal choice, and she’s making sure I don’t feel pressured in any way.

“I accept your offer,” I say, glancing at her.

“Are you positive that’s what you really want? You should take some time and make sure you’re one hundred percent on board with this plan, and if you are, we can go from there.”

My legs drop from the coffee table, and I set my bowl down before moving closer to her. “I’m already sure.”

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