Page 13 of Only for Love

“No prob.” Grayson doesn’t turn around.

“Wait,” Mr. Snyder snaps.

I peer over my shoulder, slowing my date down.

My teacher’s gaze drifts to our entwined hands. “Miss Kingsley, doyouwant to stay here?”

My eyes peel back in surprise. “What? No.”

Gray steps closer. “Coach—”

Mr. Snyder ignores him. “If you need a ride, Emma, I’m sureyour brotheror one of your friends can—”

“Nice. Thanks, Coach.” Grayson scoffs, and the sarcasm rolls. “Let’s go, Ems.”

I nod, letting him pull me out the door. Another quick look over my shoulder, and Mr. Snyder’s worry shakes me. Gray keeps me with him. We reach his car, and he sets me in it, shuts the door, and storms to the driver’s seat. When he gets in, he slams the door and scowls out the windshield.

“What’s… going on?” I’m lost. Everything warm and fuzzy is gone, which I hate.

He turns his head. “Really?”

“Uh, yeah.”

“Shit, Ems.” He throws his head back, and his laughter fills the car with an uneasiness that is lost on me.

“Gray, seriously. What was that?”

“That’s everyone’s concern for you with me, verbalized.”

My forehead pinches. “I don’t get it.”

“You’re like… innocent. And I’m not.”

“No, I’m not.”

He laughs. “You are, baby, and I’m the guy who can nail any chick in this school.” He shakes his head. “Coach Snyder knows it.”

Yup. I’m a virgin.Everyoneprobably assumes that. “Oh…”

“Yeah.”

“He thinks… what, you’re going to…” I cover my smile with my hands. “Defile me?” I want to be embarrassed that my teacher ran after me to protect—what? —my honor. But can’t. Not now. Not with Grayson. A giggle I can’t stop bursts out.

“Defile?” His grin hitches to the side, and I see softness in his green eyes. “Something like that.”

Again, I muster my bravery and hold it deep. Before I can think my thoughts through, my mouth’s moving, and my heart’s screaming. “What if a girl like me wants to be defiled?”

If I lose my virginity, it has to be to him. Right? Someone I love? Someone I want? Someone who’s always been there and who I trust to never disappear?

The softness in his eyes disappears. “Don’t say that.”

“Oh.” My face falls. Everything falls. He wants me, but not like that? Not that much?

His fingers catch my chin, turning me so that I face him. “Ems, nothing about you should ever be defiled.”

I blink. “Okay.”

Whatever word he wants to use, I’m ready. I don’t know when or where, but I want Grayson Ford to be my first.

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