Page 42 of Hyde and Seek

That’s not even counting the drawer of assorted sized Battery Operated Boyfriends.

I wasn’t unknowing. Just unpracticed.

“I can’t do this,” Jake said, moving further away to sit on the side of the bed. His long, muscular body bent as he put his head in his hands.

Of course he wouldn’t be interested in my inexperienced fumbling.

Maybe he thinks if he fucks me, I’m gonna get clingy and follow him around. Like I’m holding onto my virginity while I wait for Prince Charming and a happily ever after.

If that was the case, it would be me, my virginity, and my showerhead for life.

Whatever. All I know is I need to go.

Now.

I got up and started looking for my discarded clothing. I picked up my panties. “I’ll just… I’ll call a ride.”

Smelling him, seeing him, stillfeelinghim everywhere, I wanted to curl up and hide. To curse my upbringing and my virginity. Most of all, though, I wanted to scream in severe sexual frustration.

How could someone turn from so hot to so cold that quickly?

“No.” Jake stood up, pointedly not looking my way as I scrambled around trying to locate my clothes. “I’ll give you a ride home. I’ll just be…” He turned towards me while I was getting my shirt on, his words trailing off.

I’m sure there was a time in my life when I’d been more embarrassed. Like in third grade when I kissed Billy Mason and then threw up on his brand new sneakers. They were the expensive ones, with the pump on the tongue and everything. After that, all I wanted was a new school.

Or when I grew boobs before anyone else and Mandy Plose started a rumor that I stuffed my bra. It was bad enough to have everyone analyzing my chest, but when a bunch of kids filled my locker to overflowing with tissues and toilet paper, I’d put some serious thought into changing schoolsandmy name.

However, standing in the middle of Jake’s room in my panties, my chest bare as I awkwardly fumbled with the tiny hooks on my top, I couldn’t remember ever feeling so mortified.

I’m never wearing anything but t-shirts again. Ever.

Jake cleared his throat. “I’ll just be in the other room,” he muttered as he left.

Blinking back tears, I quickly finished dressing.

I thought riding on the back of Jake’s bike again would be torture. As we started towards my place, though, it became obvious how preferable it was to taking his car. There was no uncomfortable silence, or worse, awkward conversation.

I’m sure the conversation would’ve been awesome. He’d probably just grunt at me while I discussed my vow to maintain a monogamous relationship with my showerhead and plans to adopt a cat.

Or ten.

Unlike the ride to Jet’s, I didn’t hold on tight or enjoy the view of the city passing by. I let the cool air whip around my overheated face as I blocked the world out.

When we arrived at my place, Jake still walked me to my door even though I didn’t want him to. I bit my lip to stop myself from saying something stupid to break the tense silence.

Thankfully, Jake spoke first, though we both knew there wasn’t anything to say.

“Piper, I—”

“Just… don’t.”

“Yeah.” He shoved his hands in his pockets. “I’ll… I’ll see you around.”

Unlike last time, I knew his words were a blow off.

I gave him a small, tight smile. “Yeah, Jake. Bye.”

I hurried in, locking the door behind me. I leaned my back against it, listening as his bike roared to life. A minute later, he took off.

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