Page 58 of Vapor

I’m out the door, closing it behind me before she can finish what she’s about to say. She’s also caught up in a firestorm of desire. I don’t doubt that. But lust and love are two totally different things, and I don’t want her to mistake one for the other. I’ve been there, done that with other virgins, and I won’t make that blunder again.

Not only that, but I also want more for her. She deserves better, someone who will love her and cherish her. I wish I could be that for her, but she’s so far out of my league we’re not even playing the same sport.

As I wait for her to finish dressing, my dick rages at me for being such a fucking idiot. Blue’s a good girl, not one of the sluts. I should have considered that she might be a virgin. It never crossed my mind because I was too caught up in having her in my room alone to think straight. I can’t make that mistake again.

Chapter 14: Blue

The sky bleeds shades of crimson and gold as the sun heaves itself up from the horizon, casting long, sleepy shadows across the dew-dappled grass. The air is thick and sweet with the scent of blooming jasmine, mingling with the earthy aroma of the river not far from here. It’s a sensory blanket, soothing and familiar.

I’m standing on the back porch of the clubhouse waiting for Vapor to join me, while all around me, the world is waking. There’s a hushed reverence that clings to the early morning hours, as if the universe itself is taking a moment to breathe.

Now that I’m at the clubhouse, I feel like I can breathe too. The oppressive heaviness that lurked in the halls and rooms within my father’s house always made me feel as if I couldn’t draw in a deep breath. Now, thanks to Vapor’s offer of protection, I’m finally free.

As I walk across the porch, the rough wood beneath my bare feet reminds me of the way Vapor’s hands felt on my skin. Part of me is ashamed of my behavior in the bathroom. Everything happened so fast that I didn’t know how to handle it. Fortunately, Vapor’s a good man who isn’t interested in taking advantage of me. He wants to protect me in every way possible. That’s obvious now, because he could have continued, but he didn’t.

I wanted to keep going, but he’s probably right. Waiting for love is something I’ve always wanted to do. I don’t know why I was so willing to throw that away to be with Vapor. I can’t possibly be in love with him… can I?

“She’s never had a burger? Like, ever?” a voice says a second before the screen door opens. It’s Bones, and Vapor’s right behind him.

“Nope. Her father’s a fucking tyrant.” Vapor flashes me a smile as he sets a platter down next to the barbecue.“We’re changing that right now.”

“You’re making hamburgers for breakfast?” I ask, confused.

“Yep.” Vapor grins as Bones ignites the grill. A huge poof of flames burst to life.“Better back up a couple of steps. He’s a bit of a pyro.”

“Man, if I’d know we were having a burger virgin, I would have made them extra special.” Bones uses a large spatula to lift the burger patties onto the grill.

I glance at Vapor, wondering if Bones knows. Why else would he make that comment? Vapor shakes his head quickly, as if trying to let me know that he didn’t say a word. Our unspoken communication passes unnoticed. For that, I’m grateful.

Even though I’ve been waiting for love, the pressure to have sex is always hanging over my head. Almost every television show seems obsessed with it. It’s in many of the books I read and it’s in tons of headlines, disguised as newsworthy. It feels like it’s impossible to avoid. I don’t know how I’ve lasted this long, but then again, how many real opportunities have I had?

“What do you want on yours?” Bones asks me.

“Um…” I stare at a huge plate of lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and cheese slices. I don’t even know where to begin.

“How about the works?” Vapor suggests.“Then she can pick off whatever she doesn’t like.”

“One‘the works’coming right up. Medium?” Bones asks.

“Yeah,” Vapor says.

“Rare,” I correct. If a hamburger is anything like steak, I don’t want it over cooked.

“There’s nothing hotter than a woman who likes her meat close to raw.” Bones grins before turning his attention back to the grill, ignoring Vapor’s low, menacing growl of displeasure.

“Oh, stop.” I playfully swat his arm.“He’s just teasing you.”

“Better be.” Vapor glares at his friend’s back.

“I can’t believe I get a burger,” I say softly.

“Whatever you want. It’s yours. Just tell me.” He slides his arm around my waist and gently pulls me closer. I still marvel at his control. Most men wouldn’t risk blue balls if they were that close to having sex. The fact that he did that for me means a lot.

“Right now, all I need is food and sleep. And protection.” I slide my eyes up to meet his. There’s so much compassion in his expression that it melts my heart. It also awakens the sexual energy I thought I’d quelled during the brief time we were apart. I guess not.

“You’ll get all of that. I promise.” Vapor smiles before brushing a kiss across my lips.

“Okay, kids. Food’s done.” Bones assembles the burgers, adding so many toppings that I don’t know how he’s going to get a bun to stay on top.

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