Page 32 of Studious
“Of course you were. What that means now is that you’ll need to challenge yourself to do things differently than you have been. You’re going to need to listen to me and try some things that you don’t like. Like complimenting yourself. If you’re not your greatest fan, no one else will be.”
“Okay.” I nod a few times, determinedly. “I can do that.”
“I believe in you.” Danny rubs his hands together. “I’m going to have a good time assigning you a lot of homework.” His tone gets flirty, and he pushes my shoulder playfully. “Maybe you should get a notebook. Do I need to prepare a syllabus?”
But I answer him seriously. “Maybe so. I might do better if I know what to expect. Like, am I going to have to go to a bar and pick someone up immediately? Because that feels like a final exam without any studying. I don’t think I can do that.”
“I’ll ease you in,” he assures me.
“Thanks, Danny. I appreciate it.”
He nods. “Feel better. I’ll check in with you.”
A part of me doesn’t expect him to. People sometimes say nice things, but I’m not the kind of guy who actually gets what he wants.
But if I do? If he helps me?
This could be a game changer.
CHAPTER8
Danny
I’ve done a lot of foolish things in my life. Fucked the pizza delivery guy after he came in for a tip. Ran into a hookup’s roommate when I went in the bathroom to spit after a blowjob—while I was still hard, with come in my mouth—and ended up banging him, too. Slept with a guy who later said he was actually interested in my mom. But taking on a sex apprentice might be the most ill-advised, because what if I fuck this up? My excuse is that I need to do something dramatic to build my social media and win this ridiculous bet with Charlie. And who wouldn’t want to see sweet Alden gain confidence and learn how to slay?
I have to admit that I really couldn’t say no. Not when he leveled those eyes at me. He’s this tempting, innocent package I can mold into whatever and whoever I want.
Except what and who I want him to be is… himself, as is. He’s interesting and adorable, and there’s zero reason for him to need to change. Still, it couldn’t hurt to get him some experience. Even though, for some reason, I’m not really liking the idea of sending him to get friendly with other guys.
I rub my face. Better get this thing started.
As soon as I get home from dropping him off, I download the Ad/VICE app and open a new account. While what I’m planning doesn’t run counter to any ethical rules, it probably would be best for me to remain somewhat anonymous. So I’m now LoveTutorDan. I also hop on Amazon and order a tripod.
But I can do an intro without all the bells and whistles.
I turn on my phone camera and walk around my place, talking.
“I’m Danny, and I want to introduce you to my project. Please make sure to follow me as I give sex lessons to a friend of mine. He’s a virgin. I’m definitely not.” I grin. “He agreed that I could chart his progress. Feel free to ask questions—I’m sure you’ll have plenty. But for now just know that this channel is going to feature me teaching my friend all the skills he needs to get whatever man he wants and be a success in the bedroom. What do you think my first lesson should be?” I wink, then click off the camera and save the video. Best to keep this short. I send the file to Alden. I don’t want to post without his permission.
Danny: This okay?
I stare at my phone—something I never do. I never watch for a “read” receipt or three animated dots, because I’m never waiting for someone to text me back. They’re waiting for me.
This is different, though. Alden’s too pure for this world, and the fact that he sees something in me makes me want to treat him extra special. Makes me want to know what’s going on under that mass of curly hair and inside that bookkeeper brain.
I wait. And I wait. And I wait.
Until, finally, the message shows up as “read,” and then I wait for him to watch the video.
Why am I still pacing? Why am I getting short of breath? Do I have an undiagnosed medical condition?
At last, my phone buzzes with a text.
Alden: Sure.
I burst out laughing. He’s got playing it cool down pat. Maybe I don’t need to teach him anything other than self-confidence. Mamacita wraps herself around my legs, and I pick her up and text Charlie.
Danny: Here’s my new channel. Six months. Watch it grow.
