monogamist. Unlike me. Who dates anyone with a pulse. Of any gender.”
“Foster?” Dad’s deep voice makes me flinch.
“That guy is an asshole, and I lost my head. It won’t happen again. I’ve already been reamed by the coaches and my teammates. I don’t need it from you too.”
“There are assholes on every team. Just remember to hit them where it hurts.”
“In the net. Got it, Dad.”
They let it go, and we end the call.
My excitement over finding out there is a chance I could be with Zach is overshadowed by the guilt of letting yet another opportunity to say something to my parents pass me by.
I’m about to take off, when I overhear a conversation that makes me pause.
“Come on, baby unicorn. Tell me what’s bothering you.”
“Really? Still going with the baby unicorn thing?” Through the stacks, I can see the T-shirt Zach was wearing this morning. I recognize the pattern.
They take seats at one of the tables, and it’s tempting to go over there and tease him about hanging out with his new friend at the library.
Oh God, they’re probably studying.
No wonder he was vague on the details.
Before I get the chance to go over there, their conversation stops me dead in my tracks.
“I may look innocent, but you look like you’re ready to sacrifice a virgin.”
“Ooh, sacrificing a virgin sounds fun. Are you offering?”
Zach just about chokes. “What … and … how …”
I hear her gasp from where I’m standing between two bookshelves. “I was joking. Are you … are you really a—”
“Shh.”
I can’t see properly, but fast movement catches my eye, like he’s waving his hands to get her to stop talking.
I lean against the bookshelf behind me.
Nope, it’s not enough. I have to sink to the floor.
Zach. A virgin.
I knew he wasn’t exactly experienced, but … no one? Nothing?
At all?
Thinking about it, it kinda makes sense with him studying all the time and not exactly being great with people, but I mean, you don’t have to speak to have sex.
Last night filters through my mind again, but now I’m seeing it in a different light.
Damn, if he hadn’t put a stop to it, I would’ve gone as far as he’d wanted to, and that’s no way to spend your first time.
I think back to my first time and wince. Zach deserves more than that.
I don’t know what to do with this piece of knowledge, but I do know I need to leave it up to Zach.
Without letting them see me, I sneak out of the library unsure where to go from here.
16
Zach
“Would you keep your voice down?” I hiss at Ray.
“Why?” She manages something close to a smile. “It’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”
“Oh.” I look her over. “Are you—”
“No.”
“But—”
“I just said no. I’m ace, not an alien. I still have all the same pieces.”
That simmering need to know passes through me. Why did she think trying it would be a good idea when she couldn’t look more disinterested?
“Are you going to tell me what’s up?” she asks. “I’m starting to get bored.”
I don’t know what I can tell her. Mentioning that Foster and I kissed yesterday—twice—seems too unbelievable for words. Maybe that’s why I’m having such difficulty voicing it.
“Is it Grant?”
I glance at the stacks around us to make sure no one will overhear. “How did you—”
“Your hair is so fucked up today it looks worse than mine.”
I fight to keep from smiling. “There’s no way that’s possible.”
“I’m so offended.” Her flat tone makes it clear she really isn’t. “Do you have a little crush on him?”
“No! God, Ray. I’m smarter than that.”
“Smarter than what?”
“Getting a crush on the most … the best …”
“Hockey player?” she suggests.
“Yes. Him. It’s a ridiculous notion.”
“Then why did you do it anyway?”
I scowl at her, then deflate. “Because apparently I’m not as smart as I think I am.”
“There, there.” She pats my shoulder awkwardly.
“Your sympathy is overwhelming.”
“I’m glad you noticed. I don’t get it, but I hear unrequited love is a bitch.”
“Excuse me, I didn’t say I was in love with him.”
“Oh. I assumed—”
“That I’m pathetic?” Can I really blame her for that one? “I’m under no illusion that people like me and Foster belong together. This is merely chemical. There was one place he wanted that kiss to lead, and I went and freaked out instead.”
“He kissed you?”
Uh-oh. I scramble to think of something to say to cover up my slip, but, nope. It’s a little too late to backtrack now. “Yes. And then I kissed him.”
“Huh.”
“Huh, what?”
“I