Into the Tide (Cottonwood Cove #1)(17)

“What? No. Of course, I have. I just—I didn’t know.” I cleared my throat, trying to think of the right thing to say.

“You didn’t know I was a virgin?” She chuckled. “I mean, it’s not something I advertise. That’s why I’ve been avoiding Mrs. Runither. The woman can sniff out a virgin as fast as she can spot a manwhore.”

“I hope you aren’t looking at me because you think I’m either one of those,” I teased, trying hard to change the tone of my voice.

Did it just get really fucking hot in here?

“I don’t know, Bear. Are you a virgin, or are you a manwhore?”

“Well, I lost my virginity when I was sixteen, so that’s out. I suppose I’ve had some years where I could possibly have been considered a bit of a manwhore—mainly through college. But I’ve never lied to anyone about who I am or what I wanted. And lately, that shit has gotten less appealing to me. So, honestly, I don’t think I’m either.”

She watched me with complete fascination. “Obviously, you’re very experienced. Maybe you could teach me a thing or two.”

“I don’t take things that I don’t deserve, Lila. And I don’t know that this should be something you put on a bucket list.”

And I’ll be a motherfucker if my dick wasn’t hard as a rock again. Hell, I’d just gotten off less than twenty minutes ago, and here I was, talking virgins and whores with the hottest girl I’d ever laid eyes on, and my dick thought it was time to party.

“Why not?”

“Because. It shouldn’t be something you just check off a list. It should be special. It should happen organically.” I shrugged, hoping I was making sense, even if my voice was gruffer than usual.

Thoughts of Lila James coming apart beneath me flooded my head.

“Did it happen organically for you?” She raised a brow, her voice teasing. “At the age of sixteen, did you find yourself a loving soulmate and share that special moment surrounded by candlelight and romantic love songs?”

“Fine, smart-ass. It wasn’t organic. It was with Eileen Johnson, who was two years older than me, and she climbed me like a fucking spider monkey.” I barked out a laugh. “But, you’re different.”

“How so?” She rolled her eyes, assuming what I was going to say was going to annoy her.

“You’re special. Always have been.”

“So are you, Hugh. But that doesn’t mean it has to be this big deal. At this point, I’d just like to get the deed done, you know?”

Was she trying to kill me?

“Hello?” a voice shouted, startling me from my fucking raging erection about Lila James’s untouched pussy. I was a bastard for fantasizing about my best friend’s virgin sister while staring at the bacon and eggs she’d just made me.

“Hey, Trav,” Lila called out, before waggling her brows at me mischievously. She knew what she was doing, and she was enjoying herself.

“What the fuck happened to your face?” Travis barked, moving close to his sister and placing his hand beneath her chin, turning her cheek so he could inspect it.

“I told you that I fell last night,” she said, looking away, because he looked like he wanted to kill someone.

“You didn’t mention that you got hit in the face on your way to the ground. I thought you tripped. Did Dad do this?”

“Of course not,” she said, her voice angry now. “It was an accident. Some guy was there arguing with him. I got in the way. But Hugh hit him enough times that he won’t be walking straight for days, so you can calm your ass down.” He reached for a piece of bacon on her plate and took a bite.

“Well, thank God someone was thinking clearly.” He held up his fist, and I bumped mine against his.

“No problem, brother. She’s going to stay in the casita. That’s the deal. And she’s willing to cook, so I’m not complaining.”

“Good. Whatever it takes to get you out of there.”

Lila studied her brother and glanced over at me before speaking. “I’ve been looking into some programs for Dad, Travis. I’ve agreed to stay here at Hugh’s, but I’m not going to give up on Dad. You get that, right?”

He nodded and shook his head. “I think I know you well enough to know that.” He reached for a piece of toast. “Damn, don’t tell Shay that this is the best breakfast I’ve had in months. I love her, but she can’t cook for shit.”

Lila and I both laughed. I’d had Shay’s cooking, and he wasn’t wrong.

“I won’t say a word.”

“You want to come over tonight, and I’ll pick up takeout?” Travis asked Lila.

“Del’s meeting me at Cottonwood Cafe when I get off work tonight. We’re having dinner,” Lila said. “How about tomorrow night?”

“Yeah, sure. Shay’s starting to show, so I’m sure she’ll want to talk babies with you. But it’s good for you to spend time with friends while you’re here, so I’m glad you’re doing that. What else do you want to do while you’re home aside from saving a man well past being saved?” Travis asked as he studied his sister. I loved the dude like a brother, but he could be an asshole when he wanted to be.

Lila squared her shoulders and sighed. “I’d like to just be a normal person, if that’s all right with you, Trav? Go on some dates… have some fun. You know… things you’ve always done.”