The Perfect First (Fulton U, #1)(21)

“To make sure I don’t end up exploding myself on indulgences, sex or otherwise, maybe I could use a guide, someone to help me navigate the world of excess without killing myself.”

He ran a spear of asparagus through the melted cheese on my boat of fries and shoved it into his mouth. With his head tilted to the side, he stared into my eyes. The same charge that’d shot through me when he walked into the coffee shop sparked again. “I’ll help you complete your list on one condition.”

“Yes, whatever you want.” I sat forward, barely wincing at the half a cow crammed into my stomach.

He popped the asparagus into his mouth. “No sex.”

I sank back like a deflating balloon. That was like walking a kid into a candy story and only letting them buy spearmint gum. The hormones that had been running rampant around him would have to get shoved back into their box. Running through my options, I felt like none were great.

He’d show me around, maybe introduce me to some people outside of the math department. I could always run guys past him to get his take since my radar when it came to the opposite sex was all out of whack. He’d come here after practice when he didn’t have to, and damn was he easy on the eyes. I could keep things platonic between us. I totally could.

Wiping my hands on the napkin in my lap, I held one out to him. “Deal.”

We shook on it. He paid the bill. Did that make it a date? Screw it, I’m counting it. First date! So what if he wasn’t in on it; I knew. My internal dance continued as we walked outside.

I buttoned my coat. Nervousness coiled in my stomach like a snake ready to strike. “When do we start?”





8





Reece





Saying yes to being Seph’s life guru was a mistake. I’ll admit that. Probably the biggest one since I’d bought that pair of Air Jordans that were one size too small because it was the only pair left and I nearly crippled myself, or the last time I even flirted with the whole relationship thing last year.

Seph walked like nothing could stand in her way. Literally, people jumped out of the way as she talked, her eyes focused on me. I grabbed her shoulders to stop her from running into a light pole. Knowing her, she’d probably knock it over and keep walking. Maybe it was the way she had no filter and blurted out things that could make Berk blush. Maybe it was how sad she’d looked telling me about being homeschooled and never having any friends. Or maybe it was the way she’d absolutely demolished that burger like she could go head to head with Nix in a speed-eating contest. I wasn’t exactly sure why, but I’d said yes.

It had been two days since our meeting at The Vault. I’d checked over her list and tried to figure out which items I could help with and which I should probably stay far away from. Skinny-dipping was a big-ass no. Naked Seph? Hell no. Clothed Seph was cute enough; naked Seph might make me forget my part of the deal. A bathing suit was bad enough. When I’d told her to bring one, I’d hoped it would be a one-piece like the grandmoms at our community pool used to wear.

The freezing, not-quite-winter air sliced straight through my coat. Damn, I’d have thought after spending my whole life in the area, winters would be no sweat. Standing on the sidelines with snow coating the ground in a short-sleeved jersey and tight-ass pants, my focus was on the game, not on the ice crystals forming on my eyelashes. Now though, walking down the street, it was like someone was jamming icicles down my back.

Seph fell in step beside me.

“Are you sure you want to start today? When you’re starting a new habit, studies have shown—”

I stopped and she banged into my arm. I turned to her. “Why does everything start a line of interrogation with you?”

Her lips parted and she lifted her index finger in the air like that kid back in elementary school. You know the one—the kid who just had to let the teacher know they’d forgotten to assign the class any homework right before the bell.

“Zip it.” I pinched my fingers together in front of her face. “If you want my help, we’re doing things my way.” Turning the corner, I started walking toward our destination.

“You can’t just tell me to bring my bathing suit and then not tell me where we’re going.” Her steps clicked behind me and she rushed to catch up.

“We’re going to a bonfire. Where do you think we’re going?”

“Good point, but still. I’d like to know a bit more about what to expect so I can prepare myself.”

“How well can you swim?”

“I’ve studied up on it.” She bit her bottom lip and stared down at her feet.

“So, not very well, then.”

“Correct.” She ran to catch up with me. “But swimming wasn’t on my list.”

“Skinny-dipping was, and you can’t swim.”

“Who needs to learn how to swim when I’m just trying to get naked?” She let out an exasperated yell and a few people on the sidewalk turned to stare at us.

She ducked her head into her shoulder, and I barely held back my laughter.

“You do know how to make an impression.”

“Shut up.” She shoved against my shoulder.

Stopping in front of the door, I pulled it open. She stepped back and craned her neck, looking at the letters up above. “The gym?”