Once again, I look so good. The rich colour makes me look like I’ve applied blush and lip gloss; my skin is glowing. The top nips in at the waist and makes my baggy work pants look fashionable. But the fabric is the same sturdy cotton as workwear.
I burst out of the room. Can you choose all my clothes from now on?
He shakes his head. You could do it too. You just need to open up your mind to new possibilities.
I stand in front of the mirror and spin around. Okay, I think I’ve figured it out. You found the utility fabric I’m used to, but in a different style, right?
He does a mock bow. The student has surpassed the teacher. My work here is done.
I throw my arms around Mats and hug him. I’m really enjoying all our time together. The Mats boyfriend experience is almost everything I’ve ever dreamed of.
Almost? he asks, his dark eyes twinkling.
Well, it’s not complete without… sex, right?
Aww, am I making you wait? Something you hate. Then he bends me back a little and nips the base of my throat, like a movie vampire. I melt a little. He whispers into my ear, Well, why don’t we head over to my place right now?
I swallow. Fucking finally.
17
FINALLY
MATS
WE WALK TO MY HOUSE. WE’RE HOLDING HANDS, AND CLEO IS PRACTICALLY DRAGGING ME ALONG.
Someone’s eager, I tease.
No shit. She rolls her eyes. I was patient, like I promised, but now that it’s go time, I’m ready to rock and roll. And you better have condoms.
I laugh. It’s true that I’ve been taking things slowly. I like spending time with Cleo doing regular stuff. I also suspect that she hasn’t gotten a lot of consideration from her past boyfriends, so I like to do nice things for her. But a good fuck can be a nice thing too.
When we walk into the house, Ethan is the only one in the living room. He has his laptop open and the TV on.
Hey. We nod at each other. He nods at Cleo as well but doesn’t make a big deal about her being here. My roommates are very relaxed about having girlfriends over. Except Bergy, but he’s not around.
We head upstairs and into my room. When I shut the door, the first thing she says is, Does Ethan have a girlfriend?
I put my hand over my heart. Ouch, Cleo. Have you just been using me to get closer to my roommate?
Her eyes widen. Oh, fuck no. Not me. I don’t find him attractive at all. It’s actually Becks—ah, shit, I should not have told you that. Don’t tell him, okay?
Again, I can’t help laughing at Cleo’s natural goofiness. She’s so refreshing.
She does a circuit around my room, checking out the mid-century modern desk, the crowded bookshelves, and a photo from a mountain hike that I enlarged and framed, then sits down at the end of my bed. It’s really nice in here. Of course.
I sit down and rest my hand behind her. You don’t sound happy about that.
She sighs. Sometimes it feels like we’re too opposite. And you’ve got all the good qualities.
That’s nuts. There are so many things about you that I admire. I lean in to kiss the back of her neck. And I think I’m going to discover some more very soon.
Really? She leans against my shoulder. Tell me something you like about my body.
Your nipples. They’re so pink and pretty. Cleo’s breasts are spectacular, but her nipples are pornographic perfection. I’ve been obsessing about them, and even that visual memory stirs my cock.
She sighs happily. I tug gently on her braid.
