Page 23 of His Reckless Freshman

It still tastes good, though, and I take small bites as I listen to Kieran’s run-through of his day. Because of the paper, he’s decided to take fewer classes this year and take an extra year to earn his degree. Smart. He’s loving what he’s working on, and I tell him I think he’s brilliant at it.

“Thank you.” He smiles, reaching for my arm this time and giving it a squeeze. “Your skin’s so soft,” he whispers, leaning close, his eyes warming with something electric.

Oh my gosh, he’s so into me right now.

I’m not used to this, but I’m loving it.

This day couldn’t get any better if I wanted it to.

At least that’s what I think… until he invites me to his place for dessert.

Wow. Actually… wow.

It can get better.

Giddy after that delicious food and the attention of this charming man, I happily jump into his car and let him drive me to his place. I’m assuming he has roommates, but when we get there, I see he’s in a small studio apartment and he’s got it all to himself.

My insides churn. I think it’s excitement, but there’s also a pinch of trepidation riding through me. I’ve never done anything like this before.

With a thick swallow, I bob my head and glance at him. “This place is cool.” Clutching my purse, I scan the space, all neat lines and clean finishes.

It’s compact, but very functional. Breakfast dishes have obviously spent the day drip-drying in the rack, and the countertops are wiped down and clean. Mom always says the state of someone’s kitchen tells you a lot about who they are as a person.

I like that Kieran’s neat.

I grew up in an immaculate home. My parents weren’t anal, but they definitely prefer tidy, clean spaces, which is a challenge for someone like me who is naturally kind of messy. It’s not that I want to be; I just don’t always notice the mess, or I might go to tidy up but then get distracted by something and forget.

“Do you want a drink? I’ve got beer, some vodka…”

“Oh, I can’t drink.” I smile at him. “Not old enough.”

He laughs, resting his hands on the counter. “I won’t tell.”

I giggle at his playful expression and shake my head. “I’m good. But thank you.” Clearing my throat, I inch a little farther into his place, wondering what we’ll get up to in here.

My eyes dart to his bed, and a thrill races through me.

Will we make out?

The idea is more than appealing. I haven’t kissed a guy since my senior prom, and it’d be nice to experience that again. I wonder if his hands will wander. A thrill races through me.

Yes, I’m a virgin, but I’ve always been curious about sex. I know you’re not supposed to have it until you’re married, but people do it all the time. My cousin is a case in point. She loves sex—not that she’s told me every little detail, but I know she’s into it. And I’ve snuck a few peeks at some of her romance novels. I know how it all works, I’ve just yet to experience it.

Not that I will tonight.

I mean… will I?

My heart kicks out of rhythm, this heady excitement skipping through me.

Calm yourself.

I force my eyes away from his olive-green duvet cover and check out the painting above his bed. It’s a rose, all red and open. A bright, powerful pop of color in this otherwise neutral room.

“I like the painting.” I point at it, laying my purse down on the small table beside the couch.

“Thank you. My cousin did it for me.”

“Wow.”