Page 65 of Avenging Azalea

I opened the door and then turned back. Cupping Titus’s jaw, I rose on my toes and kissed his cheek.

“Thank you for looking out for me, but I’ll be fine,” I whispered and then slipped out before my heart burst in my chest.

God help me.

“Wait, wait, wait. Let me get this straight. You saw Doc Hottie’s d…i…c…k, and didn’t jump him? Girl, what the hell is wrong with you?”

I rolled my eyes at Steph.

“What did you want me to do? Rip off my scrubs and ride him on the bathroom floor. He could have had a concussion. Sheba almost ripped out his throat!”

“Yes, as a matter of fact, that is exactly what I wanted you to do. Was it big? I bet it’s as juicy as he is.” She ran her bottom lip through her teeth.

“You’re completely impossible.” I crossed my arms.

“Bestie, you need to get rid of the cobwebs. Your cooch is like that cupboard in your house that you forget exists until you open it one day and get attacked by mothballs. I know you said you aren’t a virgin, but come on, Fawn, you haven’t had a single boyfriend, one-night stand, or anything else since we met. I have served the sexiest guys to you on a silver platter, and nope, not one time.”

Steph always talked with her hands, but her gestures were wild tonight. I grabbed my drink and moved it away from her flailing arms.

“Do you know how many guys I’ve been through in that time? Sometimes more than one at the same time.”

I glared at my best friend across the small round table and was tempted to dump my drink on her head.

“It doesn’t matter. It’s not like we’re keeping score,” I said.

“Speak for yourself. I’ll have you know I can tell you exactly where everyone excelled. Wanna try girls? Do you have any kinks? I even have a list of guys who can go multiple times in a row and make you scream for hours.” She leaned in like she was sharing a conspiracy. “That’s my special list, but I’ll let you pick off it,” she said like it was a food menu.

“No, Steph. I’m not looking for a boyfriend or a one-night stand. Yes, I wanted Titus, but it didn’t pan out, and I’m not interested in jumping into anything with anyone. I’ve got work, school, and hanging out with my bestie, which is more than enough.”

“How can you even say that? How can you even go this long? It must feel like being in the Sahara trying to find water. My poor Miss Muffet would be all shriveled up and screaming for action.”

“Miss Muffet?”

“Yeah, don’t you have a name for yours?”

I shook my head. “No, I don’t talk about or to my private parts enough to give them names.”

“You’re missing out. Miss Muffet and I have a great relationship. Maybe you need to get back in touch.”

Suddenly, my fruity drink was very interesting. I’d never told Steph what happened to me. We’d never discussed how not being a virgin didn’t mean that I’d enjoyed what was forced on me. In fact, I’d only ever known pain, and the thought of having sex with anyone made my skin crawl.

There was one exception to that declaration. Titus had spent three years earning my trust. He made me feel loved and protected. He had proved that he was someone who would keep my heart beating and safe.

“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to make you feel bad. I just don’t want you to miss out on this time in your life.”

“It’s not you. I…I took your advice and made a move on Titus. He turned me down.”

“You made a move on Titus?”

I nodded. “Big mistake. I was humiliated, but it’s my fault.”

Steph grabbed me and pulled me into a hug.

“I’m so sorry. It’s not your fault. Titus is so stupid for not seeing what is right in front of his face.”

Sighing, I hugged Steph a little tighter.

“You were right. It’s an arranged marriage. He told me that before I kissed him.”