Page 53 of Help Wanted

Chapter 10

Neither of them said anything for a few minutes, which was good because Kenley had no clue how to make words. She was still floating in the new world, which was sex. Sex with Zane. Her own orgasms had never been like this—so intense and wonderful.

They lay there, touching one another, fingertips traveling over skin. Their legs still wound together, and she wished they could stay tangled up like that forever. She smiled at the sight of his fingers wound through hers, wondering what she should say.

She had no point of reference for all the emotions that arose after sex. Over the years, her friends had told her all the gory details about the act itself, but they hadn’t explained this feeling. This sense of relaxation and happiness that made her want to purr like a cat.

Maybe not everyone felt this way?

She felt as though she should comment on his performance. She had nothing to compare it to, but she had to believe it was quite good since he was able to make her have an orgasm the first time out of the gate.

Eventually, he pulled his arm out from under her and rolled out of bed toward the tiny bathroom. The light snapped on and she watched his face as he looked down at himself, his brows pulled together.

Blood.

Not tons, but enough to reveal her secret. If she had successfully hidden her inexperience during their lovemaking, there were no doubts now.

He closed the door, giving her a moment to inspect things. Everything seemed to be in order on her end. No puddles of innocence or arterial spray. A few tissues from the built-in nightstand and all evidence was gone.

She was no longer a virgin.

She heard the toilet flush and then the water running, her cue to get in bed and strike an alluring and sated pose for his return. Again, she wasn’t quite sure what to do, so she pulled the sheet across her middle, revealing her leg and one breast.

He stepped back into the room and looked at her in utter confusion.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

“I need to ask you something, and I want you to tell me the truth.” His voice cracked on the word truth.

“Okay.”

“Were you…? Did I just…?” He ran his fingers through his hair, and then tucked the towel tighter around his waist.

Kenley didn’t say anything. Technically he hadn’t asked anything yet. She allowed him to stammer.

“I mean it felt … and then the blood … and you looked like I hurt you, but that can’t be.” He met her eyes for the first time. “Can it?”

That was a question. The question.

“If you’re asking if I lost my virginity tonight with you, then yes.” She bit her bottom lip. “I did.”

“Why didn’t you say something?” He clenched his hair with his hands, his voice turning accusatory.

“What does it matter? Isn’t this something you can brag about with your friends?”

“No!” he said with wide eyes. “It’s something very important. Something you wait to do with someone special. Why me?”

“I’m twenty-eight. I was done waiting. I was willing to settle for someone who wasn’t a dick.” She sighed. It wouldn’t help to get angry at him. “Besides, it was special. At least I thought so.”

His eyes weren’t any less frantic, and he didn’t speak.

“It’s not like I expect anything serious between us. I wanted my first time to be with a nice guy, and you’re a nice guy.” She shrugged, going for nonchalance.

“You could have said something.” He seemed more upset about the secrecy than the deflowering. What a silly word. There was nothing flowery about it.

“You would have freaked out and not wanted to do it.”

“Probably.” He paced in the small space, ducking so his head wouldn’t hit the ceiling. “Why me, Kenley? This is a lot of pressure.”