Her eyebrows rise. “What? No. It’s great, Auttie. Lukas is your husband, officially.” She grins and makes air quotes. “He’s beyond handsome and he’s older. He must have a ton of experience. Plus he exudes that power and masculinity like only men in briefs ads do. He’d be perfect to give up your V-card.”

“V-card?” I sputter. “What are we, sixteen?”

“No, we’re twenty-two. And that’s why it’s really important—”

Chi is interrupted by a knock on the door, and Mr. Big pokes his head inside. “Chiara, the room service staff needs to discuss something with you.”

“Thank you, Mr. Big.” My friend gets up with a wide smile. She really enjoys working here, and I’m so grateful for that. Before leaving the room, she turns around. “Think about what I said.”

Once she’s gone, Mr. Big takes a step inside. “How are you? I heard it was quite a party last night.”

I cringe. I hate to disappoint him, and the frown lines of worry appearing on his cute face tell me I might be. “If I’d have known I’d feel this shitty after taking the shots, I’d have told Andy Bruno I’m a teetotaler.”

Thankfully, a small grin returns to Mr. Big’s face. “Yes, you should do that, kid. Never be pressured into doing anything you don’t like.” He pauses, and when I nod, his smile grows. “I’m happy that Mr. Spencer was with you last night. Take today easy.”

Once he shuts the door behind him, I wonder if this is what Chiara meant.

But is it wrong that I don’t like disappointing others?

I take a few more bites of the pancakes, which are almost cold now, and put the fork back onto the half-empty plate. I lean back, glancing up at the ceiling. My fingers play with my loose hair, and I think about Chiara’s words. Is Lukas the perfect guy for my…V-card?

It wasn’t that I was holding on to my virginity for some noble reason. It’s just that the right man never crossed my path. Or was I comparing every boy I met with a yardstick that was my emails with Lukas Spencer?

But how would I even know what Lukas’ thoughts are on this matter?

Hi, Lukas. Would you be interested in taking my virginity? You seem to be the perfect man for the task, given you are my husband and all that.

My lips twist just thinking about it.

“God, am I really going to do this?” I whisper out loud.

Why not, Autumn? You’re the master of your destiny. You have to take control of your life. If you want to have sex with Lukas, don’t just sit here. Go and ask. No, not ask. Demand.