“It worked. Her guilt trips always worked. But the next day was worse. The only thing I got better at was falling. I was bruised, so every fall was that much more painful.” I hear Austin’s soft laugh again and close my eyes to focus on the sound.

“On the third day, my parents realized I needed professional help. They hired a ski instructor who spent the entire day teaching me one-on-one. Wedge like a pizza to stop. Straight like French fries to go fast. Keep your knees bent and your weight centered. I made it down the mountain without falling less than three hours later.” I finish my story and let silence dominate the phone line. I want to know if he gets it. Does he understand me?

“And you think sex is going to be like skiing?”

“Basically. I’ve crashed and burned the few times I’ve tried anything…physical.” The embarrassing memories of past dates ending with genial buddy back-slaps overtake me. “Usually I’m good at figuring things out, but not with this. I can’t read the Kama Sutra and teach myself how to do it. No pun intended.” My voice is light despite my mortifying confession.

Austin laughs again. I’m beginning to love that sound.

“Don’t get me wrong, I know what goes where. In general. I know how, I’ve just never been able to figure out how. Does that make any sense?”

“I think I get it. I can describe how to catch a ball all day, but there’s no substitute for getting on the field and actually putting one in your hands,” Austin adds his analogy. “The best athletes in the world can benefit from a coach who knows what they’re doing. But why hire a stranger? Why not get a boyfriend?”

“A boyfriend, you say? Thanks! I’ve never thought of that.”

He chuckles despite my snark.

“I’ve tried dating, but I always freak out. Guys seem to think I’m frigid instead of inexperienced.”

“Then be honest and upfront with them.”

“Oh sure, that’s easy. Just confess my complete sexual inadequacy to the guy I’m interested in. Hi. I’m Elizabeth. I’m a virgin! Want to grab dinner some time? That’d encourage the creepers and send the few decent guys who’re interested running for the hills. And being inexperienced only gets more embarrassing the older you get. Plus, going to med school? Forget about it. Besides, I have trouble talking to guys about the weather! Tell me, Austin, ever try to get a boyfriend when you can’t even talk to a guy?” My response is flat, not hiding my annoyance.

Does he seriously think it’s that easy?

I’m sure it is for him.

“Can’t say that I have.” He chuckles. I stifle a moan. First that smirk and now this laugh. I’m not sure I’ll survive Austin Jacobs.

“But you’re talking to me.”

“Yeah, and I’m not sure why. It’s definitely weird. But you’re the first.” Judging by the sudden silence cutting through the phone line, I’m not the only one who recognizes the significance of those words. I’m glad he can’t see the blush burning across my cheeks. I pull the blanket up over my head, making a fort with my knees, just in case.