My orgasm ripped through my body, turning me into a trembling, writhing cell, overloaded with every feeling Dare thrust into me.

He held me tight, wrapping his arms around my back and crushing me to his chest. His final, sloppy thrusts prolonged my orgasm and seared a bright white curtain in front of my eyes.

We collapsed into a tangle of arms and legs Sweaty, spent, and deliriously happy. I basked in the afterglow of what we’d just done.

“So that’s what it feels like to have sex.” I stared up at the ceiling, smiling at the giddy feeling broiling in my chest. If someone had told me two months ago this was where I’d be, I’d have taped their mouth shut with electrical tape, but here I was. Lying in bed beside Dare, I smelled him on my skin. The minty punch of a muscle heat rub, a hint of motor oil, and freshly cut grass.

Dare ran his finger down my arm. “No, Bay, that’s what it feels like to make love.”

He took my chin between his fingers and tilted my head, capturing my lips in his.

I wouldn’t have changed a thing. Except for the part when Dare told me he needed to leave before my mom got home.

My heart would never be the same. A piece would always belong to him and I wasn’t sure if I’d ever be able to let him go.

33

Dare

All my conviction couldn’t stand up to a direct assault by Bay. All my plans to do things the right way evaporated once she put her hands on me. All my love for her was channeled into giving her every bit of me and making her first time something she’d never forget.

We had less than a week left. Part of my reason for dodging the sex questions had been because I knew once I’d had her, watching her leave would be even harder.

And she would be leaving me, leaving us behind, unless I packed up my car and parked it outside of her dorm in California.

Coach had been silent until last night. He’d called late to let me know there had been no news. Three other juniors and a sophomore had gotten letters after our game, but the mailbox remained empty for me.

I rolled over on the sofa bed, wincing when my sketchpad dug into my side.

Last night, after my final text to Bay, I’d gone out back into the woods surrounding Knox’s house and let loose for a while. I didn’t remember what exactly had happened, but my knuckles ached, my shoulders throbbed, and my head screamed.

I needed to see her sweet smile, to hear her laughter and feel her gentle touch. I needed Bay.

Me: I’ll pick you up at 7.

Bay: It’s okay. I’ll meet you at school.

Me: Why don’t you want to go with me?

Bay: Of course I do, but I need to go over something with Piper this morning, so I’ll see you at school