Letting My Brother's Best Friend Take My V-Card

CHAPTER 25 JESS

So here I was, in the back of Tom's pickup truck, trying my best not to focus on how sweaty Tom's hands were on my skin and how stuffy his truck smelled. Or the scent of his gym bag.

Tom took me to a movie, and after the painfully long sci-fi horror film, during which I ate too much popcorn, drank too much soda, and avoided Tom's hand, we drove out to the lookout point. THE LOOKOUT POINT... where things, ya know, happened.

My nerves were shot, and everything was amplified - but not in a good way. I could still smell and taste his popcorn's cheddar and chive seasoning and the licorice he had eaten on the drive over here.

All these things were running through my mind instead of how hot Tom was, how big his muscles were, or how his weight felt on top of me.

"You taste so good," Tom murmured before plunging his tongue back into my mouth. I kissed him

back but stared at his closed eyes, trying to meet his enthusiasm. But the kisses were sloppy and I didn't feel them like I felt Luke's kiss. I felt numb somehow like my body has shut off and my mind is trying to be anywhere but here. His kisses trailed down my neck and then back up to my mouth.

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while his hands roamed over my stomach, slowly lifting my shirt and easing his way to my bra. It was obvious, and I didn't do anything to stop him, but I can't for sure say this was something I wanted.

Somewhere between Tom grasping one of my breasts and nibbling on my neck, he realized I wasn't as enthusiastic as he was, and he pulled back.

mine,

I leaned in and kissed him, but Tom knew I

okay? It's just that," Tom sat back,

back, and I pushed myself

wave of guilt wash over me. Tom was sweet and attentive and deserved better than my half-hearted attempts to fulfill a pact I wasn't even sure I wanted to keep. "I'm sorry, Tom," I said softly, looking away. "I guess I'm just not ready." Tom sighed and ran a hand through his hair, but his expression remained gentle. "It's okay, Jess.

thought

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my hand in his. "There's no rush. We can take things slow. I like you, Jess, and I don't want to ruin that

a mixture of relief and frustration. "Thank you, Tom.

slowly dissipating. Tom started the truck, and we drove back into town, the atmosphere more

empty house. The dim light from the porch barely illuminated the hallway as I made my way to the kitchen. I needed chocolate, and I needed a lot of it. That was the worst almost first time in history, and poor Tom thinks it's him wh up one. All I kept thinking was that I wished it was Luke who was kissing me

brightness revealed Luke sitting

to crush steel wires with his bare teeth. The sight made me jump back, my heart racing as adrenaline surged through me. "What the hell, Luke?" I blurted out, my voice a mix of surprise and irritation. "You scared the life

onto mine, his eyes dark and probing. He didn't move, didn't offer an

stood up, his tall frame

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Was I intimidated? Yes.

something else lingering