“Okay, I’m absolutely positive I’ll never get tired of that.” She smiled.

“That’s more like it.” I gave her another quick peck. “But now, I must shower.”

Snatching up my bag, I dug through it for a fresh pair of clothes. I handed her the remote to the TV.

“Occupy yourself while I go in the bathroom and get naked and wet.” I winked at her.

She laughed and set down the remote.

“Actually, I have to get home.” She shrugged. “School tomorrow and everything. You have my number if you need anything.”

I didn’t want her to leave. My life was getting crazy, and if I were being honest with myself, I didn’t really want to be alone. But instead of saying anything and looking like a total punk, I shook my head.

“I guess I’ll see you around?”

“Hopefully.” She shyly shrugged and looked away.

After Patience left, I took a hot shower and watched sitcoms on the crappiest TV known to man. An hour after that, the sun had gone down and I was dying from boredom.

I picked up my phone and texted Patience.

Me: FYI, you’re missing a great party over here.

Patience: I am?

Me: Not really. I’m bored.

Patience: Oh, and here I was thinking you texted me because you were thinking about me.

Me: If I texted you every time I thought about you, I’d never stop texting.

Patience: You’re so full of it.

Me: You should be full of it.

Patience: Pervert

Me: You like it.

Patience: Maybe

Me: Come spend the night with me. No sex. Just hanging out.

My phone was silent for almost an hour. I was about to doze off when she responded and I couldn’t stop myself from getting excited.

Patience: OK. On the way.

Eighteen

Patience

I was nervous the entire trip back to Zeke’s motel room. What if he expected something I couldn’t give? I knew being stuck in a motel room with a guy like him wasn’t safe, mostly because I couldn’t stop thinking about his hands and mouth, but I wanted to be near him.

When I got home and found out my dad went out of town for the week, I couldn’t squelch the excitement that took over me. A week of no dad worries—a week of coming and going as I pleased and not having to play protector... not having to play Patience. I was excited to enjoy my father-free week.

When it came to Zeke, driving the car from my dad didn’t seem like such a sin. I hated the car and everything it stood for, but I loved being around Zeke more.

The trip to the motel was quick, and it wasn’t long until I pulled in next his car. I couldn’t help but feel a little sleazy for pulling up at such a place so late at night. I pulled my book bag out of the back and grabbed my soccer bag that held extra clothes and everything I needed to get ready for school.

“Took you long enough,” Zeke said as he leaned a shoulder against the doorframe.

I felt myself blush after realizing he’d been standing there watching me the entire time. Thank God I didn’t do anything gross like pick my panties out of a wedgie or something.

He turned and put his back to the doorframe as I started to walk through the door. When I tried to pass, he put his arm out and stopped me.

“What’s the password?” He leaned in and whispered.

“Um… I’m a creepy weirdo?” I joked, referring to him.

He laughed. “You are? I had no idea.”

I playfully smacked at his chest.

“Just let me in already.” I sighed.

He moved his arm, but before I could take a step, he pulled me to him and put his lips against the soft skin beneath my ear.

“For further reference, the passphrase for you will always be ‘I like snowflakes on my tongue.’”

His voice against the side of my neck made me shiver. His laughter followed behind me as he stepped in and closed the door.

“You look nervous,” he said as he took my heavy book bag away from me.

“I sort of am,” I said honestly.

“Don’t be nervous. We’re just two friends hanging out and watching some TV. It’s a first for me, but it seems like I’m doing a lot of firsts when it comes to you.”

“It’s a first for me, too.”

“You’ve never hung out with friends and watched TV?” His brow creased in with confusion.

“I have, but I’ve never spent the night with a guy before.”

“Well, as long as you don’t pull out those damn gym shorts and soccer socks, I think you’ll leave unscathed.”