"Maura's my friend," Jess says.
"Maura's a big girl. She knew what she was doing. Actually, she knew—"
Jess lifts her hand. "Stop. You know our deal. No details. I don't want to know about the little freshman or Maura."
"Well, let me just say that Maura is much more experienced."
"Noted. But you know she just broke up with Matt. The last thing she needs is you using her for a one-night stand."
I reach over and squeeze Jess's leg. "You know me. I don't use girls. They come to me."
"Because you're so freaking fantastic in the sack?"
My cheek rises, creating my signature cocky, lopsided grin. "That is the word on the street."
She sighs and lays her head against the seat. "Is that all you want?"
I look over at my best friend. There's something about Jess that makes her different than every other girl I've ever known. Maybe it's that we've known each other since we were kids. Maybe it's that we know everything about one another. Maybe it's that we swore never to lie to one other, and we haven't. I'm not sure of the reason, but for the first time since I was balls deep in Maura Sharpe, I feel a little bad about it.
Which is strange.
I never feel regret.
Euphoria, a fucking fantastic release as my dick explodes and some pussy squeezes it tight, yes, but never regret.
"Jess, what is it?"
She turns toward the open window, her hair blowing in the breeze and takes a minute before she answers. "I think it's that we're graduating in a few weeks. We're going off to college and we have friends getting married."
"We also have friends with kids on the way. Do you want that to be you?"
Jess looks at me for a minute and then turns back to the open window. "Someday."
"Someday, but not now. Not at eighteen."
After a sigh, she leans back against the seat. In the few seconds that passed, her fun smile, the one that has gotten us both in trouble more times than I can count is back. "Then Mr. Michaels, keep your cock in your pants."
"Don't worry. I have a lifetime supply of wraps. I'm well practiced at safe sex."
"It's just that Maura has been texting me all day. She's sure she's 'in love'. And by the way, 'you're the best.'" Her voice does this sing-song thing when she relays Maura's messages.
"Oh, I am the best, but love? No way." I shake my head. "I told her the same thing I tell them all: I'm not a commitment kind of guy."
"She mentioned that," Jess says. "She also asked me what your favorite color is. Your favorite food. Your favorite TV show...on and on. She's got it bad."
I bypass our neighborhood and keep driving. It's easier walking away from someone if there's no connection. I should have followed my gut and told Maura no. I should have realized that her friendship with Jess would be an issue. But I swear, Maura wouldn't take no for an answer, and well, my dick wasn't saying no.
"Where are we going?" Jess asks.
"How about coffee?"
She shakes her head. "No, I'm broke."
"I'll buy." I offer, but we both know I don’t have much money either.
"No. How about the lake? It's a beautiful afternoon."
I nod, taking in the bright blue sky.
A few minutes and a few dirt roads later, I park and turn off my truck. The lake isn't big and it's kind of hidden away. It's owned by some guy who doesn't even live close by. The old gate at the end of the lane that is supposed to keep people out has been permanently removed from its rusty hinges.
Now it's one of the places teenagers in our town go. It's not just teenagers. Dads bring their kids here to fish and families even come to swim. It's too early in the year to swim. The water would be freezing.
I lead as we walk the edge of the lake, up some high rocks. It's the perfect spot. From up here you can see down into the depths of the dark water and over to the lane. No one can sneak up on you here. You can see everything, like being on the top of the world.
"Truth or dare," I say.
Jess sways her shoulders back and forth as she contemplates my question. "Truth, you know I'd never lie to you."
"Are you still holding out?"
She smiles with her eyes gazing down. "Do you mean have I put out yet?"
"I mean, has Todd gotten in your pants yet?"
"Those are two different questions. Pick one."
My chest aches a little at the thought of that dick with his hands down Jess's shorts. But I remind myself that she's my friend. I have no right to expect her to stay a virgin when I'm fucking every other girl out there. "First one."
"I am, but I don't think it can last much longer."
I stand taller. "Jess, if that ass is pressuring you..."