Love Sex & Other Games (Part 1) Read Online Free Page A

conversation. But then she answers. “It was a little, but he made me feel really comfortable, plus he knew I couldn’t have sex for a while after, so I knew his interest was more meaningful.”
    “Got you an Americano,” Cooper says as Dante drops in beside Alisha. “The bartender said it’s sweet and has a low percentage of alcohol, so no regrets.” He picks up his phone and slips it into his pocket and grabs his jacket. “Alisha, it was nice to meet you. Next time we hang out, I promise there will be no talk of dick pics. Dante, I’ll see you next month—and no more presents, ever. And Mattie… Well, it’s been…” He doesn’t bother to finish his statement, instead turning to me. “Come on, kiddo.”
    “Where are we going?” I ask, shouldering my purse as I scoot from the booth.
    “The patio’s open and there aren’t a lot of people out there.”
    “That’s because it’s cold.”
    “It’s more discreet and you’re underage. Besides,” he adds, leaning closer. “Do you really want to hang out with Mattie?”
    I glance at her, then turn back to Coop. “Nope, let’s go.”
    He carries our drinks and I trail behind, following him to the back patio. There’s a group of guys smoking and a couple occupying one of the tables and that’s it. We sit in the corner next to the fence and he hands me my drink.
    “That is my thank you for saving me tonight—with my phone and Mattie—but I’m not going to make a habit of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.” He chuckles at his own joke and I have to suppress the rolling of my eyes.
    “I’m not a minor.”
    “You are when it comes to drinking.”
    Okay, I give him that. I lift my shoulders and take a drink. It’s not really good , but it’s much better than whiskey.
    He watches me for several seconds as I sip on my cocktail. “What?”
    He shakes his head gently. “Just trying to get used to this side of you.”
    “It’s not a side. It’s who I am. I’m not thirteen anymore. I’m in college.” I fake gasp, making fun of him.
    “And sending pussy pics to older men,” he provides with a shudder.
    “It wasn’t my pussy, though, so it’s okay.”
    His head lifts quickly and he gives me a strange look. “What now?”
    “You said pussy. ‘ My pussy .’ It sounds so weird coming from your mouth. You’re killing me. You’re supposed to be this sweet, virginal child that annoys the hell out of me.”
    The way he said that, it sounds like I no longer annoy the hell out of him, which, for some reason, makes me ridiculously happy. If only his brother felt that way.
    “I might be a virgin, but I’m not a child. And I don’t think I’ve ever been sweet.”
    His eyes widen and he shakes his head vigorously this time. “Jesus. You’re still a virgin. This is what I’m talking about. You’re a kid. Give me that.” He reaches for my drink, but I pull back out of his reach.
    “I’m not a virgin because I’m a little kid,” I correct him resolutely. “I was in love with someone I was never able to give my virginity to. Because that person thought like you. He only saw the once-annoying little girl too.”
    His face softens with my admission. We’re both quiet, lost in our own thoughts. I’m sure he’s thinking about my sister and I’m doing what I always do: Thinking about his brother.
    Cooper clears his throat, his eyes meeting mine from across the table. “Wasn’t there… Didn’t you have a couple boyfriends?”
    I did. I don’t really understand his question. And then noticing his discomfort, it dawns on me what he’s implying.
    “I’ve had two boyfriends. One was in grade school, before I realized how I felt about Miles.” I pause here, not sure I want to open my book of life and give a thorough reading to Cooper Fitzpatrick.
    “And the other?” he prompts.
    I sigh, relenting. He already knows the one major thing I’ve kept hidden for years. “It was in high school, after Miles followed Rosie to