I caught him off guard and he knocked a few things over. “What?” He said in an irritated tone. “I vetoed him, and you know it. He is leaving state for college. Why would you want to lose it to someone you are never going to see again?”
“Ty, that’s such bullshit. You veto every single one of our friends and they are the only people who actually give a damn about me.”
“Ry, I said no.” He spat out and I instantly got pissed off.
“I’ve never used my vetoes on any of the girls that you liked! Plus, you can’t just tell me what to do!”
He walked over towards my bed, where I sat cross legged and yelling at him.
“This is ridiculous. None of the girls I hook up with came from our group of friends. Everyone knows you don't date friends, Ry! It ruins friendships and I’m going to kick his ass just for agreeing to it.”
“Ty, don’t you dare!”
“Then promise me you won’t!” He demanded.
I threw my hands up. “Fine, I’ll just remain a virgin until some asshole takes it in college.”
He shrugged. “No, I’ll be there. I’ll use my vetoes on all those assholes too.”
“Ugh!” I yelled and he only laughed like the entire thing was a joke.
“It’s not funny! It's either you, or Tyson. So, pick.”
He stilled at the edge of my bed where he stood. “What do you mean pick?” He glared as he questioned my ultimatum.
I went quiet for a moment, wondering if I should laugh off the suggestion or press it further. “Exactly what I said. Either you take it, or Tyson will.” Well, no turning back now.
“I’m not taking my best friends’ virginity, Ry. That's weird.” He stated calmly, and it hurt that he didn’t even take a moment to consider it.
“Come on, it’s not that big of a deal. I’m eighteen now, and you were my first for lots of things. Plus, I trust you. I know you won’t hurt me. That way my first time won't be a mistake I'll regret for the rest of my life.”
“Well, Tyson would be a regret that’s for sure.” He grinned.
“Ty, I’m being serious.” I glared.
“So am I, I’ve heard stories.” He grinned at me and I gave in and smiled.
Damn it. I hated how easily he could get me to smile.
“Ty, please.” I attempted one last time.
He sighed. “I don’t know, Ry. It sounds a bit dangerous. I mean being someone’s first comes with a lot of strings. I don’t want to hurt you and it would be weird.”
If I heard him make one more comment about how weird the idea of taking my virginity would be, I might cry.
Keep your cool Ryder, I continued to tell myself then I rolled my eyes. “Oh god, are you honestly that full of yourself? You think I’ll just suddenly fall in love with you?”
When I mocked him, his facial expression changed, I could tell I wounded his ego some.
Take that!
“Whatever, it happens. I'm a catch!” He smiled, defending himself with a playful glare.
I laughed.
Damn it, Ryder. Focus.
I didn’t have the heart to tell him that I was pretty sure I was already in love with him, and that I have been since our first kiss when I was only fourteen. I knew if I admitted that, he’d never agree to this.
“Fine. Tyson it is…” I muttered.
Tyler let out a pissed off growl. “No.”
I only stared at him blankly. Unbudgingly.
He sighed when it dawned on him, just how serious I was. “Ry, if I do this, you have to promise me it won’t get weird between us.”
Wait, was he really considering it?
I smiled, “I promise.”
We just stared at each other, silence filling the room.
“What, like right now?!” He asked.
I laughed. “I mean, we leave tomorrow.”
He rolled his eyes. “Are you serious?”
I nodded. “Yes, you broke up with Crystal, and I’m no longer seeing Joey. So, this may be the only time we are both single.”
“Joey? Wait, I thought that was over a long time ago?”
I shrugged. “It was never serious. We were just messing around.”
“What the hell, Ry! Messing around how? I vetoed that fucker.”
“If I stayed away from every guy you veto, I'd never have a life, Ty!”
He sighed dramatically. “Thank god we leave this town tomorrow. Apparently, my threats don't mean shit around here.”
“Stop threatening people and just answer my damn question, Ty!”
He sat down on the edge of the bed now, dropping his face into his hands. “What other things have you done?” He asked, seeming to hesitate on the question, like he wasn't sure if he wanted the answer.
“Nothing I haven’t done with you first.” I admitted.
I watched as he sat up, his eyes moving to my mouth.
I smiled. “You can kiss me, if you want.” I offered.
“I know I can, but we’ve already done that before.” He reminded me, as if to explain there was no reason to do it again.
He could be such an asshole, but I wanted him to kiss me. I wanted to remember what it felt like, I’d been dying for a reminder for the last two years.
“Oh, yeah.” I hesitated. “So, then how do you want to start?”
He sighed and I could tell he was running out of ways to stall the situation. He had to make a choice.
“I still haven't agreed to this, yet. I still don't think it’s a good idea.” He repeated.
I glanced down at my comforter and started playing with a loose string. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. The fact that he was so hesitant, actually hurt.
