Page 21 of Tongue-Tied

“Yeah?” I ask, and he nods vigorously. “Similar to the last one?”

He smiles. “That would be great.”

“Let me think on it while I make your order.” I rack my brain before a suggestion finally dawns on me. After he pays, I take his receipt and write the name of the book on it. “Can’t lend you this one because I don’t own it. But I heard good things.”

“Perfect.”

There’s a lull in customers once he walks away, and I marvel at the fact that I can go from stumbling over my words with Brandon to easily giving Everly book recs without a stutter. It obviously comes down to attraction and feeling intimidated. I clench my jaw, tired of how my body responds so ridiculously to men I find hot.

I lift my cell and scroll to Dex’s number.

I’ve decided I’m done with this shit.

When the three dots appear, I’m surprised because I know he’s still in class. What shit are we talking about?

Being passive and awkward. You need to teach me your ways.

This exchange must be giving Dex whiplash.

Oh, hell no! Not getting in hot water with you again. I hate when you’re mad at me. I’ve learned my lesson and maybe even got a new perspective in the process.

I frown. What do you mean?

While it’s true that you’re a shy introvert who’d rather stay in and read, eventually, someone will appreciate you for you.

I growl under my breath as my fingers fly over the keys. I don’t want to wait around for that, or I’ll be a virgin forever.

You’re not exactly a virgin. You’ve given handies.

I can imagine Dex’s smirk, and I scoff at my phone. An ass virgin. My dildo won’t do it forever.

Holy shit, did I really type that? But I’m fed up enough to let it all hang out.

You have a dildo? I thought I knew everything about you. This has got to be a new development since I moved out.

My stomach flip-flops. Maybe.

Whoa, you are definitely upping your game.

I groan inwardly. My mistake. I should’ve never told you.

No, this is good. Really good. Does this dildo have a name?

I blink at the screen. Who the fuck names their dildo?

Plenty of people. How about Dildo Baggins?

I look over my shoulder as if someone is going to read our conversation. Or really think I’m into Tolkien and hobbits. What the hell?

Come on, you’ve gotta admit, it’s pretty catchy.

I briefly shut my eyes. Okay, done with this conversation.

Not if you’re serious about me teaching you my ways.

Alright, fine. Meet me at the dining hall later. Maybe eating will give me a clearer head and I’ll come to my senses.

Though I’ll admit, the excitement from Kael’s idea is building inside me.