Free Nailed by Opal Carew

hers … and he smiled.
    He reached into his pocket and pulled out a business card and pressed it into her hand.
    “Call me if you change your mind.”
    “I won’t.” She tossed the card on the table.
    The confidence shining in his eyes didn’t waver.
    He turned to Tia. “It was nice meeting you, Tia.”
    “The pleasure was all mine,” Tia said with a wide smile.
    He turned and walked away.
    “Tia, stop staring at his butt.”
    Tia giggled. “Why? It’s such a fine butt.” She shook her head. “I don’t know what he did after popping your cherry, but hon, you are crazy not to take him up on his offer.” She watched Kane disappear around the corner. “A man like that is hard to find.”
    River sighed. “Is that all we’re going to talk about now?”
    “No, of course not.” Tia picked up the discarded business card and slipped it into her purse.
    River chose to say nothing about it. They enjoyed the rest of the evening without another word about Kane … until they asked for the bill. Kane had arranged to pay for the whole thing. And when they stepped outside, there was a limo waiting to take them home.
    “No way,” River said. “We can take the bus.”
    “But it’s raining,” Tia complained, taking River’s arm. “And I’ve never been inside a limo. Come on. For me?”
    River relented and climbed into the car with Tia, half fearing Kane would be inside.
    He wasn’t.
    River settled into the soft, supple leather seat. She could imagine Kane sitting beside her, totally at home in the luxurious vehicle.
    The driver dropped Tia off first, and then pulled up in front of River’s apartment building. He opened the car door for her, then rushed ahead to open the glass door to the building.
    “Thank you,” she said as she stepped inside.
    When she reached her apartment, she kicked off her shoes and slumped down on the couch.
    If only Tia had understood. After Kane had “popped her cherry,” as Tia had put it, he’d then stolen something much more valuable from her.
    First year of college—Spring semester
    River opened her eyes to the soft sunlight glowing through the drawn curtains. Kane was behind her, his arms around her, holding her snug to his body from head to toe.
    Oh, God, that had been the most incredible experience of her life. Kane had made her ascension into womanhood a wonderful, life-changing event.
    She turned in his arms and rested her head against his chest, listening to his rhythmic heartbeat. He stroked her hair from her face, his fingers brushing lightly across her cheek then over her temple. Her skin tingled at his touch.
    She gazed up at him and smiled timidly, suddenly feeling shy. “You’re awake.”
    His expression was somber. Her chest constricted.
    “What’s wrong, Kane?” Had she done something to upset him?
    “Last night … I wish you’d told me.”
    She leaned her face against his chest again. “It’s not important.”
    He rolled her onto her back and pinned her with his gaze.
    “Why didn’t you tell me?”
    His tone wasn’t accusing. In fact, the way he looked at her—his eyes filled with concern—made her feel protected and cared for.
    “I didn’t want you to think I was a freak.”
    His expression turned puzzled.
    “Why would I think that?”
    “Have you met any girls here who are still virgins?”
    He grinned. “Well, I haven’t done a poll…”
    She laughed. “No, but you’ve probably been with half the freshman girls, so you’ve seen a pretty big sample.”
    His eyebrow arched. “Are you calling me a slut?”
    “No, you’re a guy. Everyone just considers you a ladies’ man. If I’d slept with as many guys, then I’d be considered a slut. The unfair double standard.”
    He leaned in close and kissed her, his lips lingering on hers, then brushing across her cheek, sending tingles dancing through her.
    “River, I would never think you’re a freak. And I want you to know that last night was special for me, too.”
    She wrapped her arms