Free Summer of Seventeen by Jane Harvey-Berrick

a moment then squeezed my hand.
    “I told Papi that he was wrong, but you know what he’s like. He just said, ‘Una acción habla mas que mil palabras’.”
    Actions speak louder than words .
    “Maybe I’ll just fuck up and then everyone will be happy.”
    She didn’t say anything, but she didn’t need to. Besides, I was boring myself with the pity party.
    Yansi leaned her head against my shoulder and I slid my arm around her. Then she picked up my free hand and started playing with my fingers.
    “I made you some Yiyimbre.”
    Damn, I loved those spicy gingerbreads.
    “You did?”
    “Yes.”
    I kissed her hair.
    “Thank you.”
    “You’re welcome.”
    Warmth flooded my chest, and I closed my eyes as she snuggled into me.
    When she rested her hand on my stomach, a soft groan escaped me, and I could feel the blood instantly heading south.
    “Let’s go find somewhere,” I whispered to her.
    Her dark eyes burned and her cheeks flushed.
    “I don’t know, Nick…”
    “Please, Yans. Please.”
    I could hear the desperate pleading in my voice.
    “You know I want to…” she said quietly.
    “Then let’s go.”
    I was standing and tugging her hand, but she was resisting me.
    “I want to … but I’m afraid I’ll let things go too far,” she said, staring up at me.
    I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before flopping down next to her again. I’d promised myself I wouldn’t be one of those guys who pressured their girl to have sex. But waiting was getting harder. No pun intended.
    “Okay,” I said quietly.
    Yansi bit her lip. “Don’t be mad.”
    I opened my eyes and lifted my hand to her cheek. “I’m not mad, Yans. I can’t help wanting you—especially the way you look in those little shorts, but I can wait.”
    God, I hoped I wouldn’t explode first .
    She sighed. “I know you could have pretty much anyone you wanted. I know half the girls in our class are sleeping with their boyfriends and…”
    I stopped her words with a kiss. “I can wait. I promise. Just because I’m horny as hell, it doesn’t mean I’m going to screw anything that looks at me.”
    “Are you sure?”
    Her reply made me kind of pissed, and it wasn’t like Yansi to be insecure.
    “I said so, didn’t I? Jeez, Yans, have I ever given you a reason to doubt me?”
    “No, but…”
    “But what?”
    “I know it’s harder for guys.”
    I stared at her in disbelief.
    “For fuck’s sake!”
    She shook her head. “Sorry, I know you’re not like that. I’m being dumb. Just kiss me.”
    She pressed her warm lips against me and all the irritation rushed away. She kept kissing me, her tongue fighting with mine, her breasts crushed against my chest, until I’d forgotten my own name.
    Eventually, she pulled back, flushed and breathless, and I could hear catcalls and cheering behind us.
    “Oops!” Yansi giggled. “I did say it was too easy to get carried away with you, cariño.”
    I lay back breathing hard.
    “Yeah,” I croaked, then grabbed my t-shirt and draped it across my hips.
    Yansi looked at me questioningly as I raised my eyebrows.
    “Oh!” she laughed, her beautiful eyes glinting with mischief.
    Yep, I was a goner. Could guys my age have heart attacks?
    Then someone plopped down next to me.
    “Get a room, you stallion,” slurred Sean, with a laugh.
    Yansi threw him an irritated look then stalked off to talk to her girlfriends.
    “How you doin’, bro?”
    “Awesome! Your man Marcus is one cool fucker. He fixed me up with some grade-A shit. You want some?”
    “Nah, I’m good,” I said, sitting up reluctantly. “If I smoke anything today, I’ll fall asleep.” I’d already felt my eyelids closing in the warm sunshine.
    Sean laughed loudly. “Yeah, right! Nothing to do with the fact that your tight-assed girlfriend is here,” he spat the word venomously.
    “Hey!” I said, elbowing him in the ribs. “Don’t talk about Yans like that.”
    “Whatever,” he slurred, then lurched to his feet.