I propped up on my elbow so I could see him when I explained. “I decided I wanted to get it out of the way. So my freshman year of college, I did some research and found the perfect candidate to lose my virginity to.”
“And how did you come to that conclusion?”
“He was a senior, and he was moving to New York for a job he already had lined up.”
“You didn’t want a boyfriend?”
“Uhm, well.” Embarrassment heated my already energized blood, and I hoped Trip would let it go.
“Oh, I have to hear this. Look how red your cheeks are.”
“You have to remember, I was infatuated with you. Hell, your pictures were posted over every inch of my wall. My niece called you Uncle Trip.”
“Damn, I fell for my stalker.”
“Don’t feel bad, you aren’t known for your brains,” I teased.
“Best decision I made.”
My heart went all melty and I kissed his nose. “So anyway, I got him over here. We kissed, but you kept staring at me on my walls. And when we started to have sex I felt guilty and told him to stop before he could really even start.”
Trip’s chest heaved as he laughed. His head was thrown back and a look of relaxation took over. “I cockblocked you.”
Laughter burst out of me. “In a way you did. After that I stayed away from boys.”
“You were waiting for me.”
“You were worth the wait.”
My words sobered Trip from his laughing. He traced my face and kissed my nose as I had just done to him. His change made me feel uneasy.
“What?”
“I’m worried about you. I think we should still wait until after you graduate to announce us as a couple.”
Hurt raced through me and I reached for the blankets. Was he really balking after what we had just shared? I’d heard of men saying things to get a girl in bed but this was unexpected. Or was I just a long hard played game that he had finally won?
Trip reached for my hand and placed it on his heart. “Stop. Let me explain. Robin and I have a plan to slowly break off our relationship, so when I show up with you, the tabloids won’t go out for blood. I didn’t expect people to accept Robin and me so easily and you’ve already seen how cruel my fans can be.”
“We can be discreet.”
Trip’s logic was strong to the sensible portion of my brain, but the tiny insecure part of me refused to listen to reason.
“Just give me a month and then everything will be perfect. We can come out as the new it couple and then I’ll never hide you again.”
“I don’t know.”
Trip’s hand pushed mine harder into his chest. “McKenna, I have seen solid marriages get torn apart by the tabloids. All they want is a story and the dirtier the better. You’re giving up so much for us. I refuse to let your reputation get dragged through the mud. I don’t want to lose you when I just got you.” His blue eyes were wide as they penetrated deep into my soul.
I’m a goner.
“I love you, Mr. Butler.”
“I love you, Raine.”
Trip pulled me on top of him until I was settled on his growing erection.
I arched an eyebrow as I rocked against him. “I thought it took older guys longer to recuperate.”
“I’ll show you older guy.” Trip flipped me over and showed me more than once his recovery time.
