When We Touch

And I’m totally going to hell, because I’m also thinking about her $500 wedding cake order.

“What exactly is on your mind?” I say instead.

She starts to pace, slapping her palms on her thighs as she speaks. “First, the way it’s done! It has to go in there!” She slaps her leg. “And Liam is a big guy! I can only imagine his, you know…” She wiggles her hand in front of her like a fish. “Is equally big.”

“Okay, well first, it doesn’t move like that.” I put my arm around her shoulder. “And there are ways to manage size differences in the beginning.”

I don’t add she might not mind it so much down the road. Instead, I press for a little more information. “Is that the only thing you’re worried about? Or is there something more… fundamentally wrong?”

I don’t know how else to put it.

“I’ve heard it hurts really bad even when the guy is

small.” Her voice is quiet now. “So here I am. I don’t even use tampons! And on top of that, I pick the most enormous man to marry.”

My lip is between my teeth again, and I decide to just go for it. “Okay, well, I can give you some tips, I guess.”

She spins under my arm to face me. “Oh, would you?”

I guess it’s okay to talk about this with her. “So you know Jackson was my first. He’s pretty well-endowed.”

“Did it hurt really bad? What did you do?”

“Well…” Maybe I shouldn’t tell her I was so horny I tried to climb him like a tree. “It helps if you’re really wet, you know?”

“Like in the shower? Oh! Or in the ocean?”

“No… that’s actually counter-productive because those liquids can wash away your own, personal wetness.”

“Oh!” She frowns. “You mean… like urine?”

“Good grief, Donna, don’t you know anything about sex?” I don’t mean to shout, but what are they teaching in school these days? My mind travels to Coco Bean and what she might or might not know at twenty-two.

“I was home schooled,” she says mournfully. “I got home from school one day and asked my mother what F-U-C-K spelled… It was written on the bathroom wall, and she pulled me out of public school.”

Pressing my lips together, I study her a moment. “That shouldn’t have made a difference. Your mother made you, after all.” The things parents don’t tell their children. “Okay,” I continue, and for the next few minutes I give her a basic lesson on anatomy and foreplay until she seems less panicked about it all.

“Communication is critical,” I finish. “Tell Liam your fears. If he loves you, he’ll work with you. Do you love him?”

She nods her head quickly. “Very much.”

“That’s the most important thing.” My phone buzzes, and I lift it, studying the text message from my mother.

Polly’s mother invited Colette to spend the night for her birthday. I think it’s okay. They’re a good, Christian family.

Frowning at the last sentence, I go slowly to the door and unlock it. “I’ve got to head back now, but I’m just down the way if you have any other questions.”

“Thanks, Ember.” Donna is quiet.

I glance up and give her a smile. Outside the door, I wave to André, who’s helping a customer. Studying my mother’s words, I decide there are worse things than having a sleepover with a good, Christian family. Anyway, I know Polly’s mom. She’s nice.

“Who’s side am I on?” I say as I tap out my reply.

I’m sure she’ll have fun. Thx.

I lower my phone and look up to see none other than Jackson heading down the lane. His back is to me, and he’s apparently walking to the cottage. I quickly scan the deserted street to be sure no one sees me watching as he goes. I can’t help noticing he hasn’t changed. His shoulders are still broad and his arms are still naturally sculpted. His ass is still tight and perfect in those jeans.

His hair is shorter. I guess lawyers don’t have shaggy hair, which is kind of sad. Still, thinking back to our earlier encounter, I kind of like his polished look, or polished meets scruffy under a baseball cap, unshaven, and sweaty from working hard.