Page 117 of Sex Positive
“You should tell him.” He tips his head, glancing once more at something over her shoulder. “Just to make sure he knows.”
Charlie turns. Past a sea of people, standing next to a vendor table, is Wes. A trio of young women gather around him as he gestures to the table covered in free samples of barrier protection. Opening one of the dental dams, he unrolls the polyurethane sheet with those long, capable fingers. One of the bright pink shirts Carolyn created for the expo volunteers with the wordsthe great sexpectations expo! in bold white-and-blue letters stretches over his perfect broad torso.
The girls laugh at something he says.
“Why is he here?” She never saw his name on the list of volunteers. Not to mention, sheknowsfrom experience that the LSAT is far from over.
Theo’s no longer paying attention. Instead, he eyes the volunteer wobbling past them in a vulva-shaped mascot suit.
“That isdisturbinglylifelike.”
“Theo!”
“Beats me.” He shrugs, an annoyingly attractive gesture. “I have to go prepare for my show.” He waves, waltzing away like he didn’t just drop a bomb.
Charlie marches across the lawn with a determination she hasn’t felt in so long.
“Quinn!”
His head snaps up, his eyes widening when he spots her.
God, he’s so fucking beautiful. She wants to kiss him.
“What are you doing?”
Wes arches a brow, gesturing to the boxes of free condoms, dental dams, and spermicide on the table like he’s the host of a TV game show.
“Well, if youmustknow, I’m educating the community on the merits of barrier protection. Have you heard that dental dams are very effective at reducing the spread of STIs while still allowing for an enjoyable oral sex experience?”
Charlie stares at him. “You—”
He holds up a box of spermicide. “Some people prefer barrier-only options. When used correctly, spermicide is eighty-seven percent effective at preventing pregnancy. Frankly, it’s underutilized and not discussed enough.” At her continued stunned silence, he grins. “I can show you a PowerPoint—”
“Stop.” Holding up her hand to prevent him from speaking again—because god, he isinfuriatingand so goddamnsexy—she gestures to the table, to the expo, to his general being. “I mean, why are youhere? Why aren’t you taking the LSAT?”
His smile vanishes, replaced with a neutrality that chills her. When she looks closer, however, she finds that his cheeks are slightly flushed, the dark circles of exhaustion under his eyes are gone, and he appears well-rested for the first time in months.
Pulling out his phone, he slides his thumb across the screen. “I skipped it.”
Her pulse stutters. “Why?”
“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be today than here.” He extends his phone, showing her the screen. “And I’m not going to law school.”
She scans the words on the screen, shock rippling through her. It’s an email congratulating him on his acceptance to the Archwood University Masters of Education program, matriculating in September.
She lifts her gaze. Cautious hope beams back at her. “No law school?”
He shakes his head. “No. I applied to the master’s program a few months ago on a whim. Because of you.”
Her breath catches. “Because—”
“Because of what you said.” He leans toward her, and as always, she’s a magnet, drawing closer to him. “About doing what I want and being whomever I want, no matter the expectations of others.”
“I didn’t realize what I said had such an impact,” she whispers.
Something flickers in his eyes, too quick for her to catch, and then he smiles sadly. “Everything you say has an impact, Charlie.”
She swallows, her throat tight. “What about your dad?”
