Read Online The Virginity Mission by Cate Ellink - Free Book Online Page B

of the vehicle. The door’s open but the interior light is off. Jason’s lounging on the seat, feet on the dash, eyes closed. Is he asleep?
    With those butterflies turning into huge-winged beasts flapping frantically in my stomach, I move forwards until I’m touching the edge of the doorway, a hand span away from him. I don’t know what to do. Should I say something? Clear my throat? Sniff? Jump on him? He doesn’t help my decision because he doesn’t move. He must know I’m here.
    â€œHey,” I say softly. Such a stimulating conversationalist I’m turning out to be.
    He opens his eyes, lifts a hand and curls his fingers around mine as they grasp the doorway. “What’re you doing here?”
    I’m not prepared for that question. I purse my lips while I think of an answer. There’s no sane answer to give. So I give an honest one. “I dunno but I didn’t want to stay away.”
    He stares at me for the longest time. I can’t move. Blood pounds in my ears.
    â€œWhy?” His question’s a growl as he sits upwards.
    His hand pulls mine towards him but a squeal close by stops us moving. Not again. I could scream. I move away from him to the front of the vehicle. It seems like the whole group has decided to visit. From the darkness they all traipse in.
    â€œMac, I didn’t know you could move so fast.” Harry’s dry humour has everyone laughing. I hope they don’t realise I was here ahead of them.
    â€œJason, we want some music. Party music. I know you’ve got some.” Fiona throws open the passenger side door, flicks on the interior light and scrolls through radio stations until she finds one suitable. It’s like she’s marking her territory and my hackles rise. I don’t move to attack her but I don’t slink away either.
    I try to read Jason’s expression but I can’t be sure I understand it. A frown crosses his forehead and his eyes are pinched. His lips thin to a tight line. Am I reading him right? Is he peeved everyone’s here or with Fiona’s proprietary actions? I can’t tell.
    Cans of drinks are opened and people sprawl around the vehicle for the music party. Somehow I stay near enough to Jason to end up in conversation. He and the boys talk sport. I know sport. We have interesting disagreements. Jason, Harry and I are Aussie rules fans but we all barrack for different teams. Damien and Sam are rugby league boys and also go for different teams. Jason and I both know a bit about rugby league, so the discussion is long and heated. Harry drifts off. Then Damien and Sam start talking together, which leaves Jason and I to go back to Aussie rules.
    â€œHow do you know so much about footy?”
    I shrug and give an exaggerated grin. “I’m from Melbourne. It’s compulsory.”
    â€œBut it’s like you study it.”
    â€œI do. I can analyse a game as well as anyone. I know most of the rules, history, positions, plays.” I stop and laugh at myself. “I’m defensive, sorry. I’m used to people criticising what I know.”
    â€œYou need to work with what’s happening, Mac, and not go jumping to conclusions or making assumptions.” Something about the intensity of his words makes me think he’s talking about more than just football. I glance across the ground to where Fiona’s dancing wildly to a song.
    â€œThat’s exactly what I’m talking about.” Jason’s whisper growls displeasure.
    I look at him quickly before my gaze drops downwards. “Sorry.”
    Does that mean he’s not with Fiona? A smile creeps across my lips. Happiness begins to bubble inside me. There’s no time for clarification. A lull in the guys’ conversation brings a huge silence. I can’t ask more, someone might hear.
    â€œDamien, how come you guys got out of your walk so quickly? I thought you were saying twenty days?”